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Meet Milly from “Milly’s PCS Worries”

Amy Rivera

Amelia a.k.a. Milly

World, meet Amelia! Also known as Milly, my daughter, and inspiration for the character in “Milly’s PCS Worries.”

Only six years old Amelia has been through a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) twice. Like the book’s character, Amelia was a bit young during her first move to remember it fully. However, our move to our current duty station Amelia said the plane ride sticks out to her the most. “I was a little scared because the plane goes really high.”

Amelia enjoyed the book and said her favorite thing is how the brother, Izzy, helps Milly with her worries. “My favorite part is when Izzy helps. Izzy is thoughtful, brave, and kind.” Luckily, like the character, Amelia also has a big brother who helps her understand things and is her partner in this military life.

There are so many ways I can describe Amelia. She truly marches to the beat of her own drum. Her confidence draws you to her, and her cheery disposition makes you fall in love with her. She’s not afraid to be different and stand out. She loves to dress in mismatch socks, get messy with her many art supplies, and dance and sing to her favorite songs. She enjoys rolling around in her Jiu Jitsu gi and prance around in her many dresses. Amelia is my artsy child who you can always find creating things for her “art projects.” She wants to be many things when she grows up, but it is clear she has a passion for the arts. I am so proud of the kid she is, and I know she will do great things in the future.

Some of Amelia’s favorite things:

  • Favorite Food: Pizza and vegetables
  • Favorite show: My Little Pony
  • Favorite thing to do: draw and make art
  • Favorite thing about living in Hawaii: All the flowers and being with my family
  • Favorite sport: Soccer
  • Favorite family activity: playing board games and watching movies
  • Favorite color: ALL the colors of the world!

Meet Izzy from “Milly’s PCS Worries”

Amy Rivera

Izaiah a.k.a. Izzy

This is my son Izaiah, the big brother’s inspiration in “Milly’s PCS Worries.” He is my only son and my firstborn.


Izaiah, nicknamed Izzy, is an army brat that’s been through 4 moves. Like the book’s character, Izaiah is a helpful big brother who looks after his little sister. Only in 4th grade, he’s been to three elementary schools. Every time was having to start over and make new friends. “My favorite part of moving is making new friends,” he said. ” But leaving my friends is also my least favorite part of moving.”


Military children everywhere have to deal with leaving their friends when they move and making new friends at their new duty station. Izaiah said he likes to be observant on his first day at a new school, not speaking much, but watching and listening to others. “I like to listen and see if we have anything in common, then the next couple of days, I start to talk more, and if we have things in common, we become friends.”
In “Milly’s PCS Worries,” the character Izzy gives his little sister similar advice about making friends. “Just be yourself, find things you have in common, and be kind!” – Izzy, Milly’s PCS Worries.

I am so proud of him. The word that always comes to my mind first when describing Izaiah is helpful. Ever since he was little, you could always find him helping someone. It didn’t matter who the person is; Izaiah always strives to treat everyone with respect and help them if they need help.
His big heart is contagious.

Some of Izaiah’s favorite things:

  • Favorite things: Pokémon cards
  • Favorite food: Pizza
  • Favorite toy: Nintendo Switch
  • Favorite show: The Masked Singer
  • Favorite cartoon: anything on Cartoon Network.
  • Favorite sport: Basketball & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
  • Favorite book: Trouble at Table Five by Tom Watson

Elementary school counselor explores military move in first children’s book

Amy Rivera

Amy Rivera is proud to check a major item off her bucket list. The Lunalilo Elementary school counselor published her first children’s book, “Milly’s PCS Worries,” on Oct. 2. “Books are a great conversation starter. When I do my lessons, I love starting off with a book that relates to whatever topic we’re discussing,” Rivera said. “I love children’s books, especially ones that help children be mindful and address emotions, like…

Source: Elementary school counselor explores military move in first children’s book