Best Memorial Day Children's Books for Kids to Read Aloud
Memorial Day is a national holiday on the last Monday of May in the United States where we honor those military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We like to take time every Memorial Day weekend to read Memorial Day books and talk to our children about the sacrifice that military families make for our safety and freedom.
These Memorial Day books for children are our favorite books to explain to our children the honor of Memorial Day in an age appropriate way.
Best Memorial Day Children's Books for Kids to Read Aloud
The books on this list of Memorial Day books for children range from picture book best for preschool-age children, to young readers to emergent reader options. These are great for building a school library, homeschool lessons on Memorial Day, school classrooms, or to read at home to discuss the importance of Memorial Day.
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Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops - (Author Jill Biden)
First Lady Jill Biden wrote this book with her own granddaughter in mind. This deeply moving story is through a child’s eyes of what family life is like when a parent is at war across the world. This book is written for ages 3-7 years old and has absolutely beautiful illustrations
When her father leaves for a year of being at war, Natalie knows that she will miss him. Natalie is proud of her father, but there is nothing to stop her from wishing he was home. Some things do help her feel better. Natalie works with her Nana to send her dad and the other service men and women cookies and treats they have made. Natalie, her mom, and her brother can see and talk to Dad over the computer, and the kindness of friends at school and at church help her feel supported and loved. But there is nothing like the day when her Dad comes home at last.
The Impossible Patriotism Project (Author Linda Skeers)
Caleb's class is making projects that represent patriotism to display at Parents? Night. But Caleb can't think of a way to show what patriotism means to him. Besides, his dad can't come because he is away, serving as a soldier. Then when Caleb really starts thinking about what his dad is doing for the country, inspiration finally strikes! This Memorial Day book is perfect for 4-6 year olds.
America's White Table (Author Margot Theis Raven)
The significance of the white table is that in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit.
In this story, Katie and her sisters tell a powerful tale of setting a white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give. It was just a little white table... but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it and she told us why it was so important.
Lets Celebrate Memorial Day (Author Clara Cella)
This picture book is a great simple story to share information about military men and women, American flags and more. This book is geared towards early elementary aged children and classrooms.
Rolling Thunder (Author Kate Messner)
Lines of bikes are miles long,shining,
half a million strong.
Rumbling, grumbling, engines roar.
Peace signs. High fives. Spirits soar.
Every Memorial Day in Washington, DC, more than a million veterans and their supporters gather for the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom, a demonstration that pays tribute to the men and women of the US armed forces. This lyrical story honors the bravery and sacrifice of those American heroes -- the ones who have returned home, and the ones who haven't.
Award-winning author Kate Messner and acclaimed artist Greg Ruth honor the sacrifices of American war veterans and their families in this poetic tribute.
Memorial Day (Author Emma Carlson Berne)
Memorial Day honors soldiers who fought and died for the United States. On this day, communities gather to remember soldiers’ sacrifices and celebrate the beginning of summer. Sing along as you explore Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme . Includes online music access which is also great for lesson plans.
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans (Author Barbara Walsh and Illustrator artist Layne Johnson)
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. And she devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today. Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts, primary documents, and Moina's great-nieces to better understand Moina's determination to honor the war veterans.
Symbolism for Memorial Day:
The red poppy, or Remembrance Poppy, has been a symbol of lives lost to war since World War I (1914–1918), and it plays a big part in the history of Memorial Day. Sales of red poppies benefit veterans associations and fund many charities and veterans causes.
21 Steps (Author Jeff Gottesfeld)
With every step, the Tomb Guards pay homage to America’s fallen. Discover their story, and that of the unknown soldiers they honor, through resonant words and illustrations.
Keeping vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Arlington National Cemetery, are the sentinel guards, whose every step, every turn, honors and remembers America’s fallen. They protect fellow soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, making sure they are never alone. To stand there—with absolute precision, in every type of weather, at every moment of the day, one in a line uninterrupted since midnight July 2, 1937—is the ultimate privilege and the most difficult post to earn in the army.
Exactly how the unnamed men came to be entombed at Arlington, and exactly how their fellow soldiers have come to keep vigil over them, is a sobering and powerful tale.
