Read Memorial Day Children’s Books to Teach Your Child

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Books are so magical. They open our eyes to the world and to knowledge, and, at least for me, inspire and motivate. Introducing new topics, especially topics as profound as Memorial Day, can be daunting to most of us. For me, the best place to start is the library.

I research and seek out books written for the appropriate age range. Once I pile up the books and review them (along with my son), the road is seemingly endless with add on activities. Topics like Memorial Day never get old; the books and the activities evolve as your child moves into new stages in his childhood.

Even with the parades and BBQs, Memorial Day can be one of those heavy topics. How do we teach our children about Memorial Day, about honoring those people who lost their lives serving our country?

My grandparents were Veterans so my understanding and learning of what that meant to them and subsequently to my family was almost innate. We visited cemeteries, talked about the wars, had BBQs and involved ourselves in the annual parade.

My grandfather was buried with a traditional folding of the American Flag. Our first big family trip (and my first trip on an airplane) was to Washington D.C. when I was 8 years old. I recall defining moments on that trip. I can still feel the emotion. My grandparents were a big part of my life and so I “got it” early on.

I struggle with my boys. This generation of children is even more separated from the meaning of the holiday. How do I explain the significance behind this important holiday amidst the business of parades and BBQs? Where do we begin? Yes, you got it, I began with books.

There aren’t many books dedicated to this topic but I found two with which I fell in love. So, I am using the introduce this important holiday, Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Children’s Books

Here are ten Memorial Day books for kids that offer a variety of perspectives and stories about the holiday and its significance:

1. “The Wall” by Eve Bunting – This poignant story follows a boy and his father as they visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., searching for the boy’s grandfather’s name.
2. “Memorial Day Surprise” by Theresa Golding – This book captures the excitement of a young boy named Marco as he participates in a Memorial Day parade and learns about its importance.
3. “The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans” by Barbara E. Walsh – A beautifully illustrated biography of Moina Belle Michael, who originated the tradition of wearing red poppies to honor veterans.
4. “Rolling Thunder” by Kate Messner – This book follows a boy and his grandfather as they participate in the annual Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom in Washington, D.C.
5. “Memorial Day” by Emma Carlson Berne – Part of the “First Step Nonfiction – American Holidays” series, this book provides a simple and informative introduction to Memorial Day for young readers.
6. “H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet” by Devin Scillian – An alphabet book that introduces children to various aspects of military life and the importance of honoring those who serve.
7. “The Impossible Patriotism Project” by Linda Skeers – This story focuses on a school project where a boy named Caleb learns about patriotism and what it means to honor his father, who is a soldier.
8. “My Red Balloon” by Eve Bunting – A touching story about a young boy waiting for his father to return from military service and the special red balloon he brings to the welcome home ceremony.
9. “America’s White Table” by Margot Theis Raven – This book tells the story of the small table set in honor of America’s military members who have not returned home.
10. “Memorial Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays)” by Jacqueline S. Cotton – This is a great beginner’s book that introduces young readers to the history and customs of Memorial Day.

These books provide a mix of historical context, personal stories, and patriotic themes to help children understand and appreciate Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Surprise

Appropriate for age 4 and up, this book is adorable and gets the point across to kids. A mom tells her young son, who sweetly mistakenly yet very fittingly calls the holiday “Memory Day” that she has a surprise for him. After a number of would be surprises he finally receives his true surprise, seeing his grandfather, a veteran, in the parade.

I liked this book because of the message conveyed is one of gratitude, appreciation, and respect. Plus the illustrations are cheerful and energetic. The main character was clearly extremely proud of his grandfather, an emotion to which I can relate very well. A perfect book to introduce this topic.

The Wall by Eve Bunting

We are huge fans of Eve Bunting. This book is aimed at children 4 years old and older. A boy along with his father goes to visit the Vietnam Veterans wall to locate his grandfather’s name.

The illustrations are soothing and match the mood – quiet and somber – conveyed within this book. Emotions that may be too subtle on which the youngest of children to consciously pick up, adults will certainly feel them and work the emotions into story time.

Thank you for choosing to read this post today.

Marnie