A time when people all over the country honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives to war and conflict, and celebrate those who have served in the military both past and present.
As you might imagine, this can be a tricky issue to communicate to children – at least in a way they can understand.
However, there are now numerous children’s books aimed at elementary school readers, which carefully and respectfully communicate the idea of Veterans Day in a way they can engage with.
But this begs the question: what are the best Veterans Day books for elementary school kids?
What Is Veterans Day?
Veteran’s Day is a public holiday within the United States, wherein citizens pay respect to fallen members of the armed forces, the sacrifices they have made, as well as celebrating family and friends (past and present) who have served in the various factions of the military.
Taking place on the 11th November – and coinciding with Armistice and Remembrance Days that take place in other countries (such as the UK).
Veterans Day actually shares many similarities with other holidays commemorating fallen soldiers, and has taken place since 11th November 1919 where it marked the one year anniversary of the end of the Great War.
Veterans Day: 10 Best Books For Kids
Now that we know a little more about Veterans Day, and what it commemorates, it is now time to look a little closer at some of the best Veterans Day books for elementary school kids, and what makes them so special.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 10 of the best Veterans Day books for elementary school kids!
First on our list, we have Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day by Grace Houser.
In many ways, this book is the perfect introduction to Veterans Day, allowing young readers to get to grips with the basics, and the ins and outs of how the holiday came to be, and how important it remains for so many Americans.
Detailing in a tasteful and age appropriate manner just what veterans do, and how important their sacrifice is, Houser’s book also features bright photographs, accessible language, and a picture glossary to help develop expanding vocabularies.
Next on our list, we have What Is Memorial Day? Written by Kerianne Jelinek, this book is of two parts: one designed at informing children about the holiday, and another full of activities that they can take part in for Veterans Day.
Highlighting the importance of honoring veterans, and the sacrifices they have made, Jelinek’s book is a great way of teaching kids the importance of remembering those who have fallen in the protection of the United States, those who still serve in the military, and the diverse image of the modern military person.
What’s more, the 15 activities allow children to write letters to soldiers, visit grave sites, and how they can pay their respect.
Next on our list we have Twenty-One Steps – written by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares.
Telling an informative tale about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a ceremonial tomb representing all of the unidentified and unknown soldiers who have died defending the United States – and the men and women who guard it, this is an important and useful way to highlight the importance of respect and paying tribute to those who work so hard for us.
Somewhat heavier subject material than some of the others on this list, the book still remains an important way to educate children on the right ways to show respect, and the sacrifice made by those in the military.
Next we have Veterans: Heroes In Our Neighborhood by Valerie Pfundstein, which tells an important story about the sheer importance of respecting the veterans that live amongst us in society, and realizing the role they have played in protecting our country.
This is something that often gets overlooked in most veteran stories – namely that they are a part of our society, and that they sacrificed their place in normal life to protect the way of life we have all become accustomed to.
This book focuses (rightly) on the proper ways to show respect to those members of society, to show everyone the benefit of the doubt, and to realize that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes.
Next we have Sam & Uncle Joe: Learning To Serve & Protect, written by Phoebe London.
This book takes a somewhat different approach, focusing on the story of Sam and his Uncle Joe to inform children about the real role models they should be looking to in their community – not to mention some of the things that they might go through along the way.
With a wholesome message, a respectful approach, and really good illustrations throughout, this really is one of the best, and most informative, fictional books on the market – not to mention perfect for Veterans Day.
Next we have The Wall, written by Eve Bunting and Ronald Himler.
Telling the story of a father who takes his son on a trip to the Vietnam War Memorial, The Wall focuses on those who don’t make it home, the impact their absence can leave on people, and the importance of remembering their sacrifice.
The Wall also shows the importance of paying tribute to loved ones, accepting the pain their absence feels, but knowing that it is an important service that the military provides to all citizens.
For a story with a different approach, The Wall is one to check out.
Next we have Veterans Day by Rebecca Pettiford, which is an informative piece educating children about the holiday, and all the important things that it is designed to commemorate.
This might seem like a run of the mill informative piece, but the book really is one of the best on the market – educating children about the sacrifices that veterans make, the respect they deserve to be shown, and the reasons we commemorate and celebrate them each year.
For a nonfiction piece that is really worth the money, check out this book!
The next book on our list, H Is For Honor, is a wider informational piece aimed at teaching children all the terminology they need to know about Veterans Day, and the meanings therein.
Written by the son of a lifelong military officer, H Is For Honor really is a book that highlights the sacrifice, the discipline, and of course, the honor, that military personnel all over the world have to show each and every day to get the job done.
For the perfect way to get your kids to grips with the basics, and make them the utmost source of Veterans Day information, then this is the book you need to buy!
Taking up the penultimate spot on this list, we have When You Are Away by Dominique James.
Telling an emotive story highlighting the separation that families feel from their loved ones, and the sacrifices soldiers must face in the name of duty, this book is perhaps one of the most touching on this list, and really communicates the human sacrifice at the center of this whole holiday.
Laden with emotion, respect, and most importantly, information, this book is one of the best on the market, which is why it has a spot on this list.
Last but not least, we have Deployment: One Of Our Pieces Is Missing.
Highlighting the toll that personal sacrifice can have on families, and teaching kids the best ways to approach, talk about, and treat these feelings, this book serves an important purpose that should be at the heart of every Veterans Day.
Pros
Informative
Poignant
Well illustrated
Well written
Low price tag
Cons
Less serious than others
Final Thoughts
It’s true that, within the framework of the United States, Veteran’s Day is an important time for many – a time where they reflect on the sacrifices of past veterans, and celebrate their own families and friends who serve in the military past and present.
So if you are looking for the best way to introduce these ideas to children, then be sure to check out some of these books. Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
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