Klinger A Story of Honor and Hope (Author Betsy Beard)
Klinger, A Story of Honor and Hope is the endearing story of a young horse dreaming of fame as a racehorse. But his life is disrupted and he must leave his parents to start a new life. Faced with difficulty and disappointment, Klinger's dream of significance seems unattainable. He then discovers fulfillment in honoring fallen heroes and bringing comfort to their families. This award winning hardcover picture book is based on the story of a real horse who works in Arlington National Cemetery.
Mark's Special Mission at Arlington National Cemetery
Mark's Special Mission eloquently describes the history, pageantry, and ceremonial proceedings of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment's (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon, and the internment ceremony of our nation's warriors in Arlington National Cemetery. Grandpa, the main character, tells the story of the Caisson Platoon to his grandchildren built upon a personal relationship with a horse at the stables; Mark. The book provides a behind the scene view of the Soldiers and horses in the stables at Fort Myer, Virginia, as well as insight to the ceremonial proceedings in Arlington National Cemetery.
Remembrance: A Tribute to America's Veterans (Author Robert Fletcher)
Remembrance: A Tribute to America's Veterans is the first book to portray veterans and military funeral scenes from all of America's wars in a series of outstandingly precise watercolor paintings and pencil drawings. With compelling scenes from the Revolutionary War to the Afghanistan War, Remembrance: A Tribute to America's Veterans tells the story of the nation's 26.2 million veterans who are alive today and all who came before them. Nearly half of all Americans who served during wartime in our country's history are still alive, and nearly 80 percent of today's veterans served during a war.
Year of the Jungle: Memories from the Home Front, (Author Suzanne Collins)
This deeply moving autobiographical Memorial Day picture book about a father who must go off to the war in Vietnam -- and the daughter who stays behind. When young Suzy's father leaves for Vietnam, she struggles to understand what this means for her and her family. What is the jungle like?
Will her father be safe? When will he return? The months slip by, marked by the passing of the familiar holidays and the postcards that her father sends. With each one, he feels more and more distant, until Suzy isn't sure she'd even recognize her father anymore.
The Wall (Author Eve Bunting)
This is the wall, my grandfather's wall. On it are the names of those killed in a war, long ago.
A father and his young boy have come to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the name of the grandfather the little boy never knew. They share the sadness as well as the pride of havingn the boys grandfather name there. This moving account is beautifully told from a young child's point of view.
A Day for Rememberin: Inspired by the true events of the first memorial day (Author Margot Theis Raven)
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index.
Memorial Day for Kids: A Children Book Tribute to Our Nation's Heroes
Memorial Day for Kids: Get ready to ignite your patriotism and learn about Memorial Day with this captivating book for young readers! Through vivid illustrations, Memorial Day for Kids, is the perfect way to teach children about the significance of Memorial Day. Join us as we celebrate and honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Memorial Day for Kids is a must-read for children and families alike!
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion (Author Jane Barclay)
As questions come from a young grandchild, his grandpa talks about how, as a very young man, he was as proud as a peacock in uniform, busy as a beaver on his Atlantic crossing, and brave as a lion charging into battle. Soon, the old man’s room is filled with an imaginary menagerie as the child thinks about different aspects of wartime. But as he pins medals on his grandpa’s blazer and receives his own red poppy in return, the mood becomes more somber.
Outside, the crowd gathered for the veterans’ parade grows as quiet as a mouse, while men and women — old and young — march past in the rain. A trumpet plays and Grandpa lays a wreath in memory of his lost friend. Just then, the child imagines an elephant in the mist. “Elephants never forget,” he whispers to his grandpa. “Then let’s be elephants,” says the old man, as he wipes water from his eyes and takes his grandson’s hand.
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion has relevance to a growing number of families, as new waves of soldiers leave home..
My First Memorial Day
Are you looking for a fun gift that you and the Babies will enjoy during the Memorial Day holiday..?
Welcome your little one to the world with my first Memorial Day high contrast baby book!
This Happy Memorial Day Black and White book is a collection of fun, cute & easy illustrations that you and the babies will enjoy during this year's holiday! This book is designed to provide early visual stimulation and develop the creativity of our babies.
Memorial Day Surprise (Author Theresa Martin Golding)
It's Memorial Day and Marco and Mama are going to see the parade. On their way, they pass Marco's grandfather's house. They usually stop to see Grandfather, but today Mama is in a rush because she has promised Marco a surprise. Marco can't imagine what the surprise might be. Could it be the marching band? The fire engines? The candy tossed to the crowd by a woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty? Mama promises that it will be a better surprise than candy. As the parade goes by, Marco wishes his grandfather were with him to enjoy it. Then, marching down the street, come the veterans, wearing uniforms and shiny medals. But look! Who is that leading them? Marco never imagined the kind of surprise in store for him.
