Veterans Day is a perfect time to help students understand the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. These Veterans Day books for kids in 4th and 5th grade offer meaningful ways to honor those who have served. Sharing these stories helps your students appreciate veterans’ contributions in a way they can easily understand and respect.
Veterans Day Books for 4th & 5th Grade
Introduce students to veterans’ stories through thoughtful read alouds. These Veterans Day books for kids share powerful, engaging stories of veterans and their families. From tales of battlefield bravery to the emotional journeys of military families, these stories help students understand the importance of Veterans Day.
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1. The Worn-Out Flag: A Patriotic Children’s Story of Respect, Honor, Veterans, and the Meaning Behind the American Flag
This touching story follows a boy as he learns about the importance of the American flag and honoring veterans. It’s a beautiful way to teach students about respect and patriotism while recognizing veterans’ sacrifices.
2. Veteran’s Heroes in Our Neighborhood
Veteran’s Heroes in Our Neighborhood is a rhyming book that introduces students to veterans in their own communities. It helps kids see the everyday heroes around them. It encourages appreciation for veterans’ sacrifices and service. This book is a wonderful supplement to a poetry unit while teaching about Veterans Day.
3. Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops
Written by Jill Biden, this book follows a young girl coping with her father’s military deployment. It provides a touching look into military family life and highlights the sacrifices made to protect the country.
4. Crow Call
Lois Lowry’s beautifully illustrated story, based on her own experience. shows a girl reconnecting with her father after his return from World War II. This emotional story helps students understand the feelings involved in reuniting with a parent who served in the military.
5. The Poppy Lady
The Poppy Lady is an inspiring story that tells how Moina Belle Michael started the red poppy tradition to honor veterans. It’s a wonderful way to teach students about the origins of this symbol and its connection to Veterans Day.
6. Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion
Using animals as metaphors, Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion helps children understand the emotions of military families. In this book, a grandpa shares his wartime experiences with his young grandson using animal metaphors to describe bravery and pride. As the grandson imagines the different animals, the mood shifts during a veterans’ parade, where they honor fallen soldiers. This book makes a great supplement to a figurative language unit while incorporating Veterans Day. Although this book is no longer distributed, you can find the read aloud online.
7. The Saluting Marine Presents: Honor
The Saluting Marine Presents: Honor follows a marine who embodies honor and respect, both in and out of uniform. Written by the actual Saluting Marine, it’s an inspiring read that encourages students to apply these values in their own lives. This book is a great way to show support for veterans while teaching students about the importance of honor.
8. Rags Hero Dog of WWI: A True Story
This true story follows Rags, a stray dog found in Paris during World War I. Rags becomes a loyal companion to Private James Donovan, delivering messages and boosting soldiers’ morale. This heartwarming story teaches students about loyalty, bravery, and the sacrifices made by both soldiers and their animal companions. It’s a perfect way to honor veterans and their contributions on Veterans Day.
By sharing these engaging Veterans Day books for kids, you can help your 4th & 5th graders connect with the history and significance of Veterans Day. Use these stories to spark meaningful discussions and deepen their understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
Make sure to check out the other lists of fall read alouds:
Halloween picture books (Oct. 31)
Election Day picture books (First Tuesday in Nov.)
World Kindness Day picture books (Nov. 13)
Thanksgiving picture books (Fourth Thursday in Nov.)
