This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The Knock by Carolyn Watkins is the heartwarming story of the author as a seven-year-old whose dad was in the military and would be away for long periods of time. Her mom adjusted to his absence and ran the household while he was away. The little girl was always anxious when her dad left because he was the center of their family and he spoiled them with occasional gifts, hugs, and kisses. His next departure was to Vietnam and it was going to be for over a year. The newspapers gave them glimpses of the war there and the family was worried for him. Let us read this book to learn more about Carolyn's dad and their lives as a military family.
The story captures the lives of military kids beautifully; the angst they go through while being separated from their dads, adjusting to new places and people due to their constant moves, the fear of the unknown that can at times rattle the nerves, and their mental and emotional strength that keeps them going during tough situations. The illustrations by Lindsey Erickson capture the essence of the story and make the story and situations palpable to readers. It is a story that many children will be able to relate to and many of them would have had similar experiences to that of the author.
The book also helps children to be more expressive when it comes to showing their feelings and emotions. The 'Points to Ponder' at the end of the book are good when it comes to reflecting upon the author's words. It is a good book for classroom storytelling sessions and the questions at the end can be discussed in classrooms for students to become more observant and expressive when dealing with their emotions. Parents and grandparents can also have it in their home library, especially if they have been in the military because the book is a good way to help their kids and grandkids understand and accept their separation from their loved ones and get through their lonely times.
