Happy Little Readers discussion

Post Memorial Day books here!
If you could write a recommendation for the book along with the title and author, that would be very much appreciated!

Hero Dad
Melinda Hardin
AR Level: 2.0
Interest Level: Lower Grades (LG K-3)
AR Quiz No.: 141234 EN
Word Count: 100
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Topic - Subtopic: People-Heroes; People-Soldiers; People-Parents & Parental Figures;

This book is about a child who has an army soldier for a dad. The child describes the superpowers his dad has, and his life in the army. The kid uses fun phrases, like x-ray vision, superhero, and flying to describe his dad. Sometimes he even drives tanks and goes far away from home. After everything, the child still thinks that his dad is extraordinary and is a hero.
Reason for Recommendation: This book is perfect for children to learn about Memorial Day, and for kids to learn about soldiers in the Army.

Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Jeff Gottesfeld
AR Level: 3.8
Interest Level: Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
AR Quiz No.: 511654 EN
Word Count: 886
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Topic - Subtopic: History-American/U.S. History; Places-National Parks; Places-Cemeteries; U.S. States/Regions-Virginia;

After World War I, many soldiers were dead. Most of them were recognized, named, and sent back to their families. However, some soldiers were never recognized. One unnamed one was chosen to represent all of them. First, he was sent to the capitol. Many people came by to tell their stories of their lost ones that died in the war. Stories about the boys’ past playing soccer and picking dandelions. Soldiers that were actually businessmen, miners, and dads. Soldiers that had kids that were introduced to the fears of war in a horrendous way. At that moment, everyone was the same. He was sent to Arlington, Virginia where he was placed in a coffin. He was recognized as the Unknown Soldier. However, after some time, the tomb was turned into a picnic area and playground by some tourists. Therefore, they implemented guards. They would walk around the tomb, carrying guns, and walking 21 steps. This symbolizes the highest military honor possible, the 21 gun salute. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier became a mourning place for everyone, where more soldiers came in after time. Ones from World War II. The Vietnam War. The Korean War. It has become a place for people to congregate on Memorial Day and any day.
Reason for Recommendation: This book is an amazing story to teach kids about the Tome of the Unknown Soldier, and about Memorial Day. It also teaches kids about the soldiers that guard the tomb.

Otto's Tales: Today is Flag Day
PragerU
Based on the beloved storytime show watched by millions of children, the Otto’s Tales series involves Dennis Prager and his cheerful sidekick Otto the bulldog learning about holidays, folk tales, and places. This book is about Flag Day and Dennis and Otto are learning about the symbolism and values behind the Stars and Stripes. They meet Betsy Ross, the creator of the flag, and ask her about the colors of the flag. They meet President Truman to talk about Flag Day, and also meet soldiers who gallantly strode into battle with the flags flowing behind them, which planted a seed for Memorial Day.
Reason for Recommendation: This book is amazing if you want to learn about the American Flag and how it came to be. You can also learn about the starting seeds of Memorial Day.

The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans
Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
AR Level: 5.9
Interest Level: Lower Grades (LG K-3)
AR Quiz No.: 153947 EN
Word Count: 2607
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Topic - Subtopic: History-World War I Era; People-Soldiers;

We all know that the poppy is a symbol of World War One. All of its bloodshed, its tears, and its death. However, do you know who made that symbol? Moina Belle Michael was living with her husband at the start of WWI. When talking with friends, they realized that their husbands were old enough to be forced to fight in the war. Moina was determined to do something about the war. She started a business for soldiers, but thought it wasn’t enough. She had a room where soldiers could go before the war. She read about the poem Flowers in Flanders Fields, and was inspired to buy poppies. She bought some tall ones and put them in a clear glass vase, and put poppies on each of the soldiers shirts’. When more soldiers came flocking in, she increased the size of her room and continued service for the people that did service to our country. Therefore, the poppy was now a national symbol of World War One.
Reason for Recommendation: This book teaches children about one of the symbols of World War One and Memorial Day. It is a great book for all ages.

The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country
Mike Berenstain
AR Level: 3.8
Interest Level: Lower Grades (LG K-3)
AR Quiz No.: 174436 EN
Word Count: 726
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Topic - Subtopic: Animals-Bears; Community Life-Carnivals/Fairs/Parades; Holidays-Fourth of July; Religion-Christianity;
Series: Living Lights; Berenstain Bears;

It’s Memorial Day! The bears are going on a parade to celebrate their country. Everyone was getting ready. Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear were decorating their bikes for the Most Patriotic Bike contest. They were going to ride it in the parade. Mother Bear was preparing flags for the parade. Father Bear was trying on his army uniform. It didn’t quite fit. Mother loosened the strings a little, and it fit. The next day, the parade started! The cubs all rode their patriotic bikes, and were followed by the army bears. Then, there was a marching band, floats, cheerleaders, and even baton whirlers! The bears won the 2nd prize for the Most Patriotic Bike contest. At the end, there were fireworks all across the sky.
Reason for Recommendation: This book is a patriotic book about celebrating our country and Memorial Day. It has funny story elements and cute pictures, and is perfect for any kid.

The Wall
Eve Bunting
The Wall is a place of mourning and remembering the people who died in the Vietnam War. It is in Korea. Joey and his father are going to the Wall to remember their grandfather, who died in the war. At the wall, they see many things. A soldier with no legs greets them. An elderly couple cry into each other’s shoulders. A group of students leave flags at the foot of the Wall. They see a child with his grandfather. The grandfather tells the kid to button up his coat because it was cold. Then, Joey’s dad found their grandfather’s name on the wall. They bow down to their heads in respect. Joey’s dad grabs a piece of paper and traces Joey’s grandfather’s name on it. He leaves it there with a picture of Joey.
Reason for Recommendation: This book is a lovely book about Memorial Day and remembering lost loved ones. It also teaches kids to deal with grief.

A Day for Rememberin': Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day
Leah Henderson
AR Level: 4.8
Interest Level: Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
AR Quiz No.: 513923 EN
Word Count: 1401
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Topic - Subtopic: History-Misc./Other Wars; Holidays-Memorial Day; People-Black People; Recommended Reading-Junior Library Guild Selection; U.S. States/Regions-South Carolina;

Today is a special day. It’s Memorial Day! Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a variety of all skin tones, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country.
Reason for Recommendation: This book teaches kids about the first Memorial Day. It also has vivid pictures, imagery, and detail.