Review sponsored* by JKS Communications
The Children’s Book Review | October 9, 2018
Written by Michael Joseph Lyons
Age Range: 12 and up
Hardcover: 358 pages
Publisher: Bravur Media
ISBN: 978-1946957023
What to expect: Adventure, Germany, Post War, Military Family
Brat and the Kids of Warriors is an adventurous, multi-layered story with excitement found in each chapter. The book walks readers through an exceptionally detailed story about the McMasters family and their experiences in post-World War II Germany. The book starts with the McMasters kids: Jack, Laura, and “Rabbit.” They are on a journey across the Atlantic with their mom to reunite with their dad, who has been stationed in Germany after the war.
As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to the McMasters kids. First, there is Jack, the one boy in the family. Then, there is Laura, is who is referred to as “Queenie” behind her back because she acts like the boss of both Jack and Rabbit. And finally there is Rabbit, or Kirsten, who, as the youngest, is always finding trouble – with tremendous speed. Their life as military brats is filled with routines such as saying goodbye to good friends, white-glove cleaning, being home by six o’clock sharp, knowing when to be seen and not heard around adults, and how to relate to the other brats they meet every time they move:
“ “…So, what are the Army brats like?”
“We’re the smartest, sharpest looking, best behaved children on the planet.” Jack spread his arms as if welcoming applause from an audience. Then he cocked his head toward Alex. “What about Navy brats?”
Alex gave him a low smile. “That’s easy. We are the bravest, most honest, hardest working, sincerest kids who have ever lived.”
The story moves quickly through anecdotes about the war, and gives readers a glimpse into the mystery and intrigue of living in a time and a place where the enemy isn’t always obvious and the dangers aren’t always what they seem to be. Lyons shows readers the resilience these young military brats needed to possess, and how their ability to be observant and resourceful helps guide them through their adventures. Along the way, the author brings to life the very involved and intricate war stories that frame the lives of the McMasters kids, while also painting the complex backdrop of a post-war time filled with more unknowns than knowns.
This substantial read is well suited for those with a military background and of course those who grew up as “brats” in military families. Also a great read for anyone interested in WWII stories told from the point of view of the US military, or for young adults looking for an adventurous deep dive into military life for families.
Available Here
About the Author
Michael Joseph Lyons is a brat and he admits that with great pride. He lived the adventure of growing up in a military family. His dad was a United States Army colonel; his mom was the general in charge of their family. They traipsed Michael and his sisters all over the world. As an Army brat, Michael moved nine times and attended eleven different schools, more overseas than in the United States. He lived in six different states, besides Japan, Germany, and France. Michael s time in Göppingen, Germany, when his father was stationed with 4th Armored Division, was at the height of the Cold War. Over 3,000 Russian tanks faced the Iron Curtain, ready to attack. Soviet spies watched the American Army s every move. This became the setting and backdrop for Brat: Kids of Warriors. Michael is blessed with the gift of storytelling and clear memories of life on base. He is passionate about sharing the unique world of military brats the only way most kids will ever experience it through story. His stories reveal the gifts of growing up military: an addiction to excellent adventures, being highly adaptive, making friends rapidly, developing chameleon skills, loving languages and foreign cultures, and, more than anything else, developing that most critical of all brat skills grit. Michael went on to join the U. S. Army, becoming a lieutenant and then a captain. While on active duty, he again had the good fortune to be stationed in Germany. Later, he developed and taught a course at UCLA on the nine principles of war. As a serial entrepreneur, he established multiple tech companies and is known for saying, The greatest entrepreneurial skill I have comes from growing up military the gift of grit. Today Michael and his wife and two dogs live in the Chicago area, frequently visited by their seven children and their families. His passions are writing this book series and meeting brats anywhere in the world to discuss how to get the most from the unique way they are raised. He believes many will be tomorrow s great global leaders.
For more information, visit: http://www.michaeljosephlyons.com/
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. JKS Communications sponsored* this non-biased review of “Brat and the Kids of Warriors: Book 1.” Learn more about getting a book review …