Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month With Fiction and Nonfiction Picks for Kids

Updated March 26, 2026
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Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month With Fiction and Nonfiction Picks for Kids

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Double Crossed: The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day
Barone, Rebecca E F
Paper Book
A thrilling WWII middle-grade narrative nonfiction account of Operation Bodyguard, in which the Allied forces used spies and double agents to deceive the Nazis about their true plans for D-Day. "Throws you right into the action--real spies playing for the highest possible...
Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence
Gorsuch, Neil
Paper Book
From Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and bestselling author Janie Nitze! Explore the courage and sacrifice of some of the heroes of the American Revolution and the stories behind the document that started it all--The Declaration of Independence. In the spring of 1776, the streets...
Military horses
Sandler, Michael
Paper Book
In Military Horses, children will travel through time and around the world as they learn about horses used in wartime. Rich narrative text details the great, muscular horses that carried knights in shining armor in medieval Europe, and the lightning-quick Arabians horses that carried Tamerlane to...
Military Weapons Encyclopedia
Ringstad, Arnold
Paper Book
From rifles to ballistic missiles, weapons provide the US military with the firepower it needs to accomplish its many missions around the globe. This title examines a wide variety of these weapons, exploring how they work and how they are used. Features include a glossary, additional resources, and...
The military vehicles encyclopedia
Ringstad, Arnold
Paper Book
From fighter jets to cargo trucks, vehicles help the US military accomplish its many missions around the globe. This title examines a wide variety of these vehicles, exploring how they work and how they are used. Features include a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core...
Indigenous Peoples and Military Service
Bruegl, Heather
Paper Book
Today, Indigenous Americans serve in the armed forces at a greater percentage than any other ethnicity. The contributions and heroism of Indigenous military personnel have aided the United States in every major conflict for the last 200 years. Readers are invited to celebrate the excellence and...
6888th Battalion and military achievement
Wing, Kelisa
Paper Book
Black people have fought in every war the United States has been in, even when they weren't able to officially serve. Readers will discover the bravery and achievements of Black soldiers and units--including the storied 6888th battalion of tenacious Black women. The Racial Justice in America:...
It Takes a Family to Serve: A Tribute to Military Families
Wheeler, Lisa
Paper Book
Celebrate military families and all they do when their loved ones are away on duty in this lyrical and timeless tale. Whether in the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army or Marines, the brave people serving the country also have family serving in important ways back home. With...
We also served : true stories of brave animals in the military & other heroic tales
McGill, Erin
Paper Book
Discover the incredible true stories of military animals! From hero dogs, to fearless horses, and even courageous birds, animals are the unsung heroes of war. We Also Served tells the inspiring stories of the amazing bravery and loyalty displayed by animals throughout history and their vital...
Bombers
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of bombers. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index, and...
Tanks
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of tanks. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index, and a...
Helicopters
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of helicopters. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index,...
Armed Forces Encyclopedia
Gagne, Tammy
Paper Book
Together, the branches of the US military defend the nation at sea, in the air, and on land. This title explores the history of each military branch, how it has evolved over time, and what its role is today. Features include a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core...
Submarines
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of submarines. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index,...
Aircraft Carriers
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of aircraft carriers. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an...
Drones
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of drones. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index, and...
Ships
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of ships. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index, and a...
Fighter jets
Marlin, Charles
Paper Book
This book describes the history, features, and uses of fighter jets. Short paragraphs of easy-to-read text are paired with plenty of colorful photos to make reading engaging and accessible. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index...
The United States v. Jackie Robinson
Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta
Paper Book
A moving and inspiring nonfiction picture book about Jackie Robinson's court martial trial--an important lesser-known moment in his lifetime of fighting prejudice with strength and grace. Students who have been introduced to this American hero from such books as Brad Meltzer's I Am Jackie...
Bittersweet: Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy Bombers
Mandin, Christy
Paper Book
Soar into the tender true story of how one airman inspired a movement by airdropping little parachutes of candy to kids trapped in occupied Berlin in this nonfiction picture book ode to everyday acts of kindness. How far can a small kindness reach? How much of a difference can...
Don't forget, God bless our troops
Biden, Jill.
