Top 10 Marvelous Memorial Day Read-Alouds For Kids 

Searching for books to read aloud on Memorial Day? On Memorial Day, we remember those who lost their lives defending our wonderful country. Why should we, especially kids, use a read-aloud to learn about Memorial Day?

No straightforward lecture could ever elicit the same level of thought and emotion as authors can with their words and images. It is easier for kids to comprehend the suffering that our warriors and their families have gone through when a read-aloud depicts the sorrow and enormity of sacrifice. I looked for novels that accurately reflect the sacrifices that our warriors have made while staying age-appropriate. God bless the brave men and women who gave up their hopes and lives to defend the ideals that our country was founded upon.

1. Margot Theis Raven's "America's White Table"

Have you ever heard about America's white remembrance tables? This custom involves setting aside little meal tables just for POWs and MIAs. This table serves as a sign of memory, but no one sits at it: "We push an empty chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here." In this book, a small girl and her family prepare a meal for their Uncle John, a Vietnam War veteran, on Veterans Day, and the custom is explained through a fictional scenario. The white table tradition will be unknown to many children. I think a lot of children would also tell their parents about the white tables when they got home. I heartily suggest this book to everyone who wishes to learn about the sacrifices made by troops (it includes a tale of Uncle John's friend Mike who was taken prisoner) and the lovely symbolic custom of the white table.

2. Kate Messner, "Rolling Thunder"

This heartfelt rhyme book is a wonderful addition to your Memorial Day read-aloud selections. On Memorial Day, a youngster and his grandfather visit Rolling Thunder in Washington, D.C. Along with his grandfather, he rides and observes the camaraderie and regard between the men who choose to ride. They arrive at the Vietnam War Memorial after their ride to pay their respects to those who have passed away. Both those who went back home and those who did not are honored in this book.

3. Barbara E. Walsh's "Poppy Lady"

Until reading this tale, I was unaware of the existence of MoiBelle Moinachael, dubbed the "Poppy Lady." Although I understood that poppies represented Memorial Day, I had no idea why. Moina Belle Michael has turned the poppies into an emblem of remembering. According to the legend, during World War I, Moina Belle Michael worked at a college while all of the men were called away to fight. She discovered after the war that the returning men were not receiving proper treatment or were not regaining their previous occupations, and she felt compelled to assist the men and their families during this difficult period. Moina Belle Michael was able to gather funds for these returning warriors by selling poppies.

This book serves as a helpful reminder that we are always able to take action. It depicts the harsh realities of war that both men and women must deal with, including departing for battle, losing a loved one, receiving assistance from home, and handling returning home.

4. Leah Henderson's"A Day for Rememberin'"

This incredibly emotional tale of what is recognized as the first Memorial Day, which took place on May 1, 1865, is inspired by true events and presented through the eyes of a little child. Eli gets ready in his finest attire, Mama picks mayflowers, Papa tucks in his hat, and the three of them join the masses that line Charleston, South Carolina's streets with wreaths, crosses, and bouquets. Together with a plethora of Black, Brown, and White faces, abolitionists, missionaries, educators, and military officials, they march and sing in memory of all those who lost their lives defending freedom during the American Civil War.

A Day for Rememberin' illuminates the little-known history of this significant event and serves as a sobering reminder to never forget those who risk their lives for their country through upbeat writing and joyful, striking pictures. Floyd Cooper, an award-winning illustrator, created the illustrations for the book. The back matter of the book contains historical pictures in addition to an author's note, timeline, bibliography, and index.

 

5. Margot Theis Raven's "Rags: Hero Dog of World War I: A True Story"

The tale of Rags, a dog that Private James Donovan discovered wandering the streets of Paris, is told in Rags: Hero Dog of WWI: A True Story. Once on the battlefield with Donovan, Rags soon gained the respect of his fellow soldiers. He was assigned to the trenches, where he chased mice, carried vital messages, and cheered up the men. Rags sent the Allies a telegram in October 1918 that was crucial to their victory in the conflict. He was sadly severely hurt, but a compassionate physician assisted in treating his wounds. The narrative of the dog who changed the direction of World War I will captivate students.

6. Devin Scillian's "H is for Honor"

Using the alphabet to teach terms connected to living in a military family, the book H is for Honor delves into the various facets of military life. The book describes how military life influences the behavior of people who are serving at home and how this impacts family dynamics. By doing this, people who serve in the military are made to seem like real people with families and lives outside of the workplace. The visuals help students better grasp the many aspects of the military and the military experience. 

This novel illustrates the experiences of those serving in the military both at work and at home with their families, making it a fantastic choice for students around Memorial Day or Veteran's Day.

7. Eve Bunting's "The Wall"

A little child and his father travel to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in "The Wall." They are trying to find the boy's grandfather's name. The small child notices all of the items that have been left on the wall to honor the names as they stroll along it, including flags, stuffed animals, messages, and roses. He also observes the variety of visitors to the wall, among them a wheelchair-using veteran. 

The youngster and his father alternately rub the grandfather's name on the wall when they eventually discover it. Even the boy's father rubs the boy's name onto paper using a pencil and a piece of paper. The boy's school photo is left in front of the wall. The boy discovers that, although the wall may be depressing, it is a place of honor. The fact that his grandfather's name is on such a significant wall makes him and his father proud. 

8. Jill Biden and Raúl Colón's "Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops"

As a soldier, Natalie's father must deploy to fight overseas in the book Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops. She is going through a difficult moment and can't stop thinking about her father. Natalie finds solace in remembering herself to be brave, even amid her difficult circumstances.

When Natalie's teacher at school displays a picture of soldiers, she is thrilled to see that her father is one of them. Natalie is happy to assist her grandmother in sending hundreds of parcels to the military overseas. Natalie is ecstatic to see her father when he finally returns home! Reading this book will teach students a great deal about the difficulties that many military families experience.

9. Greg Ruth and Kate Messner's "Rolling Thunder"

In the book Rolling Thunder, a small child and his family meet up with his grandfather in Washington, DC, one morning as they ride a train there. The yearly Veteran's Ride for Freedom takes place over Memorial Day Weekend.

The youngster is eager to ride his grandfather's Harley this year, along with millions of other veterans. Grandpa is biking in memory of his Vietnam War comrades Joe and Tom. The child is riding for his pilot uncle, Zach. The youngster meets some of his grandfather's buddies while camping out with the other veterans.

Ride For Freedom is early the following morning. This ride concludes with the Wall, also known as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This memorial honors military personnel who served in Vietnam and lost their lives there, as well as those who are still missing in action. The youngster rubs the name of his Uncle Zack that he notices on the wall. He hears some of the veterans' speeches as well. This book, which tells the story of a unique encounter between a grandfather and his grandson, will appeal to students.

10. Clara Cella's "Memorial Day"

This nonfiction book provides an understanding of Memorial Day for young readers.  This book, with its exquisite photos, is ideal for teaching students the significance of Memorial Day.

Final Thought

Finally, we sincerely hope that this collection of Memorial Day read-alouds was useful to you! These kids' books on Memorial Day will be a hit with your students! They're excellent read-alouds for spring!

If you want to get more activities besides this reading activity to your kids on Memorial Day, then grab our Memorial Day Worksheets.