America's White Table

by Margot Theis Raven, Mike Benny (Illustrator)

Illustrated by Mike Benny

The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit.

As a special gift to her Uncle John, Katie and her sisters are asked to help set the white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give.

"It was just a little white table...
but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it and she told us why it was so important.

"We use a Small Table, girls," she explained first, "to show one soldier's lonely battle against many. We cover it with a White Cloth to honor a soldier's pure heart when he answers his country's call to duty."

"We place a Lemon Slice and Grains of Salt on a plate to show a captive soldier's bitter fate and the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return," she continued.

"We push an Empty Chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here...""

Margot Theis Raven has been a professional writer working in the fields of radio, television, magazines, newspapers, and children's books for 30 years. Margot's first children's book, "Angels in the Dust," won five national awards, including an IRATeacher's Choice Award. Her first book with Sleeping Bear Press, "Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot," was the runner-up for the 2004 Texas Bluebonnet Award. She lives with her family in Charleston, South Carolina.

Mike Benny's illustrations have appearedin" Time, GQ, New Yorker" and "Sports Illustrated"Magazines. He has also been awarded two Gold Medals from the Society of Illustrators. This is Mike's first children's book. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Mary Ann and daughter Adele.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Military Fiction, Fiction, American History, War

48 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Emily W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very eye opening as to what veterans and their families go through. Not only does it give you an insight to what happened during world war two but it is a quick read with a higher reading level. This book overall evokes a lot of feelings through the wonderful description and experiences the author uses.

[ella ☆ any pronouns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for really anyone to read who wants to learn more about the White Table tradition/honor for Veteran's Day. It may be a picture book, and those are commonly associated with only kids, but this could be helpful and enjoyed by whoever. I enjoyed the writing in this book and all of the symbolism that was consistently used throughout the story.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful picture book tells the story which explains the practice of the white table. In mess halls across the nation, in all branches of service, a small table is set to honor those soldiers who can not be there. This table honors prisoners of war or those missing in action. The author has created a story about a family who sets this table on veterans day to honor their uncle who had been a Vietnam war POW. By using young girls, the story and the concept is relatable to young readers. The illustrations by Mike Benny are in muted earth tones and pastels and add a solemn tone to the book.

This book would be ideal for National POW/MIA Recognition Day which is observed on the third Friday in September. It is also great for Veteran's Day or Memorial Day as well.

[Kaitlyn Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me see Veterans in a new way. I didn't know that Veterans had this table to represent their hard work and dedication to their service. It also gives you a insight on what happened in the book, it had a lot of imagery in the book, even without the pictures.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, touching story about a tradition that honors all those who serve our country. It is a fitting read for Veteran's Day and a title that should be shared with children throughout the country.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got to our Memorial day books a little late this year, but is there really an off-season for learning about and celebrating the men and women who give of themselves for their country? This was a new read for me, and I didn’t realize until just now as I was updating goodreads that this is the same author as another favorite book: Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot. Looking at her other books, I can see we have more reading to do. Not only was the book new to me, but so was the tradition of the white table honoring veterans. I was so touched by the meaning and symbolism of each part of the set table. I was even more moved by the full circle moment when the reader realizes that the author and her siblings are the children in the book, and the book is her offering to veterans. I’m not ashamed to admit that my tears were freely flowing by the time we closed the book.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent subject matter. Excellent backmatter. Great connection from the author to the reader. Worthy of attention even though the text could have been much more interesting, the story less predictable. The art was very painterly. Would have liked to see more kid-friendly illustrations. Definitely read America's white table and pass it on to others. Can't believe I had never heard of this tradition before. Should be read in every school.

[Joyce Yattoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book about the "White Table" symbolism/ceremony which honors all those servicemen across all branches of the military who have gone missing or were held captive and never made it back for chow. I recently just learned of this tradition/ceremony. My heartfelt thanks to all the brave servicemen who have and are willing to sacrifice for us.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. I love the way it tells a story while we learn about the details of the white table. I read it to my students with a white table set up on display. The kids understood the respect that the table represents and it made us all appreciate the members of our military that sacrifice so much. This is one of my favorite books to read for Veteran's Day.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Veterans and Memorial Day or even MIA/POW day on 3rd Friday in September. This one might work for my 2nd-4th graders. A bit too long and detailed for K-1. Illustrations are muted and okay. Really wish they had worked a boy into the family dynamics.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYONE should read this book, and know the sacrifices out veterans make so we can be free. They should know what the white table represents. Yea this is for children, but let me tel you, it still hits home!

[Jaclyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned about something I had never heard about- how the military honor POW/MIA with setting a white table in a specific way but I just didn't find this the most engaging or the art style to be anything to write home about

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are profound. To me this is one of them. It allows children to see the ravages of war in a nonthreating way. And it helps us all remember the courage, dedication and the debt we owe those who serve their country in war.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great class read for the week of Veteran's Day

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

11/10/2017 ** Evocative and heart-wrenching. Try reading it aloud during a live broadcast to 520 elementary students.

[Susan Krafcheck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should honor their Veterans. This picture book explains to children the history and significance of the table setting for no soldier. The POW, MIA, or even the fallen soldiers.

[Dawn Fielder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book not only does a good job talking about remembrance of fallen veterans, but also explains what a symbol is.

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Veterans Day/Memorial Day must read-aloud for all ages every year. Incredible picture book and an excellent gift book. #YouAreNotForgotten

[Lisa Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! A great story about veterans that lost their lives for our freedoms.

[Jessica Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a compilation of many service stories of POW during the Vietnam War. This book represents every branch of the military. Please take a look at this book and never forget.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving story perfect for Veterans Day about how a family honored one of their loved ones on the holiday.

[Sara Jordahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute children's book that was always sitting at the "Little White Table " at the VFW I work at. It's a good book to get kids informed/interested.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

great style, last night was a military story time. great illustrations. well done. fun, check it out!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written children’s book about the White Table.

[Katie Luder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story. May read it to my older students for Veteran's Day. Pictures are simple, but beautiful. Will see how kids respond to it.

[Clare D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to give you goosebumps about our soldiers and the loyalty! I want this for our grade school library to ready on Veterans Day!

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know about this way to honor the missing and the ones that didn't come home. The book puts it in terms that children can understand.

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this every year to students. It’s a great reminder to be grateful to those that serve in the military.

2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #14 A book with cutlery on the cover.