BEAUFORT, S.C. - Families throughout the Tri-Command were given the opportunity to meet Angela Sportelli-Rehak, the author of the Uncle Sam’s Kids Series, during a meet-the-author event held by Marine Corps Community Services at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, April 19.
The Uncle Sam’s Kids series addresses the stresses that families, specifically children, face when a parent deploys or the families have to relocate. Her book series, which is on the First Lady of the Marine Corps’ Recommended Reading List, consists of three books written through the eyes of military children.
“Living within the lifestyle I have a pretty good understanding of how the military works and the stresses military children face growing up in this way of life,” said Sportelli-Rehak.
The military spouse, mother of three and West Point Military Academy teacher began the book series while raising her children. The book series was created in order to help other military families and their children who may be struggling during changes brought upon by living in a military environment with a parent or parents that serve.
The series is about how to spring back, rebound and not be discouraged. Dealing with stress is very important; these books offer positive coping skills which the readers can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
The books are not only informational but also fun, said Sportelli-Rehak. Each book has 50 stars drawn within the illustrations so the children can count them as they read on.
The series teaches and informs military children why they have to go through the struggles that they take on and teaches them how to cope with and not get discouraged as they work through their hardships.