Military families move often. In fact, they move, on average, every 2-3 years. I Move A Lot And That’s Okay is a book that approaches all that military children go through before, during, and after a PCS (Primary Change of Station). Grace, the main character, walks you through the process of a move from receiving the orders, how she processes her feelings about it, to the arrival at a new duty station overseas and how she handles the transition of it all.
Disclaimer: Strength 4 Spouses was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis
I Move A Lot And That’s Okay is a children’s book that approaches the topics of transitioning, due to a PCS move, and building resilience in the process. It focuses on how military children process a move and how they find comfort in familiar things that remind them of home. It gives an inside look into the entire process of military family moves with an inclusive perspective that shows how military families go through similar situations in military life, even though they are diverse and unique.
Strengths
This book touches on many important aspects of a military move such as:
- Receiving orders.
- PCSing Overseas.
- How children process a move.
- How children process a transition.
- How children adjust to life in a new place.
In addition, this book also touches on some unique themes including:
- The diversity of military families.
- Building resilience in military life.
- Learning the meanings of terminology and acronyms utilized in military life.
My Final Thoughts
We need more books that show the diversity that makes up military families. I Move A Lot And That’s Okay is a book that does just this with a biracial family of characters in the story. The author even has a second version of this book that includes another biracial family with a female as the service member and Axel as the main character. While military families face similar situations such as PCSing, they are still unique and do not all look the same. Books like this one helps us to embrace that and encourage the diversity of military families.
I Move A Lot And That’s Okay approaches the fears, anxieties, and excitement children feel as they embark on the journey of PCSing all around the world. In addition, this book gives readers a glimpse of what military moves look like and how they feel to children. Jargon and acronyms common in the military world are well explained in the storyline. This book can inspire other military children to build resilience during military moves and teach civilian children many important aspects of military life. While the reading level of this book is appropriate for a 2nd-3rd grader and up, readers of all ages can enjoy the rich and colorful illustrations included in the story with a verbal modification of the text, while enjoying the book together.
In addition to I Move A Lot And That’s Okay, the author has also created a mindfulness coloring book to help children process military moves called Post to Post, Coast to Coast. You can find more information about this additional resource on the author’s website.
About the Author
Shermaine Perry-Knights is an award-winning facilitator, project manager, speaker, and author. She facilitates workshops for organizational development and personal growth. As a Certified Professional in Talent Development, Shermaine is passionate about helping others develop emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Each of her published books supports the growth mindset (self-care, resilience, and career readiness).
Shermaine is a proud military kid and a life-long learner. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Strayer University. Shermaine has traveled throughout Asia and the West Indies, and she lived and studied in Europe and the Middle East. She has authored guided journals, youth and adult coloring books, and a children’s book.
Connect with Shermaine at:
https://www.amazinglyshermaine.com
