Lisa Mallen

Joining Forces with Glory Lisa Mallen

Intended for the 7-10 year age group, JOINING FORCES WITH GLORY concerns a protagonist whose name, Glory, is taken from the hymn, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Glory is a spunky eight year old who enters a new school in the middle of the school year, something she is accustomed to doing with her family's frequent moves, because she is an "Army Brat." Her third grade teacher, Mrs. Wonderbee, is quite proud to have the daughter of an army officer in her class, and she makes sure the students know that Glory's dad helps keep the nation free. Glory has the opportunity to explain her unusual lifestyle to her curious classmates; however, one student, Hank, is not impressed. From the very beginning he is mean to Glory and tries to make life miserable for her. Glory discovers the answer to a mystery about Hank as a result of a class assignment, which eventually leads to the heartwarming end.