By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

CALERA–The Roy Downs Calera Public Library is partnering with Usborne Books to raise money for “The Whatif Monster Military Challenge.” The challenge is to help support children from military families struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

PTSD can have a negative effect on the soldier as well as his or her whole family. Here is a sample of just one mother’s testimony:

“My name is Kayla Bradley and I have a 2-year-old son, Robert, with sensory perception disorder, speech issues and terrible separation anxiety,” said Bradley. “Like so many soldiers, my husband came back from war suffering from debilitating PTSD and Robert was the most severely affected. Then, he got the book Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster and plush, and he really connected to the story and to his new friend. I have seen the true healing power of this book and it is my hope to get one into the hands of every child dealing with this tough reality.”

With a donation of $20, a child will receive the book “Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster” along with the plush green Whatif Monster. Thirteen dollars will buy a plush and $7 will buy a copy of the book. All donations will be collected at the library and will be distributed to the veterans’ families. You can pay with cash, credit or debit card, or with a check.

Finally, when you use the link https://t3091.myubam.com/66418 to buy Usborne books for your family, Usborne will match 50 percent of your total purchase. These proceeds will go to helping these hurting families.

The challenge will last until the end of November. For more information, visit the website Whatifmilitarychallenge.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/robert_andplush2.jpg.