Top 10 Worthwhile Memorial Day Books For Kids To Read 

In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the final Monday of May as a national holiday in remembrance of the military personnel who have given their lives in defense of their nation. Every Memorial Day weekend, we like to spend some time reading Memorial Day books to our kids and discussing the sacrifices made by military families to ensure our security and freedom.

Our favorite books for teaching our kids about Memorial Day in an age-appropriate manner are these kid-friendly Memorial Day books.

This selection of Memorial Day children's books includes picture books that are ideal for young readers, emergent readers, and preschoolers. These are excellent for constructing a school library, teaching Memorial Day lessons at home, using them in classrooms, or reading aloud to family members to emphasize the significance of the holiday. 

Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding

Marco is going to see the parade with Mama on Memorial Day. They pass Marco's grandfather's home en route. Normally they make time to visit Grandfather, but Mama is rushing today as she promised Marco something special. Marco is at a loss as to what the surprise could be. Is the marching band the culprit? The engines of fire? The candy that a woman dressed like the Statue of Liberty threw to the crowd? It's going to be a better surprise than candy, Mama swears. Marco wishes his grandfather could be here to enjoy the parade with him as it passes. Then, the veterans with their shiny medals and uniforms start to march down the street. But observe! Who is steering them with that? Marco never anticipated the type of surprise in store for him. 

The Impossible Patriotism Project by Linda Skeers

For Parents' Night, Caleb's class is creating patriotic items to showcase. However, Caleb is unable to articulate what patriotism means to him. In addition, his father is unable to attend because he is overseas on military duty. Then, at last, inspiration hits when Caleb begins to consider what his father is doing for the nation. This Memorial Day book is ideal for children aged four to six.

21 Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld

The Tomb Guards honor the fallen heroes of America with each stride. Discover their narrative through poignant words and images, as well as the story of the unidentified heroes they memorialize.

Standing watch at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the sentinel guards commemorate and remember America's fallen soldiers with each step and turn. They ensure that their fellow warriors, who have given their all, are never left alone. The most coveted and challenging position in the army is to stand there, precisely, in whatever weather condition, at any time of day, and without interruption since July 2, 1937, at midnight.

This moving story explains how the unidentified men ended up interred at Arlington and how their fellow soldiers came to watch over them.

Anna & Natalie by Barbara H. Cole

She enters a letter-writing contest because Mrs. Randall is adamant that she will be chosen as one of the four pupils to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. Readers will cry as they experience Anna's moving journey to the unexpected conclusion and see how she copes with her disability.

Suzanne Collins's Year of the Jungle: Memoirs from the Home Front

This incredibly poignant autobiographical Memorial Day picture book tells the story of a daughter who stays behind while her father is called to the Vietnam War.  Suzy, who is young, finds it difficult to comprehend the implications of her father's departure for Vietnam for her and her family. How does the jungle feel?

Is her father going to be okay? When is he coming back? The traditional holidays and the postcards her father sends her quickly become the markers of the passing months. He grows increasingly aloof with each one, to the point where Suzy isn't sure she would even recognize her father anymore.

Remembrance: A Tribute to America's Veterans By Robert Fletcher

The first book to feature military burial scenes and veterans from every American war, Remembrance: A Tribute to America's Veterans features a stunning collection of incredibly accurate pencil and watercolor drawings plus paintings. Remembrance: A Tribute to America's Veterans presents the tale of the 26.2 million veterans living in the country now and all those who came before them with gripping moments from the Revolutionary War to the Afghanistan War. Approximately 50% of all Americans who have ever served in the armed forces are still alive, and approximately 80% of veterans living today have done so at some point in their lives.

Let's Celebrate Memorial Day By Clara Cella

This picture book is an excellent way to teach young readers about American flags, military personnel, and other related topics.  This book is intended for use in schools with young elementary school students.

Hero Mom (Dad) by Bryan Langdo

This book is available in two versions: one for a Hero Mom and one for a Hero Dad.  The small child in this tale calls his father a superhero and details everything he does as part of his duties in the US military.  LOVE this book's artwork!

Postcards from a War by Vanita Oelschlager

Because the youngster in this narrative is having a hard time adjusting to his mother's deployment, his grandfather tells him about his own father's WWII combat experience. The images in this book are from actual postcards the author received from her father in World War II.

F is for Flag

Although we are not always in school on Flag Day (June 14), I usually choose to teach this last book around Memorial Day. It is great for any patriotic celebration. This book, which is ideal for the youngest kids, explains in simple terms the various connotations associated with our flag.

Final Thought

I hope you’ve found one or two books that can support you in teaching your kids about this sacred holiday in your classroom or at home. If you are looking for other activities to go with these books, I have included worksheets, games, and quiz options for you in Memorial Day Worksheets. 

Otherwise, let's explore the Memorial Day Read-Aloud For Kids to bring the most wonderful experience for your youngsters.