On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, an armistice was signed to end the Great War (later known as WWI). Originally recognized as Armistice Day, the holiday became Veterans Day in 1954 to honor American veterans of all wars. This day of remembrance is celebrated on November 11, in keeping with that momentous date back in 1918. This year, why not recognize Veterans Day by reading about its traditions as well as those who have served?
Picture Books
Missing Momma
by Winsome Bingham
When a young girl’s veteran mother returns home a changed person, her daughter seeks to ease her parent’s melancholy and recapture the joy they once shared.
The Poppy Lady : Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans
by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
The story of a schoolteacher from Georgia who successfully established the poppy as an international symbol of support for veterans.
Beginning Readers
Veterans Day
by Mari C. Schuh
Search-and-find vocabulary about Veterans Day for early readers.
Veterans Day
by Jacqueline S. Cotton
The history of the holiday as well as suggestions on how to celebrate it.
Juvenile Chapter Books and Graphic Novels
The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA
by Brenda Woods
Gabriel, twelve, gains new perspective when he becomes friends with a Black World War II hero who has recently returned to the Jim Crow South.
Born to Draw Comics : the Story of Charles Schulz and the Creation of Peanuts
by Ginger Wadsworth
Many famous figures from all walks of life have served in our nation’s military.This is the story of comic strip creator Charles Schulz, who served in the military before launching his career that gave the world Snoopy and the gang.
Adult
Presidents at War: How World War II Shaped a Generation of Presidents
by Steven M. Gillon
The majority of U.S. presidents since WWII have been veterans. Read how their experiences in the military shaped their world views while in office.
The Black Echo
by Michael Connelly
The first novel in the Harry Bosch series, introducing the famous LAPD homicide detective and Vietnam War veteran.
Warrior to Civilian : the Field Manual for the Hero’s Journey
by Robert Sarver
A how-to guide for those newly discharged – from the practical, like finding a job, to the more challenging, like finding a new purpose in life.
Walk in My combat Boots : True Stories from America’s Bravest Warriors
by James Patterson
Women and men recount their stories of military service – and what came after – to best-selling author James Patterson.
By April Barron