Paper Book
Inspired by her own granddaughter Natalie, wife of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden tells a story through a child's eyes of what family life is like when a parent is at war across the world. When her father leaves for a year of being at war, Natalie knows that she...
Fold your own origami army
Bolitho, Mark.
Paper Book
The Army is the largest and most recognizable branch of the US Armed Forces. This book uses origami, the traditional art of Japanese paper folding, to take a closer look at the features of the Army's iconic vehicles and gear. Illustrated step-by-step instructions will introduce students to the basic...
Brave like me
Kerley, Barbara.
Paper Book
When someone is serving our country, far from home, everyone in their family has to be brave. Including -- and sometimes especially -- the kids. This book speaks to all kids in this situation in telling the story of a boy and a girl with parents away on duty. It captures the children's worries,...
Sometimes Love
Moore, Katrina
Paper Book
A tender, poetic picture book about a military family experiencing happiness, heartache, and learning to grow through change "Changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow." When her mother is deployed overseas, a young girl is temporarily...
Sofia's Veterans Day Project
Miller, Lucie
Paper Book
Sofia honors her military family by making cards to thank them for their service. Leveled text and colorful illustrations help readers learn how to celebrate this honorable day. Pairs with the nonfiction title Celebrating Veterans Day.
Max : best friend. hero. marine.
Shotz, Jennifer Li
Paper Book
The New York Times bestselling movie novelization--a powerful story about a special dog and what it means to be a hero that more and more readers have discovered When Justin's older brother, Kyle, is killed in Afghanistan, Justin can't believe that his brother is really gone. Except...
Kaho?olawe : the true story of an island and her people
Hurley, Kamalani
Paper Book
Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature Pasifika Picture Book Winner A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection School Library Journal Best Books 2025 New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2025 Orbis Pictus Recommended Reading List Center for the...
The good son : a story from the First World War, told in miniature
Ober, Pierre-Jacques
Paper Book
A young WWI soldier's unauthorized visit home has dire consequences in a haunting story reimagined in miniature tableaux. About one hundred years ago, the whole world went to war. The war was supposed to last months. It lasted years. It is...
The Civil War of Amos Abernathy
Leali, Michael
Paper Book
An ALA Rainbow Book List Top 10 Selection * Golden Kite Award Winner * New York Public Library Best Books for Kids * ALA Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth * Jane Addams Award finalist * Lambda Literary Award Finalist A heartfelt debut novel about a boy's attempt to find himself in the...
The civil war of Amos Abernathy
Leali, Michael
Stand-alone player
A heartfelt part-epistolary middle grade debut about one boys attempt to find himself in the history he loves--perfect for fans of Alex Gino and Julie Murphy.Amos Abernathy has been a historical reenactor nearly all his life. But when a cute new volunteer arrives at his Living History Park, Amos...
Yankee doodle gals : women pilots of World War II
Nathan, Amy.
Paper Book
Here is a new UPDATED version of this popular book that tells the fascinating story of the first women to fly U.S. military aircraft-the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II. First published a dozen years ago,Yankee Doodle Galshas now been updated to add new photos and text...
The Enigma girls : how ten teenagers broke ciphers, kept secrets, and helped win World War II
Fleming, Candace
Paper Book
A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book. With numerous starred reviews and accolades, from award-winning author Candace Fleming, comes the powerful and fascinating story of the brave and dedicated young women who helped turn the tides of World War II for the Allies, with their hard work and...
The Six Triple Eight: A True Story of the Black Woman Battalion of World War II
Abari, Tonya
Paper Book
A powerful and vibrantly illustrated account of the resilience and dedication of the unsung Black heroines who played a major role in World War II. Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, and Tyler Perry's blockbuster film The Six Triple Eight. ...
Celebrate Veterans Day
Ferguson, Melissa
Paper Book
Veterans Day is a time to honor all those who have served in the United States military. Readers will learn about the history of this important holiday and how it continues to celebrate those who are willing to risk their lives to protect our freedom.
The red tails : World War II's Tuskegee airmen
Jones, Steven L.
Paper Book
In 1941, an experimental training plan for black aviators began in Tuskegee, Alabama. These men became some of the best pilots to serve in Army Air Corps.
