Review of Postcards From a War by Vanita Oelschlager

Postcards from a War is about a boy whose mother has recently been deployed overseas to a war. His grandfather, who was about the same age when his father left to serve in World War II, helps him understand why she has gone away. He shares with his grandson postcards and letters sent by his father from the Philippines. The grandfather and grandson collaborate on building a scrapbook that will include these, plus the letters and emails and other communications the boy will get from his mother.

Postcards is intended for 4-8 year olds, ones who are old enough to understand that a parent in the military may have to go to a dangerous place, but maybe not why. It shows the important intergenerational bonding that families often experience during times of war.

The postcards and letters in the book were received by the author from her father during World War II.

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**My thoughts**

I have a lot of interest in all things WWII, so this book really piqued my interest before I even started it. And then realizing that it is pretty much based on a real story made it that much more fascinating.

Matthew doesn't quite understand why his mother had to go off to war and is really struggling with a multitude of feelings about it. He turns to his grandfather for advice. His grandfather tells him stories of his own father having to go off to WWII and how he kept in touch with his family while he was away. 

I love the history of this book. It talks a bit about what happened during the Second World War, while also showing  the letters and postcards that were sent home to the children. So you catch a glimpse of history that kids don't often get to experience. And then there is a bit of commentary for contemporary kids about the mixed feelings about war and how they may be the hope to bring about world peace some day. It's a good history tool and could inspire some good old-fashioned letter writing in kids who read it.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.