6 Kids’ Books That Celebrate Military Families
by the Brightly Editors
For every service member away from home, there’s a family counting down the days until their return. For military families with young children — and for educators with children of service members in their classroom — books can be a wonderful resource for navigating and normalizing all the emotions that go along with deployment and separation, as well as the pride, long-distance communication, and long-awaited reunions that are part of a military family’s journey. We’ve rounded up a list of reads to offer recognition, guidance, and joy.
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At the Mountain’s Base
Available from:A lyrical picture book that sheds light on Cherokee traditions and the history of Native American service members, At the Mountain’s Base paints a portrait of one family continuing their lives with their eyes toward the sky as they wait for a loved one, a pilot, to come home. The moving story is a meditative homage to those who serve and their families, who serve through their loved one’s absence.
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Sincerely, You
Savannah Maddison is the teen founder of Savannah’s Soldiers, a letter-writing campaign between students and deployed service members. In Sincerely, You, she shares her inspiration behind the movement, the advantages of handwritten letters over texts and emails, and advice for writing letters to the loved ones you miss most.
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The Soldiers’ Night Before Christmas
Set to the familiar rhythm of “The Night Before Christmas” and bound in a family-favorite Big Little Golden Book, The Soldiers’ Night Before Christmas takes place on a military base in the Middle East, where soldiers receive a surprise visit from Sergeant McClaus. A heartwarming read to add to your holiday lineup.
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The Poppy Lady
Available from:In this historical biography accompanied by oil-painting illustrations, the spotlight shines on Moina Belle Michael, who dedicated her life to paying tribute to soldiers through the symbolism of red poppies. Young readers will learn about one of many long-standing traditions to honor military members, and proceeds from each book support the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple.
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The Impossible Patriotism Project
Available from:Caleb’s class is gearing up for Parents’ Night by creating projects that represent what patriotism means to them, but Caleb is feeling stuck, largely because his own dad won’t be there — he’s on deployment. But as Caleb starts to consider his dad’s job and why he’s so far away, the meaning of patriotism suddenly becomes clear.
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My Red Balloon
Available from:The day one little boy has been waiting for is finally here: his dad is coming home from overseas! The pier is sure to be crowded with happy families, so the boy ties a red balloon to his wrist so his dad will be able to find him. Families will love this sweet story of a long-awaited homecoming.
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