Reviews

Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld

hollyxbear's review

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5.0

When i was in 8th grade I went to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and it was astounding to see someone so dedicated, walking in any kind of weather, saluting to someone they didn't even know. It is a harrowing sight to see and I love how this book shows the tomb and the men and women who guard it. It is a beautifully illustrated book and people of all ages should read it and understand what this tomb means.

dswhite's review

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5.0

A well down picture book about the unknow soldier.

katiec0303's review

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5.0

If I could give this book 10 stars I would. It is beautiful. The words are so beautifully written in a respectful, simple way. It is just brilliant. The illustrations are breathtaking. Matt Tavares is an artistic genius. This book should be in every library and read over and over. AMAZING!

jennifermreads's review

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5.0

Opening the pages, I was enveloped by the realistic, warm drawings. I was tossed back in time, to each of my visits to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. With the poetic prose, I got goosebumps as I recalled sitting on the steps, watching mesmerized as the guard marched with precision. And when the guard changes? The somber and respectful feelings are thick in the air. All of this comes through in Twenty-One Steps.

Something I did not know? I had no idea that the guard was not always a part of the memorial. I cannot fathom that people played ball and had picnics on the tomb. In a cemetery? Wow. No wonder the guard was implemented – and, now, no one can forget that soldiers lie there. Gone but not forgotten. Gone but not without my humble thanks.

compass_rose's review

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4.0

Great for trip to Arlington, and on Memorial Day or really anytime such stories come up. Beautiful, reverent illustrations with diverse representation.
Text full of imagery and deep respect for veterans, the fallen, and the guards. No way around the sadness. This is to make us feel.

miasutton55's review

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emotional informative inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

stenaros's review

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3.0

Read for Librarian Book Group

Who are the people who guard the tomb of the unknown solider and why do they serve? There are a lot of great close-up details and expansive views in this picture book.

libraryrobin's review

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4.0

An Unknown resting in the tomb tells of the soldiers who faithfully guard.

fernandie's review

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3.0

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

lizbtc's review

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4.0

I cried.

This is a deceptively simple picture book: a handful of words, and devastating. It's told from the point of view of the unknown soldier buried at Arlington. Of what that means, of the families without bodies to bury. And, of the soldiers who stand guard and why that matters.

This is a perfect example, also, of how picture books don't mean baby books or books for young children. It's about something sad and important and the words and pictures convey that. The few words allow the reader to think of this as their family member, as their family.

A must have to use with both classes and also programming around Veteran's Day.