Are you looking for literature to support classroom instruction about Memorial Day? Check out Our Editors’ Choices for titles recommended by the Education World team. Then it's your turn to share books that you enjoy or use in your classroom in the Our Readers’ Voices section below. With your help, we will build the best list on the Web of Best Books for teaching about Memorial Day.
The Wall
by Eve Bunting
A young boy and his dad have traveled all the way to Washington, D.C., to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They have come to find the name of the boy's grandfather, his dad's father. As the father and son look for the grandfather's name, they meet others who are visitng the memorial, including a veteran in a wheelchair and a couple weeping while hugging one another. They see flowers, letters, flags, and a teddy bear that have been left at the wall. When they find the name, they do a rubbing and leave a school photograph of the boy on the ground below his grandfather's name. When the boy says, "It's sad here," his father explains, "It's a place of honor."
Memorial Day Surprise
by Theresa Golding, Alexandra Artigas
A Mom tells her son that there is a "big surprise" at the Memorial Day Celebration. As the boy watches the parade, he asks if each part of the parade is the "surprise" -- from the marching band to waving flags, from children riding their bikes with red-white-and-blue streamers to firefighters in their truck. Mother always tells him that the real surprise is even more special. At the end of the parade, people stand and applaud. The boy then sees his grandfather, a veteran, being pushed in a wheelchair. His surprise is realizing that his grandfather is a hero.
Now It's Your Turn!
We've shared a few Editors' Choices for teaching about this theme. Now it's your turn to contribute to the Readers' Voices section below. Do you have a book related to this theme that you and your students enjoy? Just click here to share it!
Don't miss our Editors’ Choices for Teachers and for Parents. We're waiting for you to add your Readers' Voices there too.
Star-Spangled Crafts
by Kathy Ross
Ross is well known for her creative craft books and this one is no exception. Here she offers ideas for 22 activities, with clear, step-by-step instructions that use commonly found materials. The projects range from a firecracker lapel pin to flag mosaics, patriotic puppets, and an Uncle Sam tissue box. Colorful illustrations set against lots of white background enhance the text along with red, white, and blue banners on the sides of the pages. (School Library Journal)
Memorial Day
by Lynn Hamilton
The origins and customs of Memorial Day are explained in this book from the "American Holidays" series. The introduction gives a brief explanation of the focus of Memorial Day. A description of the Civil War details the origins of various memorial ceremonies, including why flags fly at half-staff. A map of the United States shows where and how different regions celebrate Memorial Day. A "Holiday Symbols" chapter describes the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, poppies, and memorials. A "Crafts and Recipes" section describes different ways to celebrate the holiday with things to make. Ages 7-10. (Children's Literature)
Let's Get Ready for Memorial Day
by Lloyd G. Douglas
A girl's class prepares for Memorial Day by learning about the holiday from their teacher and making flags. Later, she goes to a war memorial with her father to honor those who died.
Add your voice to our list of books for teaching about Memorial Day!
The Education World Editors’ Choices above represent just a handful of the fine books that might be used to support classroom instruction about Memorial Day. Now we’re waiting for you to add to our list! Simply send us your review of a favorite book in 100 words or fewer and we will add it to the Readers’ Choices below.
Star-Spangled Crafts
