It’s Veterans Day here in the US, a day we honor the individuals who served in the US Armed Forces. There are several great YA books that center around a military theme and today is a perfect day to highlight them. I never fancied myself a reader of “war” books but these books have made me a believer, and I seek out military themed books now. These rich stories cover such topics as PTSD, sexual orientation, and women’s rights and all have left a lasting impression.
Military-Themed YA:
Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley – This absorbing story is about Sam, one of the first girls to attend the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s hazed and bullied but keeps her head held high. She wants to make a difference for future enrollees. This is one of my favorite books of the year. (GR)
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson – In Halse Anderson’s latest book, Hayley’s father, an Iraq war veteran, suffers PTSD and it takes a terrible toll on her. A powerful and realistic story. (GR)
If I Lie by Corrine Jackson – Quinn’s boyfriend goes MIA in Afghanistan and she gets caught kissing another guy. But all is not what it seems. This emotional book is about friendship, love and secrets. (GR)
Something Like Normal by Trish Doller – This male-POV book is about Travis, a guy home for a month break from serving in the Marines in Afghanistan. Travis suffers from PTSD after losing his friend, and struggles to adjust to normal life at home. (GR)
In Honor by Jessi Kirby – Honor is mourning her brother who died while serving in Iraq. She receives a posthumous letter from him with a final wish for her, taking her on a healing road trip. (GR)
Bonus:
Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie – I haven’t read this one yet but I hear good things. Matt’s older brother dies in Iraq and Matt struggles with the loss and the fact that he didn’t know his brother as well as he thought. (GR)
These are all the YA military-themed books I’ve read so far, but I know there are more. Do you have any favorites or recommendations?
Oh, Come Back To Me by Mila Gray is fabulous too. I wouldn’t have particularly sought out war-related books before, but when done well, they touch on some excellent themes. R x
Thanks for the rec, Rachel, I will seek it out!
I can’t think of any YA military books but I’m sure there are plenty out there. At least I hope there are.
I don’t think I’ve ever read an military themed YA, which is odd because I’ve read a bit of everything (or so I thought).
Thanks for the great list! I will be sure to share with our teens!
[…] recommends some military-themed YA for Veteran’s […]
Great list! I haven’t read any of these, but I would love to! If you’re into New Adult books, definitely try Come Back To Me by Mila Gray. It’s a great book, but also very emotional! You’ll cry! 🙂
Rita xx