Each year in the United States, we observe Veteran's Day on November 11 to honor those who have served and continue to serve in the United States military. It coincides with Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom and Armistice Day in Belgium and France because it was the day that the armistice was signed that ended World War I. So to help your family remember observe Veteran's Day this year, here are some books that talk more about the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces and their families.
Written by Jeff Gottesfeld
Illustrated by Matt Tavares
Candlewick Press, 2021. Informational.
This book pays tribute to the unknown soldiers that have fallen throughout history and the men that guard their tomb. Following World War I, an unknown soldier was entombed at Arlington to represent all the fallen who could not be identified following the war. Eventually Unkowns from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam were added to honor those who had fallen in those wars. This book also talks about the guards chosen to watch over the tomb who walk back and forth in 21 step sequences, day and night, to honor the fallen.
By Katrina Moore and Joy Hwang Ruiz
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2022. Picture Book.
In this picture book, a toddler receives a dog for her birthday. As she grows, so does her dog. She is upset when her mom is gets a new military assignment and they have to leave the dog with a service that provides pet care for those serving overseas. Years go by but the girl is eventually reunited with her dog, who loves her just as much as always. The easy to read text can be read by young readers, but the story is simple enough that even those who aren't reading yet can understand what is going on just by looking at the illustrations. If you are looking for an accessible book to teach your young children about some of the everyday sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, check out this title.
Written by Shana Keller
Illustrated by Margeaux Lucas
Sleeping Bear Press, 2022. Picture Book.
Sometimes families and friends of those serving in the military may wonder what they can do to help their loved ones who are serving abroad. That is exactly the case in this book, about a girl who wanted to help her father and the other soldiers serving in Europe during World War I. Because the German army was using chemical warfare to try to take down American soldiers, families at home were asked to save their peach pits, which could be used as filters in gas masks. 20 peach pits would be needed for each mask. Polly decided to have a parade through town where her and her fellow Girl Scouts would collect peach pits from her neighbors to send overseas. Although this story is not based on an actual person, it is based on actual events from the First World War as children were some of the biggest contributors to the peach pit collection campaign.
By Barbara Kerley
National Geographic Society, 2016. Picture Book.
This picture book filled with photographs of real military members and their families and describes some of the difficulties faced by those at home when they're separated from their loved ones who are serving abroad. It starts with military members saying goodbye to their families, then discusses some of the hardships faced by children of soldiers like "who is going to take care of me?" and "sometimes I'm scared Mom will get hurt". It also talks about how families can communicate with their loved ones and ends with reunions between military members and their families. If you would like a simple way to explain what it is like when a loved one is overseas, try out this book.
By Cynthia O'Brien
Crabtree Publishing Company, 2021. Informational. 32 pages.
If your child has ever wondered what it would be like to be a member of the U.S. Navy, this book is for you. This title discusses different ranks and careers within the Navy, such as captains, submariners, sonar operators, and intelligence officers. It talks about some of the highlights of each of these careers, as well as qualifications needed to join the Navy. This book can be a good resource too for those not interested in joining the military but who want to discuss more with their children about what it is like to be a member of the military. In addition to the Navy, we also have books in this series about the Army, Air Force, and Special Forces.
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