Honoring Our Young Heroes: Books for the Month of the Military Child

I love sharing book titles on various themes—you may have noticed from some of my previous blog posts. 

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Inspiring Children’s Books About Trailblazing Women – ALSC Blog

Back to School, Picture Book Style – ALSC Blog

Hello!  My Name is… – ALSC Blog

Then I learned that April is the ”Month of the Military Child.”  Military families sacrifice so much for our safety and security, and there seems to be an uptick of books to support the children who are separated from their loved ones…especially their moms.  Below is a smattering of titles that can support these families. 

At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorrell, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre Okay, this one is a few years old, and historical, but highlights little known history.  It focuses on a Cherokee family, who live at the base of a mountain, awaiting the return of a loved one who was a pilot in World War II.  A female pilot, based on real women.

Camouflage mom: a story about staying connected by Sarah Havorka, illustrated by Elif Balta Parks Sarah is reunited with her mom after two months of boot camp, but she feels more than a physical separation.  Watching the graduation ceremony, Sarah struggles to recognize a mom who is marching, starting straight ahead, and more.  The story is based on the author’s own reconnecting with her mom after military service.  The back matter includes tips on how to help achieve a successful reunion.

Missing Momma by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell This book gives a kid’s-eye-view of PTSD.  Momma comes home from her deployment and, some days, can’t get out of bed, or has an unexpected outburst.  The color palette of the illustrations differentiates between Momma’s good and bad days, and the text ensures children know a parent’s difficulties are not their fault, and that time may be healing.  An author note connects the story to personal experience. 

Project Mercury by Ronald L. Smith  Okay, this one is different.  It’s a middle grade book, and it’s largely for fun…but moving to new and interesting places can also be part of the life of a military child.  Army brat Ike’s mom is newly stationed near Area 51, and frenemy Eesha’s family is moving there too.  Can the two former buddies work together to uncover the mysterious goings on at Project Mercury…and does it have to do with aliens? 

What other titles might you recommend for a military family? 

This post addresses the core competencies of IV. Knowledge, Curation, and Management of Materials and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development.  

The post Honoring Our Young Heroes: Books for the Month of the Military Child appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 I love sharing book titles on various themes—you may have noticed from some of my previous blog posts.  Celebrating Women’s History Month: Inspiring Children’s Books About Trailblazing Women – ALSC Blog Back to School, Picture Book Style – ALSC Blog Hello!  My Name is… – ALSC Blog Then I learned that April is the ”Month of the Military Child.”  Military families sacrifice so much for our safety and security, and there seems to be an uptick of books to support the children who are separated from their loved ones…especially their moms.  Below is a smattering of titles that can support these families.  At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorrell, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre Okay, this one is a few years old, and historical, but highlights little known history.  It focuses on a Cherokee family, who live at the base of a mountain, awaiting the return of a loved one who…
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