CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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Military Families
©2025 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Compiled by Tessa Michaelson Schmidt
When one family member is part of the military, everyone in that family is also part of the military. The picture books and novels on this booklist are centered on the stories of sons and daughters, siblings, and grandchildren with a family member who is a service member. Whether serving on active duty or as a reservist, in peacetime or during conflict, living on base or off, the service of a loved one in the United States Armed Forces has an effect on the children and teens in their lives. Relatable experiences such as missing someone who is away for the weekend or on a long deployment; supporting someone who is in service to their country as well as their family; and healing with someone who had a hard day or an unforgettable trauma are deftly handled in these recommended titles, which feature child or teen main characters.
Ages 3-8
At the End of the Day
by Detlefsen, Lisl H.
Illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao.
Knopf/Random House, 2024. 32 pages. Ages 3-7
Luis Paints the World
by Farish, Terry
Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez.
Carolrhoda, 2016. 32 pages. Ages 5-8
Poems in the Attic
by Grimes, Nikki
Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon.
Lee & Low, 2015. 40 pages. Ages 5-9
With Dad
by Jackson, Richard
Illustrated by Brian Floca.
Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, 2024. 38 pages. Ages 5-8
Crow Call
by Lowry, Lois
Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline.
Scholastic Press, 2009. 32 pages. Ages 5-9
Boyogi: How a Wounded Family Learned to Heal
by Moore, David Barclay
Illustrated by Noa Denmon.
Candlewick, 2023. 32 pages. Ages 4-8
Coming Home
by Ruth, Greg
Illustrated by Greg Ruth.
Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, 2014. 32 pages. Ages 4-9
At the Mountain's Base
by Sorell, Traci
Illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre.
Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2019. 24 pages. Ages 5-9
Ages 8-12
Each Tiny Spark
by Cartaya, Pablo
Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2019. 315 pages. Ages 9-12
Take Your Best Shot
by Coy, John
Feiwel and Friends, 2012. 180 pages. Ages 9-12
Top of the Order (4 for 4)
by Coy, John
Feiwel and Friends, 2009. 182 pages. Ages 9-11
Shooting the Moon
by Dowell, Frances O'Roark
Atheneum, 2008. 163 pages. Ages 10-14
Absolutely Truly
by Frederick, Heather Vogel
Simon & Schuster, 2014. 355 pages. Ages 9-12
Ginny Off the Map
by Hickey, Caroline
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy.
Christy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown, 2023. 304 pages. Ages 8-12
Pax
by Pennypacker, Sara
Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2016. 288 pages. Ages 8-11
Jimmy's Stars
by Rodman, Mary Ann
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2008. 257 pages. Ages 10-14
The Museum of Lost and Found
by Sales, Leila
Abrams/Amulet, 2023. 297 pages. Ages 9-13
Hollow Chest
by Sandstrom, Brita
HarperCollins/Walden Pond, 2021. 337 pages. Ages 9-12
Ages 13 and older
Mare's War
by Davis, Tanita S.
Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 341 pages. Ages 12-15
Personal Effects
by Kokie, E. M.
Candlewick, 2012. 341 pages. Age 14 and older
After Eli
by Rupp, Rebecca
Candlewick, 2012. 245 pages. Ages 11-14
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.
Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.