Military children experience America in a unique way. Many grow up moving between states, exploring new communities, and meeting people from every corner of the country. They may see more of the United States before graduating high school than many adults see in a lifetime. While frequent moves can be challenging, they also offer a remarkable opportunity to learn about the nation they call home.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, books can help children connect the places they have lived with the larger story of our country.

For Younger Readers

Picture books can introduce foundational ideas about American history and geography. A is for America by Devin Scillian takes children on an alphabetical journey through the people, landmarks, and symbols that help define the nation. Families can also enjoy If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution by Kay Moore, which answers common questions children have about life during America’s founding years.

For Elementary-Age Readers

Elementary-aged readers are often eager to learn about the people who helped shape the country. Who Was Sacagawea? by Judith Bloom Fradin introduces readers to one of the most important figures of westward exploration while highlighting the contributions of Native peoples. What Was Ellis Island? by Patricia Brennan Demuth helps children understand the immigration experiences that brought millions of families to America and shaped the nation’s identity.

For Older Readers

Books can explore the challenges and triumphs that continue to influence American life. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin tells the story of one of America’s greatest athletes while examining Native American history and resilience. Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Sonja Cherry-Paul, Jason Reynolds, and Ibram X. Kendi provides an accessible look at the history of race in America and encourages thoughtful discussion about the nation’s ongoing journey toward equality.

A Resource for the Whole Family

Families looking for a resource they can return to again and again may enjoy the National Geographic Kids United States Atlas. Filled with maps, facts, and photographs, it helps children connect places they have visited with the broader story of the country.

Military families can also connect books to the places they have lived. Here in Monterey County, Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson documented California during a period of rapid change in the late nineteenth century. Later, writers such as John Steinbeck captured the hopes and struggles of ordinary Americans on the Central Coast.

One of the greatest gifts military families can give their children is an understanding that America is bigger than any one town, state, or duty station. Through books, children can explore the nation’s history, geography, cultures, and people while developing a deeper appreciation for the country they serve alongside their families. Every PCS move tells part of the American story. Reading helps connect those experiences to a larger picture.