15 Memorial Day and Remembrance Day Books for Kids
15 Memorial Day and Remembrance Day Books for Kids
"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."
– Unknown
Join us this year, and every year, in remembering those who gave everything they had to protect the lives and freedoms of those they loved.
If you have a favorite title you feel is missing from the list please share it in the comments.
All of our booklists can be found on our always free literary database of good, true, and beautiful books.
America's White Table by Margot Theis Raven- A book to honor our Armed Forces, specifically those who have gone Missing In Action and Prisoners Of War through learning the symbolism of the White Table.
Arlington: The Story of Our Nation's Cemetery by Chris L. Demarest- A beautifully illustrated verbose picture book of the history of one of the most sobering places in our nation. There is a detailed timeline in the author’s note as well.
A Day for Rememberin': Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson- A beautiful story of the first Memorial Day observance and people embracing living in the freedoms which were won at so dear a price.
Imogene’s Last Stand by Candace Fleming- I rousing tale of a Founding Fathers quoting, patriotic to the core, passionate young girl and her quest to save a local historical society from being turned into a shoelace factory. A fun read for a young patriot.
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey- A beautifully illustrated book that brings us up close and personal to the design story of the Vietnam War Memorial. A powerful book for a powerful memorial.
Memorial Day by Geoffrey Scott- An early reader origins story on the why, how, and when of Memorial Day. A Carolrhoda Books title.
Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding- This book does not educate about Memorial Day itself but instead celebrates veterans and honors them in a parade.
A Poppy is to Remember by Heather Patterson- A beautiful introduction to Canada’s contributions to World War I and how poppies came to be the nations flower of remembrance. It includes "In Flanders Fields" and would make a lovely read for both Canadian and American children.
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh- A picture book biography on the life of the Georgia school teacher responsible for the poppy becoming symbol of honor and remembrance for soldiers.
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclays- A brilliantly illustrated book that shows an elderly grandfather reflected in his true nature in the mirror as he prepares to walk in a parade.
Rolling Thunder by Kate Messner- A book sharing the annual Memorial Day event in Washington, DC where more than a million veterans and their supporters gather for the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom.
The Story of Arlington National Cemetery by R. Conrad Stein- A Cornerstones of Freedom title that shares about Arlington National Cemetery including a focus on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Twenty-one Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld- 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. Everything these men and women do is in service to the Unknowns. Their standard is perfection.
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, told by Jeff Gottesfeld and luminously illustrated by Matt Tavares—a tale that honors the soldiers who honor the fallen. (from the dust jacket because I couldn’t say it better)
The Wall by Eve Bunting- A perfect first introduction to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A father and son come to the wall to find the name of the grandfather the young boy has been named after.
Where Valor Rests: Arlington National Cemetery by Rick Atkinson- Containing a plethora of stunning photos we’ve come to expect from National Geographic, this book commemoration the 150th Anniversary of the Cemetery is pretty much all you would ever want or need to know about the Arlington National Cemetery.