My Hero

Working through the Armed Services YMCA, Alan Appel and Mike Rothmiller have collected more than 100 essays from children whose parents are serving or have served in the military. The children’s heartfelt, moving, sometimes funny, and completely honest observations about their moms and dads truly capture the emotional connection between parent and child.  It is a connection that cannot be severed even when a parent is thousands of miles away, gone for long stretches of time, and in danger.
Inspiring, heartbreaking, and genuine, this book provides a fascinating look inside the hearts and minds of kids who love and honor their moms and dads as heroes - at home or on the battlefield.

Allen Appel is the author of five novels and the successful series, Thanks Mom and Thanks Dad.  Mike Rothmiller is the author of the bestselling non-fiction book, L.A. Secret Police.

“My Hero paints an intimate portrait of the personal thoughts and emotions felt by these children.  It clearly demonstrates, without reservation, the immense pride, honor, and unselfishness of our nation’s military children and their families.”
-Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States of America

“This book illustrates a wonderfully accurate picture of what the children of our military personnel go through when a parent is deployed.  Their essays are simple and honest expressions of grief and sadness mixed with a tremendous sense of family pride and unparalleled patriotism.
-George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States of America

“With this heartwarming collection of essays and artwork, the many mothers and fathers in the United States military can take comfort knowing how much their service means to their families. Each work in this volume was created with one beloved family member in mind, but taken together, they form a touching tribute to all of those parents, past and present, who have served our country so faithfully.”
-William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America