MWSA Bookstore:

by Michelle D. Sherman and DeAnne Sherman
Published by (date): Beavers Pond Press (October 2009)
ISBN: 978-1-59298-303-2
Price: $12.95
Tags: Fiction Children Family/Spouse Iraq/Afghanistan

Synopsis:

"My Story: Blogs by Four Military Teens" is a series of blogs by four military teens that highlights their feelings and experiences before, during, and after parental deployment. It provides support and education for all military teens and pre-teens by honoring their unique joys and sacrifices, addressing their fears and hopes, and exploring how parental deployment affects their lives.

“My Story: Blogs by Four Military Teens” is an informative glimpse in the minds of four teenage children of military parents. Mariah, Adam, Meredith, and Carlos give the reader a “no holes barred” account of their most intimate thoughts and feelings by way of blogging. Each teen exhibits his or her own unique way of coping with a deployed parent. Some deal with it by sharing their fears with support groups, while others internalize their anger and pain.

This book is fictional in nature, but realistic by design. It is an excellent educational tool, which would benefit any military family. It contains not only the blogs of the teens, but also coping tips and motivational suggestions at the end of each chapter that will help the military child come to terms with his or her feelings. At the end of the book, there is a section for the readers to document their own story as well.

“My Story” is an informative little book giving the reader a newfound comprehension of the often forgotten sacrifices made by the children of the American soldier.

Authors Dr. Michelle Sherman, PhD, and Ms. DeAnne Sherman comprise a trained, experienced, and highly motivated writing team focused on helping military families cope (and thrive). “My Story” can be purchased through www.SeedsofHopeBooks.com.

Review by Claudia Pemberton, MWSA Reviewer (November 2009)

Other Reviews:

"My Story: Blogs by Four Military Teens tells it like it is for teens whose parents have been deployed. The riveting accounts from the hearts of four military teens will make you cry and make you laugh. This book brings home the costs of war in a way that can’t be measured in dollars and cents. The mental health problems, sorrows and family turmoil are described in unvarnished terms. So are the pride and joy of being a military teen."
-- Jim Ramstad, U.S. House of Representatives

"Once again, Michelle and DeAnne Sherman have provided a wonderfully insightful tool that goes to the heart of translating research to practice. My Story uses the social networking environment that is so familiar to teens to paint the real picture of military kids, chronicling their journeys and perspectives. The Shermans’ work, as always, truly speaks to students, parents, and professionals. We are thrilled to have this thoughtful and relevant publication as a part of our resources."
-- Dr. Mary Keller, Executive Director, Military Child Education Coalition

"My Story" is a wonderful and touching piece of work...your efforts will help countless youth.
-- Gary M. Blau, Ph.D., Chief, Child, Adolescent and Family Branch
Center for Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
United States Department of Health and Human Services

"My Story" uses a clever, accessible, helpful approach with blogs by military teens...the book is sure to appeal to, validate, and support thousands of military youth.
A.L. “Dutch” Doerman, Psy.D., ABPP
Psychologist
Colonel, USAF, Retired

As a two time Iraqi combat veteran I found "My Story: Blogs By Four Military Teens" to be a great resource when working with adolescents who have parents in the military. It brings big questions and issues to the forefront of military families and does an excellent job of putting tough topics in terms that everyone can understand.
Micah Ternet, Iraqi veteran
Vet Connection Coordinator
NAMI Minnesota

One of the most important things our communities and schools can do to support our troops is to support military kids during a parent's deployment. This begins with developing a better understanding of how a parent's deployment can affect their children, especially teens who often don't let others know their true feelings. MY STORY: BLOGS BY FOUR MILITARY TEENS opens our eyes and hearts to the special struggles, challenges, and inner strength of teenagers who are coping with a parent's deployment to a war zone. It should also inspire us to more deeply appreciate the sacrifices of these young people and develop stronger support systems so they never feel alone.
Kathy Saltzman
Minnesota State Senator