Soul lanterns
Kuzki, Shaw
Paper Book
The haunting and poignant story of a how a young Japanese girl's understanding of the historic and tragic bombing of Hiroshima is transformed by a memorial lantern-floating ceremony. Twelve-year-old Nozomi lives in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. She wasn't even born when the...
Village of scoundrels : based on a true story of courage during WWII
Preus, Margi
Paper Book
Newbery Honor recipient Margi Preus tells the incredible true story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII Based on the true story of the French villagers in WWII who saved thousands of Jews, this novel tells how a group of young teenagers stood up for what is right. Among...
War and Millie McGonigle
Cushman, Karen
Paper Book
The Newbery Award-winning author of Catherine, Called Birdy and The Midwife's Apprentice tells a heartfelt and humorous story of WWII on the homefront. Millie McGonigle lives in sunny California, where her days are filled with beach and surf. It should be perfect-...
I am Osage : how Clarence Tinker became the first Native American major general
Rogers, Kim
Paper Book
This informative and inspiring picture book by acclaimed author Kim Rogers (Wichita), with striking artwork by debut illustrator Bobby Von Martin (Choctaw), celebrates the achievements of Clarence Tinker, a member of the Osage Nation who became the first Native American major general. ...
Infinite hope : a Black artist's journey from World War II to peace
Bryan, Ashley
Paper Book
Recipient of a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award Recipient of a Bologna Ragazzi Non-Fiction Special Mention Honor Award A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 From celebrated author and illustrator Ashley Bryan comes a deeply...
How the Ghost Army hoodwinked Hitler : the story of American artistry and deception in World War II
Siegel, Rebecca
Paper Book
The unbelievable true story of the American soldiers who used inflatable tanks and fake radio broadcasts as weapons in World War II. Right around D-Day of World War II, a small, unarmed American army unit deployed to Nazi-occupied France. Instead of artillery, this unit fought...
They saved the stallions
Hopkinson, Deborah
Paper Book
Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson deftly brings to life the thrilling true story of the desperate fight to save the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna and its beloved Lipizzaner horses during World War II, perfect for fans of I Survived! In the closing months of World War II...
Facing the mountain : a true story of Japanese American heroes in World War II
Brown, Daniel James
Paper Book
Adapted for young readers from the New York Times bestseller by Daniel James Brown, Facing the Mountain is the remarkable true story of three brave Japanese American soldiers who fought for the United States during World War II while facing discrimination at home. Perfect for...
Swimming with Spies
Lucyk-Berger, Chrystyna
Paper Book
As war escalates between the Russians and Ukrainians in the port city of Sevastopol, can one girl and a pod of dolphins prove that communication is the greatest weapon of all? It's February of 2014 in the seaport city of Sevastopol in Crimea. Sofiya Oleksandrivna only wants two...
Chester Nez and the unbreakable code : a Navajo code talker's story
Bruchac, Joseph
Paper Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection April 2018 2018 Cybils Award Finalist, Elementary Non-Fiction BRLA 2018 Southwest Book Award 2019 Southwest Books of the Year: Kid Pick 2020 Grand Canyon Award, Nonfiction Nominee 2020-2021...
Fighter in the woods : the true story of a Jewish girl who joined the partisans in World War II
Greene, Joshua
Paper Book
From award-winning author Joshua M. Greene (The Girl Who Fought Back; Signs of Survival) comes this remarkable true story of a Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied Poland who escaped near death to join -- and fight -- with the Soviet partisans in the woods. For Celia, life is...
The American Revolution
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth behind the Revolutionary War with beloved educator/author Kate Messner. The fun mix of sidebars, illustrations, photos, and graphic panels make this perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. On...
Valiant
Chapman, Gary.
DVD
The story of Valiant, a tiny carrier pigeon who works his way into the Royal Air Force during World War II. Against the odds and an evil German falcon, Valiant is called upon for a very important assignment.
Courage has no color : the true story of the Triple Nickles : America's first Black paratroopers
Stone, Tanya Lee.
