8 Uplifting Books For Kids With A Deployed Parent
Deployment brings unique challenges for military families, especially for kids who will be away from a parent for a long stretch of time. During this time, kids may experience a wide range of emotions including pride, sadness, worry, and longing.
These 8 kids’ books can help kids express these feelings, stay connected, and hold onto hope until their loved one comes home. They are great for educators or counselors who are supporting students, as well as for military families looking for a way to have conversations about what the experience is, or might be, like.
This post contains affiliate links. Please review my full disclosure policy for additional information.
I’ll lend you my daddy by becky king
Recommended Grades: K to 2
The kids in this book share their experiences when they “lend their daddy” to fight for the country. The book illustrates the challenges of deployments, but also shows ways to cope with them like making care packages, writing letters, and spending time doing fun things. This book does a great job at honoring the members of the military while also acknowledging the sacrifices that the families make.
while you are away by eileen spinelli
Recommended Grades: K-2
This story follows different kids as they experience their family members’ deployments. They talk about the things they miss, the things they wonder, and how they can stay connected. The end of the book shows the families reunited.
night catch by brenda ehrmantraut
Recommended Grades: K to 3
When a boy’s father gets deployed, he finds a new way to play catch with his son - even from the other side of the world. This book offers a great way for children to feel connected to their parents, even when they are far away.
brave like me by barbara kerley
Recommended Grades: K to 3
This book shows the experiences that many children have when their parents are deployed. It talks about what might happen, how kids might feel, and some of the questions they may have. This is a great tool for not only supporting kids who have a deployed parent, but also educating others on what the experience might be like.
our time apart by dollie page
Recommended Grades: K to 3
Jeremiah’s mom is in the Air Force, and one day he gets the news that she’ll be deployed for six months. As she prepares for her deployment, she and Jeremiah talk about what it will be like and come up with ways to stay connected. Jeremiah missed his mom when she was away, but the phone calls, pictures, and spending time with his dad helped. At the end of the six months, Jeremiah’s mom returned and they celebrated how they are always connected by love.
love, lizzie by lisa tucker mcelroy
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
This book shows the letters that Lizzie and her mom send to each other during her mom’s deployment. The letters include details of what’s happening in Lizzie’s life, the feelings she’s having about her mom being gone, and ways they can stay connected. Throughout the letters, Lizzie also draws maps to help her mom understand more about what’s been going on. At the end of the story, it’s Lizzie’s turn to get a map. It leads to the best surprise of all - her mom!
missing momma by winsome bingham
Recommended Grades: 1 to 4
This book isn’t about deployment, but is about the experience of a little girl and her mom after her deployment. The girl used to love all of the fun things she did with her momma, but now everything is different. Her mom is irritable and doesn’t seem interested in anything - even spending time with her. The girl isn’t sure what to do, and questions whether or not it’s her fault. With some encouragement from her dad, the girl gets an idea of how she can help her mom feel better.
when your daddy’s a soldier by gretchen brandenburg mclellan
Recommended Grades: 1 to 5
The boy in this book explains what it’s like for him to have a parent in the military - including his experiences when his dad is deployed. He talks about how much he admires his dad, as well as the ups and downs that his family faces when his dad is away. After they celebrate his dad’s homecoming, it isn’t long before he’s deployed again. Through the difficult times, the boy is encouraged to be brave and strong just like his dad.
When a family member is deployed, kids may have questions and big emotions. My hope is that these 8 kids’ books will help kids by fostering conversations about separation, love, and staying connected.
