The Best War Books for Kids
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“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” —G. K. Chesterton
War is a great and terrible topic for anyone, and even more so when introducing it to children. Children of service members are acutely aware of war as their parents face deployments and the family is left behind to make sense of it all. As a military brat, I grew up wondering where my dad was and what he was doing with each extended separation from us. It was the norm in my school and neighborhood for all of us to have a family member away from home, somewhere overseas.
Because war is such a part of our lives and has been throughout the ages, introducing it to children in a sensitive way will help them to understand its impact. Picture books offer a wonderful way for parent and child to spend time together and open the door to conversation. Allow your child time to process these big thoughts, ask questions, and offer reassurance.
If you have any suggestions to add to my list, please share them with me in the comments.
Our favorite war books for kids
- Almost Invisible – Black Patriots of the American Revolution
- Francis Marion and the Legend of the Swamp Fox
- Pink and Say
- Civil War Sub: the Mystery of the Hunley (Penguin Young Readers, Level 4)
- Baseball Saved Us
- George vs. George: The American Revolution As Seen from Both Sides
- The Wall (Reading Rainbow Books)
- How I Learned Geography
- The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain (Caldecott Honor Book)
- The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans
- Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond Between a Soldier and His Service Dog
- Archie’s War
- War Game: Village Green to No-Man’s-Land
- The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War II
- War and Peas
- The Big Book for Peace
- How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story
- Drummer Hoff
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Shakespeare Books for Kids from Learning Table
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Wow! That Chesterton quote . . .!
<3
You have so many of my favorites listed here!
I’m so happy to hear that! Happy fall!
I would love to see some recommendations for older kids. My son loves war/military books. He’s 13.
Thank you, Chelle! I will be happy to create a list for you! I have some good ones for older/middle readers.