Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th every year to celebrate the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918. If you’re looking for some picture books to teach and celebrate Veterans Day, check out this list below.
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1.HERO MOM by Melinda Hardin and illustrated by Bryan Langdo- All moms are heroes, especially these moms who fly helicopters, drive army tanks, and defend our country in the military. Learn more about what these diverse hero moms do in this kid-friendly and beautifully illustrated picture book!
2. VETERANS: HEROES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD– by Valerie Pfundstein and Aaron Anderson- Discover and learn about the heroes in our neighborhood- our veterans! This is a fun, rhyming book that will help young readers learn more about veterans and their work and sacrifice to help protect our country.
3. TWENTY-ONE STEPS by Jeff Gottesfeld and Matt Tavares- At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery are specially trained guards who stand, walk, and keep vigil over the tomb that honors the lives of unnamed soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our nation. In all types of weather and conditions, the well-trained and honorable guards take turns to make sure the tomb is never left alone. This special job is most of the most respected and hardest-to-earn job. Read this beautiful book to learn more about these honorable men and women who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the amazing job that they do.
4. VETERANS DAY by Rebecca Pettiford- This emerging leveled text is filled with facts on the holiday full-color photographs and diagrams, and a glossary to help young readers learn all about Veterans Day. It’s easy to read and will help readers get a better understanding of the importance of celebrating of Veterans Day and how to honor our very special veterans.
5. VETERANS DAY by Meredith Dash- This is great nonfiction book on Veterans Day that shares basic facts that are easy to understand for young readers with real-life photographs and a glossary.
6. WHAT IS VETERANS DAY? by Eliane Landau- This is an easy-to-read nonfiction text that is great for read alouds to help students of Veterans Day and why we celebrate it.
7. TANA COOKS FOR A SPECIAL VETERANS DAY by Stacy Wells and illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama Dos Santos- Tana is excited to celebrate Veterans Day at school by hosting her great uncle Charles, who is also a Vietnam War Veteran, but things may not as planned. When a virus outbreak hits the school, her plans are put in jeopardy and the event may even be canceled. Read to find out what Tana will do next and follow her many other adventures in this adorable TANA COOKS chapter series.
8. THE WALL by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Ronald Himler- In this poignant and beautiful story told by the perspective of a child, a little boy and his father goes to The Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C to find his grandfather’s name. After finding it, they are overcome with sadness as it reminds them of their great loss but also pride for the ultimate sacrifice that their grandfather gave for their freedom and country.
9. THE POPPY LADY by Barbara E. Walsh and Layne Johnson- When Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher in Georgia saw her students and friends go off to World War I, she wanted to do something to remember and honor them. She then used the poppy flower as a symbol to show reverence and respect for the sacrifice that they and many soldiers were making and war veterans. Because of her tireless work and dedication to the cause, the poppy flower is still the symbol people use to honor veterans.
If you need additional Veterans Day teaching ideas and resources, check out the resources below.
