Honoring Veterans Day with Mascot Books
On Veterans Day, we recognize our United States military veterans for all of their sacrifices and contributions for our country. To honor this special day, we’re highlighting some of our notable wartime and veteran titles. 
By Erin Morris
About Who is Sam the Solider?
Ever wonder what a soldier actually does? Why does he dress that way? Could I be a soldier one day? Private First Class Sam Smith is a soldier in the U.S. Army. Come along with Sam as he tells all about what it’s like to live, work, and (even) relax like a soldier.
Why We Love It
Author Erin Morris served as the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps and did one tour to Afghanistan with the 201st Airborne Division. When talking with children about her experiences, she found that many of them did not understand what exactly a solider does, and did not realize that a woman could serve in the military. This book provides children with insight into the duties of a soldier, and showcases soldiers from different backgrounds, genders, and races. 
By Karol Nielsen
About Walking A&P: A Vietnam War Memoir
Her father was part of the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. Now, 40 years later, Karol travels to Vietnam to retrace her father’s footsteps. This is a touching, and inspirational story about one man’s journey through one of the darkest times in world history.
Why We Love It
Karol Nielsen provides a harrowing and unique account of her father’s experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War. This compelling wartime title is full of personal anecdotes, photographs, and raw emotion. 
By Tara McClary Reeves
About Is Your Dad a Pirate?
Her daddy went away to fight for our country. And he came home changed.
What’s a young family to do when a parent is injured? How might they respond to curiosity? In this tender account based on her childhood experiences, beloved author Tara McClary Reeves shares how her family adapted to the extensive physical losses her father, Marine Corps Lieutenant Clebe McClary, sustained.
With warmth and humor, this book encourages children and spouses facing similar trials to cherish the gift of family. To hold on to faith. And to choose to be loving heroes on the home front. Is Your Dad a Pirate? will challenge your perspective and deepen your commitment to love.
Why We Love It
Is Your Dad a Pirate? highlights the importance of faith and family, while teaching children in a lighthearted way how to cope with a parent who has been injured in war. Based on the childhood experiences of author Tara McClary Reeves, this personal account uses beautiful illustrations to showcase the brave sacrifices of our soldiers and the unwavering support and love of their families.
By Laura Bogan
About Homecomings
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron—better known as the Blue Angels—is one of the most iconic and respected aerobatics teams in the world. For years, photographer Laura Bogan has been chronicling the Blues as they return to Pensacola, the team’s beautiful seaside home on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through moments both triumphant and poignant, Bogan has captured stunning scenes that, until now, have only been enjoyed by those lucky enough to be there. This is Homecomings.
Why We Love It
Homecomings is filled with stunning and majestic photographs of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration, and is sure to leave readers full of pride and respect for our nation’s soldiers. 
By Kristin Ayyar
About Countdown ‘Til Daddy Comes Home and Countdown Til’ Mommy Comes Home
Countdown ‘Til Daddy Comes Home and Countdown ‘Til Mommy Comes Home are stories of a young boy waiting for his parent to come home from a trip. To make their separation easier, his family creates rituals to stay connected and make the countdown fly by. Inspired by her experiences, Kristin Ayyar shares how her family copes with the separations that are part of everyday life.
Why We Love Them
These books are perfect for any military family. Told from the perspective of a child, these titles show readers how military families can stay connected with their loved ones who are serving overseas.