The Unknown Soldier

Unknown Soldier by Jess Brallier

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This moving tribute to veterans and America’s fallen follows a young boy on his first trip to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

On the last day of their Washington, DC, vacation, Jack and his family visit a cemetery. Jack finds it boring, but as they watch the guard patrolling the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his perspective shifts. He learns about the monument, the sentinels, and why it is they keep watch. Jack develops a newfound respect for those who serve and an appreciation for the honor and bravery of veterans. 

Reviews

  • A beautiful and emotional look into an important memorial to soldiers who have lost their lives.

    “Jack and his family take a vacation to Washington, D.C., exploring the many monuments and museums on their tour. When they go to a cemetery with rows and rows of graves, Jack thinks it is boring until they come to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A guard walks 21 steps in front of the grave, stops for 21 seconds, and then continues her march. Jack is amazed that this tomb is guarded all day, every day. Peterson’s soft watercolor illustrations show detailed views of the area and capture the emotions felt by Jack’s family. The closing pages include further explanation of the tomb, who it honors, and the significance of the number 21.

    VERDICT A beautiful and emotional look into an important memorial to soldiers who have lost their lives. Readers will gain respect for those who served and appreciate their bravery.” 
    – School Library Journal

  • From Kirkus

    “Brallier nicely captures the solemn poignancy of this monument to soldiers who fell in battle, far from home, unidentified.”
    – Kirkus Reviews