Are you looking for a way to help your students appreciate the importance of Veterans Day? Books are a great way to do this, and here are 4 books for Veterans Day that are sure to engage your students and expose them to the sacrifices our soldiers make to keep our country safe. They celebrate their courage, selflessness, and sacrifice.
The Wall by Eve Bunting
The Wall tells the story of a young boy who visits the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., with his father.
It explores the emotional impact of the Vietnam War on the boy’s family as they search for the name of the boy’s grandfather, who died in the war.
The Wall helps students understand what it means to honor someone and the different ways we do that, especially when it comes to soldiers.
You can see a literacy unit for this book (with both printable and digital activities) here.
America’s White Table by Margot Theis Raven
America’s White Table introduces students to how we can remember and honor soldiers who are missing in action or taken prisoner during a war.
Learn the meaning behind each item on the table as a young girl learns about the significance of the white table from her Aunt Evelyn, who is a military nurse.
This story reminds students about the sacrifices made by soldiers and the importance of remembering and honoring those who have not returned home.
You can see a literacy unit for this book (with both printable and digital activities) here.
Tuesday Takes Me There by Luis Carlos Montalvan
Tuesday Takes Me There is a story recounting the real-life experiences of Montalvan with his service dog, Tuesday.
This story helps educate students about the importance of service dogs and the bond between humans and animals as well as some of the struggles soldiers face when they return from combat.
Students will see how Tuesday helps Luis as he embarks on a trip through the city. The trip is difficult for Luis, but with Tuesday by his side, he is able to overcome his disabilities.
Finally, students will learn what service animals do, how to approach them, and why many soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
You can see a literacy unit for this book (with both printable and digital activities) here.
Max: Best Friend, Hero, Marine by Jennifer Shotz
Max is a highly trained military dog who has served in Afghanistan. But when he loses his handler and best friend, Kyle, Max is traumatized and unable to remain in the service.
Max is returned to Kyle’s family although the military fears he could be a danger. Kyle’s brother, Justin, wants no part of Max at first. He, himself, is dealing with the tragic loss of his brother. But the two find a way to help each other heal and move on, while still honoring Kyle’s memory.
Again, the theme of sacrifice is key in this story. It also introduces the idea that not all soldiers are people. Military dogs play a critical role in combat situations and form fiercely loyal bonds with the soldiers they work with.
You can see a novel unit for this book (33 different activities and chapter questions) here.
Download a free book on Military Working Dogs to share with your students. Click the button below.
A Summary of Books for Veterans Day
- The Wall
- Good for all readers
- How to honor veterans
- America’s White Table
- Good for all readers
- How we honor missing soldiers
- Tuesday Takes Me There
- Good for all readers
- Importance of service animals and post-traumatic stress syndrome
- Max: Best Friend, Hero, Marine
- Good for later elementary and older students
- Focus on the jobs military dogs have and their bond to their owners
I have literacy and novel units available for all of these books for Veterans Day. They were all created specifically for students in a special education setting. They come with activities that will engage and enhance your students’ learning of Veterans Day. Click the images below to see what is included.
