As April is the Month of the Military Child, I thought it would be a great time to highlight children’s books about military life, and to hopefully learn about other outstanding titles! According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, there are approximately 2 million children living in military families; 1.3 of them are school-aged. Whether or not you live in a community with many military families, these books will both entertain and inspire children in military and civilian families:
(image taken from Daphne Benedis-Grab’s website)
I’ve not yet read Army Brats, but its enthusiastically positive reviews have moved it to the top of my list. Not only does this feature a military family living on base, but it also includes an enlisted mother and a child adopted from China. A mystery about a rumored haunted house will definitely entice mystery and detective stories fans!
Brave Like Me
Brave Like Me is a heartfelt and eye-opening tribute to the concerns, fears, and joys faced by children of deployed parents. National Geographic’s stirring photos, featuring a diverse array of families, poignantly capture hellos, goodbyes, and life lived in between those moments. Barbara Kerley creates an intimate look at how military families cope when a loved one is deployed; this is not to be missed!
Other books to consider:
Piper Reed, Navy Brat by Kimberly Willis Holt: This opening entry in the steadily popular Piper Reed chapter book series finds Piper Reed adjusting to a new school and neighborhood after her family is yet again transferred, this time to a home in Pensacola. Fans of Clementine would definitely enjoy this series!
Poems in the Attic by Nikki Grimes: Perfect for National Poetry Month! When a young girl discovers a bundle of letters written by her mother, she gains new insight into her mother’s life as the daughter of an Air Force serviceperson, and her experiences living in far-flung regions of the world.
Do you have any suggestions for books that feature children living in military families? Let us know in the comments!