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Remembrance Day Reading Recommendations
Updated: Dec 7, 2021
EDIT: For an updated copy of this Book List, go to our catalogue!
Next week is Remembrance Day, a time when we reflect and honor all peoples who gave their lives in defense of their country.
Ceremonies for Remembrance Day usually take place on November 11th at 11 AM to commemorate the moment that peace treaties were signed, signaling the end of the First World War. There have been many conflicts around the world since that time. Many people have had their lives upended due to the violent, brutal nature of war, whether they are a soldier fighting to keep people safe or a refugee fleeing from an unsafe situation.
War and remembrance can be tough topics to broach with your family. Considering this sensitive issue, we have some reading recommendations that you can share with your children to help you consider everything about Remembrance Day, and why we celebrate it here in Canada.
What is Remembrance Day?
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion, by Jane Barclay; illustrated by Renee Benoit.
Why do we remember? Remembrance Day By Izzi Howell
On Remembrance Day, by Eleanor Creasey
A Poppy is to Remember, by Heather Patterson, illustrated by Ron Lightburn
We'll Never Forget, by Jean Miso
War Stories
The Donkey of Gallipoli: A True Story of Courage in World War 1, by Mark Greenwood
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear, By Lindsay Mattick
The Vimy Oaks: A Journey to Peace, by Linda Granfield
On the Horizon: World War II Reflections, by Lois Lowry
Children, Refugees, and War
My Beautiful Birds, By Suzanne Del Rizzo
The Day War Came, by Nicola Davies; illustrated by Rebecca Cobb.
Stormy Seas: Stories of Young Boat Refugees, by Mary Beth Leatherdale and Eleanor Shakespeare
The Sky is Falling: Guests of War, Book One, by Kit Pearson
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from flaming hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
we shall not sleep.
Though poppies grow in
Flanders Fields.
-Excerpt from In Flanders Fields (1918) written by John Macrae (1872 - 1918).