America's White Table

By Margot Theis Raven, Mike Benny (Illustrator)

A white table honors the sacrifices of fallen and missing soldiers.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 387 ratings

48 pages· 1,066 words· Est. 12 min read

$16.95Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Katie and her sisters set a white table to honor fallen and missing soldiers, learning the deep sacrifices of their Uncle John and others. Each item on the table tells a story of bravery, loss, and hope. As they place a lemon slice, grains of salt, and an empty chair, the girls discover the profound meaning behind this solemn tradition. What truths will they uncover about their family's past and the cost of freedom?

From the publisher

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…”

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