Books About Military Families

The Best Military Families Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Military & War Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about military families? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Military Families

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Max

By Jennifer Li Shotz

A boy and a military dog uncover the truth behind a soldier's death.

256 pages· 48,262 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,757 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: After his brother's death in Afghanistan, Justin inherits Max, a traumatized military dog. Reluctantly, Justin bonds with Max, and together they delve into the mystery of his brother's fate. As they face unexpected dangers, they forge a powerful friendship. Can they uncover the truth and heal from their shared loss?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2006

H is for Honor

By Devin Scillian, Victor Juhasz (Illustrator)

Explore the sacrifices and honor of military families through the eyes of their children.

40 pages· 4,485 words· Est. 35 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 160 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Discover the world of military families through the eyes of children. From the toughness of drill sergeants to the significance of the Army/Navy game, this book reveals the courage and commitment behind the uniforms. Learn why letters from home matter, the challenges of frequent moves, and life on base. With insights into Special Forces and the essence of patriotism, this story resonates with those connected to the Armed Forces, offering a heartfelt glimpse into their unique experiences.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Night Catch

By Brenda Ehrmantraut, Vicki Wehrman (Illustrator)

A soldier and his son play catch across the world using the North Star.

32 pages· 432 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.5/5 Goodreads · 140 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Separated by distance, a soldier and his son find a unique way to stay connected. Each night, they play a magical game of catch using the North Star as their guide. As they toss their love across the sky, they hold onto hope for a future reunion. This heartwarming tale explores the bonds of family and the power of imagination, leaving readers to wonder how far love can truly reach. Will their nightly ritual be enough to bridge the miles between them?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Wild Life

By Cynthia Defelice

A boy and his dog face the wild, uncovering family secrets and survival truths.

208 pages· 33,944 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,986 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Erik's world shifts when his parents are deployed, sending him to unfamiliar grandparents in North Dakota. Defying his grandfather's orders, Erik flees into the prairie with Quill, a dog he rescued. Armed with a shotgun and determination, Erik embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery. As he navigates the wilderness, he confronts the harsh realities of living off the land and unravels hidden family secrets. Will Erik find the strength to endure the wild and the courage to face what he left behind?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez

By Adrianna Cuevas

A boy must stop a witch stealing animal powers during an eclipse.

282 pages· 45,716 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,038 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Nestor Lopez, a Cuban American boy with a secret ability to talk to animals, faces a mysterious threat in his new town. As animals vanish and his grandmother is blamed, Nestor discovers a witch, the tule vieja, is behind it all, seeking to absorb animal powers during an impending solar eclipse. With time running out, Nestor must harness his unique gift and rally his friends to stop the witch and protect his new home. Can he save the town and finally find a place to belong?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Pay Attention, Carter Jones

By Gary D. Schmidt

A boy's life changes with the arrival of an unexpected butler.

240 pages· 43,763 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,141 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Carter Jones's world is turned upside down when a proper English butler arrives at his doorstep. As Carter navigates middle school and family struggles, the butler's presence challenges him to confront hidden grief and anger. Can Carter learn to share his burdens and find healing? This humorous and heartfelt tale explores the power of unexpected friendships and the secrets we carry.

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Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Forever Home

By Jenna Ayoub

A girl battles ghosts to make a haunted house her home.

176 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 752 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Willow's life of constant moving with her military parents takes a twist at Hadleigh House, a place haunted by ghosts determined to keep it to themselves. As she faces these spectral residents, Willow must convince her parents that this eerie house is their true home. Can she find friendship and belonging amidst the supernatural? Discover if Willow can turn a haunted house into a haven.

Sale price

$999

Chapter Book · 2013

The Saturday Boy

By David Fleming

A boy clings to letters from his deployed father, seeking solace and hope.

261 pages· 51,445 words

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,030 ratings

Paperback

Summary: Eleven-year-old Derek faces daily challenges: a bullying ex-best friend at school and his father's absence as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. At home, his mother's moodiness adds to the turmoil. Derek finds comfort in his father's letters, each one a lifeline offering strength and guidance. But as he navigates these struggles, Derek yearns for the one message he hasn't received yet: the promise of his father's return. Will these letters be enough to help him overcome his fears and uncertainties, or will they only deepen his longing for his dad?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Places We Sleep

By Caroline Brooks DuBois

A girl faces upheaval as her family and country are torn apart by war.

272 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 524 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In September 2001, Abbey, a twelve-year-old Army kid, struggles to find stability in Tennessee. As she finally makes a friend, the world shifts with the events of September 11. With her father preparing for duty and her mother grieving, Abbey must navigate a new reality. Can she find her place amidst chaos and change? This poignant novel in verse captures a young girl's journey through personal and national turmoil, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the military family experience during a pivotal moment in history.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2013

If I Ever Get Out of Here

By Eric Gansworth

A boy hides his poverty from a new friend while facing a bully's wrath.

American Indian Youth Literature Honor (2014)

368 pages· 99,668 words· Est. 9 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 3,546 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1975, Lewis Blake navigates life on the Tuscarora reservation, where music is his escape. When George, a newcomer, befriends him, Lewis hides his family's poverty, fearing judgment. Meanwhile, he faces relentless bullying from Evan, who seems unstoppable. As Lewis juggles friendship and secrecy, he wonders if George will stand by him once the truth is revealed. Can music and friendship overcome the barriers of prejudice and poverty?

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