Take 5: Memorial Day Reads, Honoring those who serve

Today is Memorial Day.  A day to honor the men and women who have served and died in the U.S. Military.  Today, I’m sharing with you 5 teen titles that honor those who serve in the military in some form or another.

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Honor receives her brother’s last letter 3 days after she learns he has died in Iraq.  He sends her on a quest to tell his favorite singer, Kyra Kelly, that he was in love with her.  A touching road trip through grief.

Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick

Private Matt Duffy wakes up in a military hospital and is awarded the Purple Heart.  But the memory of a young boy’s death haunts him.  He worries that he is somehow responsible.

Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie

Matt’s older brother is killed in Iraq. When he gets his brothers personal effects, he makes a shocking discovery that rocks his world and makes him question everything he thought he knew.

All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg

 
Matt Pin was airlifted out of Vietnam during the war.  He now lives in the US with an adoptive family.  But he is haunted by secrets.  A powerful, moving debut from 2009.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

 
Not American soldiers, but a brilliant work of historical fiction that tells an amazing tale of 2 female pilots in World War II.  A celebration of courage, honor and bravery – no matter what country you serve.

What are your favorite titles about soldiers and the military?  Share with us in the comments.

Filed under: Collection Development, Memorial Day, Military, Reader's Advisory, War