Memorial Day Books for Children

Memorial Day honors soldiers who fought and died for the United States. On this day, communities gather to remember soldiers’ sacrifices and celebrate the beginning of summer.

Sing along as you explore Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme! Includes online music access.

A portion of the book’s proceeds will support the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the U.S. military.

Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts, primary documents, and Moina’s great-nieces to better understand Moina’s determination to honor the war veterans.

When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act.

Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers.

And she devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever. 

June 14 is Flag Day, but with so many American flags proudly displayed, every day seems like Flag Day.

Perfect for reading together with a young child, F Is for Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family.

A young boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd CooperToday is a special day.

A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. 

On the last Monday of May, when spring flowers are in bloom and summer is just around the corner, we pause to remember all the brave men and women in our Armed Forces who died while protecting our country, our freedoms, and us.

With every step, the Tomb Guards pay homage to America’s fallen. Discover their story, and that of the unknown soldiers they honor, through resonant words and illustrations.

Exactly how the unnamed men came to be entombed at Arlington, and exactly how their fellow soldiers have come to keep vigil over them, is a sobering and powerful tale, told by Jeff Gottesfeld and luminously illustrated by Matt Tavares—a tale that honors the soldiers who honor the fallen.

It’s Memorial Day and Marco and Mama are going to see the parade.

On their way, they pass Marco’s grandfather’s house.

As the parade goes by, Marco wishes his grandfather were with him to enjoy it.

Then, marching down the street, come the veterans, wearing uniforms and shiny medals.

But look! Who is that leading them? Marco never imagined the kind of surprise in store for him.

The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty.

Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit. 

"It was just a little white table... but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it and she told us why it was so important."

Children are taught to respect the symbols of America from their first day of school.

Memorial Day provides teachers an easy-to-read picture book explaining the creation, history, and meaning of the holiday that honors our nation's soldiers.