Playing War

Playing War

Picture book
Often kids think of war as a glamorous and exciting adventure.
They play at it eagerly and aspire to military service. Kids who have
experienced the reality of war have very different perspectives. In
Kathy Beckwith's Playing War these two ways of seeing conflict create
stress in a group of playmates.
A group of boys decide it's too hot to play basketball. They'll
play war. Luke and Sameer end up on the same side. Luke is talking
about blowing heads off with grenades (pine cones) when Sameer
remembers he has to go home early.
Sameer lives in the United States with his Uncle Mustafa. One
day in his former country when he was in school his home was blown up
and his parents and little brother were killed. His family had not
been involved in the fighting. The shells had hit the wrong target.
With ads for its various branches glamorizing the military and
an us versus them mentality prevalent in many communities too many
kids get a very one sided vision of armed conflict. This wonderful
read aloud and discuss book with its credible characters and timeless
message could not be more needed.
On a personal note, today after library volunteering I saw John and
Shelley Jemmison working at Orono Community Garden. Of course I
pitched in. John put me to work watering. Seeing the beautiful clean
water made me feel so grateful. Millions of people lack this precious
resource. John and I talked about gratitude versus taking for
granted. I think a lot of people would be happier if they appreciated
all we have instead of taking so much for granted. The high from
getting new things is all too transitory. Appreciation for blessings
is far more lasting. Shelley and I talked about the beautiful setting
we were in, how being in nature feels like being close to God.
A great big shout out goes out to John and Shelley, our garden
organizers, teachers, and mentors, and the amazing Mika, our tail
wagging mascot.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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