In Honor of the Veterans

Here are some my favorite novels for children about the conflicts in which my relatives have fought for freedom.

The Revolutionary War:
Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen

The Civil War:
The River Between Us by Richard Peck for High School and up
Charley Skedaddle by Patricia Beatty
Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith

World War I:
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Yes, this is the book that the stage production and the Steven Spielberg movie are based on. The movie is released on December 25, 2011. I loved this book and have been passing it around to my children and godchildren. Told in first person from the point of view of the horse, remember Black Beauty? Everything I read by this author ends up recommended on this site.
Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery

World War II:
Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo

Four other books about World War II

Vietnam:
Letters from Wolfie by Patti Sherlock

Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roarke Dowell

Afghanistan:
Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy
Trent Reedy is an English teacher from Iowa, who served in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. His first-hand account of an Afghan girl with a cleft palate is both moving and at times difficult to read. I had the privilege of hearing Trent speak at the Anderson's Bookshop Annual Children's Literary Breakfast.

Extra Credit by Andrew Clement

Unfortunately, I have not read any books about Iraq, where my son's godfather, Lt. Col. Paul White, M.D. served with the U.S. Army.

To my great-grandfather, John O'Brien (WWI), my grandfather, Frank R. O'Brien Sr. (WWII), to Paul and to my cousin, Edward Russo, who served in Afghanistan, thank you.