In honor of our many veterans and their families, we’ve selected a few books that help us understand their sacrifice and their heroism. When you stop by the library in the next few weeks, you can make a Valentine for a veteran and check out a few books that tell their stories.

STAFF PICKS – VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

Easy Books (E)

• “Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops” by Jill Biden

When her father leaves for a year of being at war, Natalie knows that she will miss him. Natalie is proud of her father, but there is nothing to stop her from wishing he was home. Some things do help her feel better. Natalie works with her Nana to send her dad and the other service men and women cookies and treats they have made. Natalie, her mom and her brother can see and talk to Dad over the computer, and the kindness of friends at school and at church help her feel supported and loved. But there is nothing like the day when her Dad comes home at last.

• “My Red Balloon” by Eve Bunting

The boy has been waiting for this day for many months. It’s the day his daddy comes home from overseas. He jumps out of bed and gets ready for the big event. Before going downstairs for breakfast, he takes along something very important: his red balloon. There will be many families and loved ones at the pier. The red balloon will help his father find him among the crowd. But, as the ship approaches, the boy loses his grip on the red balloon. Will his daddy find him in the crowd?

• “Captain Cat” by Syd Hoff (ER HOFF)

A cat makes friends with a soldier and learns about military life when he joins the army. Who? Captain Cat, that’s who. He has whiskers and paws and more stripes than the soldiers have ever seen. But most important, he has a best friend who can make an army barracks feel like home.

• “The Tuskegee Airmen Story” by Lynn M. Homan and Thomas Reilly

When Joshua, Krista and their friend, Charlene, find Granddad’s souvenirs of World War II, he takes the opportunity to tell them about the war and his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman.

• “Love Lizzie: Letters to a Military Mom” by Lisa Tucker McElroy

Nine-year-old Lizzie writes to her mother, who is deployed overseas during wartime, and includes maps that show her mother what Lizzie has been thinking and doing. This book includes non-fiction tips for helping children of military families.

• “Nugget on the Flight Deck” by Patricia Newman

A young boy, Nugget, is excited when he gets to take a flight in a fighter plane off of an aircraft carrier. Along the way, he learns how planes take off and land on the carrier and how they are maintained, fueled and housed. His plane even participates in a practice dogfight. Back pages include carrier facts, web sites and further readings and an aviator’s alphabet of terms. This is a great introduction to fighter jets and aircraft carriers for young readers.

• “The Impossible Patriotism Project” by Linda Skeers

Caleb’s class is making projects that represent patriotism to display at Parents’ Night. But Caleb can’t think of a single way to show what patriotism means to him. Besides, his dad can’t even come to Parents’ Night because he is far away, serving as a soldier. Then, when Caleb really starts thinking about his dad and what he is doing for the country, inspiration finally strikes. Here is a book that celebrates the men and women serving the United States in the armed forces today, as well as the families that give up so much to support them.

• “While You Are Away” by Eileen Spinelli

While you are on that big ship, Daddy, far, far away I tell you things. I pretend the wind can carry my words clear across the ocean right to your heart. At times a loved one may be far, far away, but that special person is never far from mind and heart.

DID YOU KNOW? …

The Wake County Public Libraries have organized an opportunity for the community to show its appreciation for the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Now through Feb. 3, all ages are welcomed to create a Valentine for a veteran on a craft table at the Fuquay-Varina Community Library. Teens can earn two volunteer hours when they make five Valentines. The Valentines will be delivered by library staff to the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Durham in time for the Feb. 14 holiday.