Anna & Natalie (Author Barbara H. Cole)
Anna is never picked to be on any team at school. But she is determined to be chosen when Mrs. Randall announces a letter-writing contest to decide which four students will be part of the wreath-laying team at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. This moving story of how Anna deals with her disability will touch the hearts of all readers as they cheer her on to the surprise ending.
Memorial Day Books for Independent Readers
These 5 Memorial Day books for kids highlight the sacrifice that military family makes for their hero mom and hero dad for their war effort. This Memorial Day is the perfect time for family members to read a portion of the book or to learn about military service members and the sacrifice they made for our country on this special day of remembrance.
It’s 1863, and the Civil War has torn apart the United States. For two years, the Confederacy and the Union have battled over slavery and states’ rights. Will you: Fight for the Union at the Battle of Gettysburg? OR Serve with Stonewall Jackson as a Confederate soldier at the Battle of Chancellorsville? OR Try to survive the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, as a civilian? This book is geared towards 9-10 year old readers.
Ranger in Time Series (Author Kate Messner)
Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, travels to Colonial America to help the patriot cause!
Ranger's next mission finds him in the middle of the Revolutionary War. There he meets Isaac Pope, a fisherman turned soldier for the Continental Army. When General George Washington is in need of a spy to cross into enemy territory, Isaac is chosen for the dangerous task. Ranger must help Isaac remain safe and undetected, or the battle -- and their lives -- will be lost.
In July 1863 the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fought outside the sleepy Pennsylvania town of Gettysburg. In The Last Brother the story of one small boy is told amidst the dramatic events of those early days of July. Though he is only 11 years old, Gabe is a bugler in the Union Army. He takes his responsibility very seriously; after all, there are over 60 different battle calls for buglers to learn.
But what is even more important to Gabe is watching over his older brother Davy who, as a foot soldier, is right in the thick of the fighting. Two of Gabe's older brothers have already perished, and he is not willing to lose the only one he has left. During those long days, Gabe meets another young bugler -- one who fights for the other side. Suddenly, what was so definite and clear has become complicated by friendship and compassion.
Does one have to choose between service to country, to kin or to a friend? As the cannons fire and the battle rages on, Gabe must do his duty while searching for a way to honor all that he holds dear
The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures.
Soldier introduces readers to soldiers throughout the ages, from medieval knights to modern troops.
Faces of Freedom
Profiles of America's fallen heroes: Iraq and AfghanistanThis book tells the stories of fallen heroes who lost their lives in Iraq or Afghanistan. It includes one service member from each of the 50 states, along with D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Memorial Day Activity Books
Great Memorial Day Gift Idea for Boys and Girls | 21 Different Puzzle to Solve | Perfect for Children Under 5 Years. This activity book is Memorial Day themed and perfect for car rides of Memorial Day school parties or gatherings if there are children around!
Coloring Book Featuring Happy Memorial Day | Memorial Day Coloring Book For Toddlers And Kids (50 Designs For Memorial Day). Celebrate Independence Day With Our Coloring Book. It Is Full Of Patriotic Illustrations As Well As Decorative Pictures Of USA Independence Day. So, Grab Your Copy For Celebrating This 4th Of July And Start Coloring To Make It Memorable.
Memorial day mazes book for kids +90 Maze of 3 Difficulty Levels Activity Big puzzle Maze Book for Kids boy and girl Ages 4-12. This fun and challenging activity book for kids will provide hours of enjoyment and learning.
Memorial Day Word Search
Memorial Day Word Search Book for endless fun with the solutions in the back of the book for help needed!
I love selecting themed books for various holidays and special occasions for reading aloud with my children or for them to read and look at the pictures themselves. Books provide such a great way for emergent readers to research topics on their own or for families to talk about specific topics in a way that kids understand and can relate to. Talking about death and grief is not an easy topic for adults to discuss and these Memorial Day books bring up the topic of losing our military men and women in the line of duty.
Check out this link for books about Flag Day and this book also with children's options for Veterans Day as well! Most importantly, thank you for the sacrifice that the men and women in our armed forces have made to serve our country.
