Purple Up! on April 15 and show your support for children of members of the military by wearing purple. April is the Month of the Military Child, and a time to recognize the sacrifices, challenges, and experiences of the children of our Armed Forces personnel.
At the Mountains Base, DB101604 and BR022865, by Traci Sorrell
A Cherokee family waits for the return of a loved one, who is a pilot serving in the military. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 2019.
While You are away, BR015048, by Eileen Spinelli
Three children from different families remember and miss their parents who are away on military duty. All have happy reunions when the soldiers return safely home. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 2004.
The Wall, BR008959, by Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler
A young boy and his father come from far away to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and find the name of the boy's grandfather who was killed in the war. A group of girls in school uniforms comes by. "Is this wall for the dead soldiers...?" one of them asks. "The names are the names of the dead. But the wall is for all of us," the teacher answers. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1993.
Stars above us, DBC05717, by Geoffrey Norman
Amanda's father is a soldier, but before he leaves for war, he teaches her not to be afraid of the things that live in the dark--which includes fireflies and crickets--and about the stars. For grades K-3. 2011.
Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops, DB075883, by Jill Biden
Jill Biden based this children's story on her own granddaughter's experience. Young Natalie misses her father, who is away fighting a war, and keeps him in her heart and prayers as she tries to be brave. Includes resources for support. For grades K-3. 2012.
A Life of Service: The story of Senator Tammy Duckworth, DB110769, by Christina Soontornvat
Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of "firsts" during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve in the House and Senate. But while she dreamed of serving her country from a young age, Tammy's path was not without its challenges. From her childhood fight to keep her family from homelessness to her service in the US Army, to her recovery from grievous injuries sustained in the line of duty, Tammy never lost her determination to keep going against staggering odds. For grades K-3. 2023.
Each tiny spark, DB096399, by Pablo Cartaya
Emilia Torres is dealing with a lot in sixth grade: her ADHD, a controlling abuela, her mother's work commitments, her father's distance after returning from deployment, evolving friendships, and a conflict over school redistricting. Commercial audiobook. For grades 4-7. 2019.
Off To War: Voices of Soldiers' Children, DB068158, by Deborah Ellis
Children between the ages of seven and seventeen describe their feelings and reactions to having military parents who are posted in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq. The kids discuss their fears and the changes in their parents' behavior towards them. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 2008.
Humor in Uniform: Funny True Stories about Life in the Military, DB076640 and BR020073, by Reader's Digest Association
Hundreds of quips previously published in Reader's Digest magazine that poke fun at military life. Compiled from anecdotes written by men and women of the United States armed forces and their families. 2008.
Home Front, DB074311, by Kristin Hannah
2005. Forty-one-year-old Jolene, a Washington state National Guard helicopter pilot, is deployed to Iraq. She leaves behind a troubled marriage, a difficult preteen daughter, and a preschooler. While Jolene experiences the horrors of war, her husband Michael raises their children alone. Some violence and some strong language. Bestseller. 2012.
Military Brats: Legacies of Childhood Inside the Fortress, DB038480, by Mary Edwards Wertsch
Inspired by Pat Conroy's novel The Great Santini (DB 30051), about growing up in the military, journalist, and former military brat Wertsch examines the "fortress" subculture that had such a powerful shaping influence on herself and others. She analyzes the stories of grown children of military men to reveal aspects of their collective experience. Strong language and some violence. 2014.
Anchor & Flares: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hope, and Service, DB099135, by Kate Braestrup
Memoir reflecting on the grief that followed the author's husband's death as well as the fear she feels regarding her son's decision to enlist in the Marines. Discusses her journey to reconcile her wish to protect him with a family legacy of military service through her work as a chaplain. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2015.
Brats, DB031319, by Mary R. Truscott
Speaking from her own experience as a second-generation military dependent and from interviews with others, the author recounts the joys and difficulties of life as a military "brat." She discusses the effects of frequent moves, a parent's long absences (usually the father's), the daily routines of a military base, and living "everywhere" but being from no particular place. 2016
Special Needs Families in the Military: A Resource Guide, DB072224, by Janelle Hill
The authors of The Wounded Warrior Handbook (DB 68275) provide advice for military families dealing with special-needs children and adults. They discuss benefits and treatment options and highlight the importance of acting as an advocate for one's child. Includes resources section that lists support groups. 2011.
A Star for Mrs. Blake, DB078882, by April Smith
In the l930s, five American women travel to France to visit the graves of their WWI soldier sons--a pilgrimage that will change their lives in unforeseeable and indelible ways and link them forever. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2014.