Paper Book
They became America's first black paratroopers. Why was their story never told? Sibert Medalist Tanya Lee Stone reveals the history of the Triple Nickles during World War II. World War II is raging, and thousands of American soldiers are fighting overseas against the injustices...
Spying on spies : how Elizebeth Smith Friedman broke the Nazis' secret codes
Moss, Marissa
Paper Book
Bestselling and award-winning author-illustrator Marissa Moss tells the gripping story of America's first female cryptanalyst, Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who busted Nazi spy rings. Praised for her accessible blend of narrative nonfiction with graphic novel-style...
Who were the Navajo code talkers?
Buckley, James, Jr.
Paper Book
Learn how this heroic group of American Indian men created a secret, unbreakable code and helped the US win major battles during World War II in this new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series. By the time the United States joined the Second World War in 1941...
Allies
Gratz, Alan
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller!Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee, weaves a stunning array of voices and stories into an epic tale of teamwork in the face of tyranny -- and how just one day can change the world.June 6, 1944: The Nazis are terrorizing Europe, on their evil quest to...
Unlawful orders : a portrait of Dr. James B. Williams, Tuskegee airman, surgeon, and activist
Binns, Barbara
Paper Book
Barbara Binns presents the inspiring story of one man in his struggle for racial equality in the field of battle and the field of medicine. Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle...
Red Cloud : a Lakota story of war and surrender
Nelson, S. D.
Paper Book
The award-winning author and illustrator of Black Elk's Vision and Sitting Bull continues his picture-book biography series with Red Cloud, the story of one of the most controversial leaders in Native American history. A leader among the Lakota during the 1860s, Chief Red Cloud...
My Dad is in the Army
Kohl, Peter
Paper Book
Enter the world of the U.S. Army with this title, which gives readers an up-close-and-personal look at what it's like to have a family member in the military. Through the eyes of a child whose dad is in the U.S. Army, this text explores the army's history, modern tools and technology, and career...
Missing Momma
Bingham, Winsome
Paper Book
A tender picture book about a veteran's PTSD and a family's love for each other--on good days and hard days--from award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and Rahele Jomepour Bell Momma wears combat boots, a camouflage jacket, and a U.S. ARMY tag on her chest. She is a fighter...
That's What Heroes Do
Kinzinger, Adam
Paper Book
Who is a hero? From first responders and soldiers to teachers and friends, discover what makes a real-life hero in this story from Adam Kinzinger, veteran and former congressman. Take to the skies with a boy and his pilot dad as they visit sites across the United States in search of heroes. As...
Honor Flight: Celebrating America's Veterans
Gottesfeld, Jeff
Paper Book
"A solemn and respectful reminder to younger readers of what was paid and what is owed." --School Library Journal (starred review) The team behind Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier join forces to create a touching companion...
War stories
Korman, Gordon
Paper Book
A story of telling truth from lies - and finding out what being a hero really means. There are two things Trevor loves more than anything else: playing war-based video games and his great-grandfather Jacob, who is a true-blue, bona fide war hero. At the height of the war, Jacob helped...
The true history of Lyndie B. Hawkins
Shepherd, Gail
CD
A one-of-a-kind voice lights up this witty, heartwarming debut set in 1985 Tennessee about the power of homespun wisdom (even when it's wrong), the clash between appearances and secrets, and the barriers to getting help even when it's needed most. Lyndie B. Hawkins loves history, research, and...
Rolling Thunder
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
Award-winning author Kate Messner and acclaimed artist Greg Ruth honor the sacrifices of American veterans and their families in this poetic tribute.Lines of bikes are miles long,shining, half a million strong.Rumbling, grumbling, engines roar.Peace signs. High fives. Spirits soar.Every Memorial Day...
The Poppy Lady : Moina Belle Michael and her tribute to veterans
Walsh, Barbara Elizabeth
Paper Book
Here is the inspiring story behind the Veterans Day red poppy, a symbol that honors the service and sacrifices of our veterans. 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...
A life of service : the story of Senator Tammy Duckworth
Soontornvat, Christina
Paper Book
Thai American creators portray the inspirational and barrier-breaking life of Senator Tammy Duckworth in a picture-book tribute to an extraordinary woman. Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of "firsts" during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to...
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