Why Would an Author Write Kids’ Books about the Vietnam War?
By Marjorie Haun
“Why on earth would an author write kids’ books about the Vietnam War?” I’ve been confronted with that question countless times as I’ve endeavored to write a children’s historical non-fiction series titled, “The Heroes of the Vietnam War: Books for Children.” Remarkably, children’s books about the Vietnam Era comprise a literary niche that is very limited. But a lack of kids’ books about the Vietnam War is just one motivation for bringing a dark region of our national memory to light. My experience in tailoring difficult lessons to fit the needs of young learners provides a writer’s challenge that I greatly enjoy. Taking stories of heroism during a difficult and often confusing era in American History, and drawing out those stories that teach principles such as bravery, friendship, compassion, and sacrifice, is rewarding to both me and my audience.
Book one, “Little Bird Dog and the Big Ship” is a true story about events of the last day of the Vietnam War. Code-named Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of refugees from South Vietnam was one of the largest humanitarian undertakings in history. Book one details a real-life adventure that took place amid enemy gunfire with chaos in the air and death in the water. In formulating my book about the escape of heroic South Vietnamese pilot Bung Ly and his family, I chose to leave in an element danger. The tale of a family escaping certain death and heading out to sea on a little airplane with nowhere to land is unavoidably suspenseful, but I was careful not to overwhelm youngsters with terrifying images. Little Bird Dog and the Big Ship ends happily with the successful escape of the Ly family amid cheers of jubilation from the crew of the U.S.S. Midway.
Book two of my series, “Saving the Vietnamese Orphans,” is about the equally dangerous mission of Operation Babylift. The compassionate directives of President Gerald R. Ford actuated by the Air Force, American Servicemen and women, several private airlines, and countless civilian volunteers, swept over three thousand orphaned Amerasian, Vietnamese, and ethnic Chinese children, out of harm’s way and into the hearts of adoptive families across the globe.
These stories showcase the goodness of Americans and the heroism of her warriors during the Vietnam Era, a time that must not be forgotten nor mythologized in cultural and historical murk.
I submitted my books to the giant retailer, Walmart. They were skeptical at first, but seeing the potential in “The Heroes of the Vietnam War: Books for Children,” Walmart has given me a remarkable opportunity. By proving that my books are important to American readers and of high interest to Vietnam veterans, and everyone else who wants the truth told about our heroes, Walmart has placed my books in a sort of competition. I NEED YOUR HELP!
PLEASE VOTE AND HELP ME GET “The Heroes of the Vietnam War: Books for Children” INTO WALMART RETAIL CENTERS.
Simply go to getontheshelf.walmart.com and click on the For Kids icon, then search Heroes of the Vietnam War. Finally, click on the accompanying video and place your vote for these patriotic books to be available to kids throughout the country. Please vote once per day through September 2, and help to honor our Heroes who fought in Vietnam.
https://getontheshelf.walmart.com/product/1c3e/Heroes-of-the-Vietnam-Wa
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP FUTURE GENERATIONS UNDERSTAND VIETNAM:
PLEASE VOTE BY CLICKING THE BELOW LINK TO GET MY BOOKS INTO WALMART RETAIL CENTERS.
There are no other patriotic books for young children written about the Vietnam Era. Emerging generations need to know the stories of heroism and honor that came out of the Vietnam War.
Thanks for your support!
ReaganGirl
