Ajax Bound for Glory
Author: Sarah E. Dautel, Copyright @ 2016
Ajax was born with a sword in hand. He dreams of being a valiant warrior, but tragedy strikes. It is perseverance alone that will bring Ajax through his darkest hours.
Ajax Bound for Glory is a children’s picture book inspired by the ideas of honorable service, perseverance through adversity, and success despite disaster. With a sprightly rabbit in a starring role, this story explores the reaction to disappointment in a proactive way. Its daring content — a training accident that results in major injury — is presented in a light and reassuring way that children of all ages can appreciate.
Daddy, Can You See the Moon
Author: Gayle Krause, Copyright @ 2019
A young boy and his soldier dad share special moments by looking at the moon each night. But when Dad comes home a wounded warrior, his son discovers it’s the power of love that kept them connected all along, and he plays a major part in his father’s recovery.
Daddy's Home
Author: Carolina Nadel, Copyright @ 2010
Parents returning from active military service may have difficulties reintegrating into civilian life. Daddy's Home is a picture book which helps parents explain the invisible wounds of war such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to their small children. View the entire book at Carolina's website: CarolinaNadel.com
Finding My Way
A teen's guide to living with a parent who has experienced trauma
Authors: Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D. and DeAnne M. Sherman,
Copyright 2005
A unique, three-part book that honestly and gently addresses key issues in dealing with a parent who has experienced trauma. An important resource for anyone working with teens, this interactive book includes clear information and opportunities for self-expression.
Helping My Hero!!
A Guide for Young Readers Whose Parents May Have Combat Trauma
(Bridges to Healing Series)
Author: Sherry Barron, Copyright @ 2015
(for 4th-6th graders)
Helping My Hero!! is an early-reader book for 4th-6th grade children, whose parent may have combat trauma. This book tells the story of two military families and their experiences dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Christ-centered solutions are presented for the issues the families face. The book contains explanations of many of the issues and terminology the children encounter. Scripture verses are highlighted which help the child with the issue addressed in each chapter. “Discovery” items and “Positive Activities” provide suggestions for taking action. And each chapter ends with a prayer by one of the main characters and his or her promise for action.
This is book two in a series of children’s books produced by Cru Military, a division of Cru. The first book, My Hero’s Home!! is for K-3rd grade children, and the third book, My Hero Hurts!! is for teenagers. All the books follow the same structure used in the book When War Comes Home, by Chris and Rahnella Adsit and Marshéle Carter Waddell, which is a workbook for wives of combat veterans dealing with PTSD or TBI.
Hope on Four Hooves
A true story of a military family's journey through the struggles of PTSD
Author: Ana Elise, Copyright @ 2023
In this children's book illustrated with her own beautiful watercolor paintings, 15-year-old Ana pulls back the curtain to give a glimpse into the world behind the mask of pleasant appearances in her own military family. She vividly reveals the difficulties that accompany military life, compounded by her father's deep struggle with PTSD. Out of this darkness, she paints a picture of redemption and how an organization, Little Blessings Veteran Outreach, and their equine therapy program reached into her family to make it stronger and to salvage damaged family relationships. Ana created this book to offer hope to other military kids in similar family situations.
I Need Dad and Dad Needs Me
A loving lesson about post-traumatic stress for families
Author: Connee Gorman, Copyright 2012
Ages 5-9
This book is designed to help young children begin to understand the effect of PTSD on a military family. It is written lovingly to guide families through the difficult transition from war to home.
Instead of Sheep
A Solder's way of explaining PTSD to his son
This book goes over a father's struggle with PTSD from his time at war and figuring out how to explain it to his son, while most importantly getting the help he needs.
Lucky
Little guy, big mission
Authors: Eileen Doyon and Christy Gardner, Copyright @ 2021
Fall in love with Lucky!
This amazing hardcover picture book is a true story about Lucky, a little puppy that only Christy Gardner, an Army Veteran who has two prosthetic legs, saw potential in.
He was a little puppy born with an unusual front leg. Others saw him with a flaw, Christy saw him with lots of love to give.
She was already training puppies to become service/therapy dogs. The story of Lucky is that of a special puppy with an incredible personality and a special mission. Who knows what his fate would have been if Christy had not given him a helping hand? You see, Lucky was a puppy that no one wanted to care for. Christy immediately felt a connection with him.
Read how Christy and her service dog, Moxie, took Lucky into their home. He will warm your heart and put a smile on your face. Moxie teaches Lucky that he can do things like other puppies can, he just has to figure out his own way.
This story is about anti-bullying, and that being different is ok, and to never, never give up...happy trails!
My Daddy Has PTSD
Author: Burch, Copyright @ 2014
The goal of My Daddy Has PTSD is to provide support and promote outreach for veterans and their families as they cope with the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Full color photos on 52 pages explore the daily life of a young child with strategies to support and solve difficulties that the family experiences due to PTSD symptoms.
My Daddy Has PTSD
Author: Casey Sean Harmon, Copyright @ 2015
My Daddy Has PTSD is a simple story that follows a young boy as he learns that his combat veteran father has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. The book asks the question, "What is wrong with Daddy?" and politely answers by saying, "Daddy is going through some things, but here's how we can help." Along with the character in the story, children of all ages will enjoy learning about common symptoms of PTSD.
My Daddy has PTSD
Good Memories, Bad Memories Series
Authors: Miranda Watson and James Rosone, Copyright @ 2019
PTSD is a very serious condition that affects many veterans and other individuals. It can have an impact on the entire family, including the children. This book follows a little girl and her Daddy to explain what PTSD is to a child. It aids in building empathy for the condition and opens the door to helpful conversations.
My Hero Hurts!!
A study guide for teenagers whose parents may have combat trauma (Bridges to Healing Series)
Author: Sherry Barron, Copyright @ 2015
(for teenagers)
My Hero Hurts!! is a study guide for teenagers whose parent may have combat trauma. This book tells the stories of military families and their experiences dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The dads in these stories are the ones facing PTSD/TBI issues, but the material applies just as well to women facing these issues. Christ-centered solutions are presented for the issues the families face.
The book contains information about PTSD, TBI and Secondary Trauma as well as worksheets to assess what is happening in families who may have combat trauma issues. Questions for small group study, personal application and encouragement are part of each chapter.
The material in this book is Christ-centered and has a firm foundation in Scripture, but will be useful to all teens whether they are of the Christian faith or not.
This is book three in a series of children’s books produced by Cru Military, a division of Cru. The first book, My Hero’s Home!! is for K-3rd grade children, and the second book, Helping My Hero!! is for 4th-6th graders. All the books follow the same structure used in the book When War Comes Home, by Chris and Rahnella Adsit and Marshéle Carter Waddell, which is a workbook for wives of combat veterans dealing with PTSD or TBI.
My Hero's Home
A guide for young children whose parents may have combat trauma (Bridges to Healing series)
Author: Sherry Barron, Copyright @ 2015
K-3rd grade
Cru Military introduces Book 1 of 3 for children whose families are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress. Follow the story of Cody and Carrie as they discover how and why combat trauma is affecting their family. Explore how God brings the answers to healing, better family relationships, and a brighter future for families struggling through combat trauma.
Included are activities for children to personalize their story, learn about and contribute to a positive atmosphere in their home. Parents pages are also include with helpful information for Mom or Dad.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Author: Michael Gatson, Copyright @ 2018
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, is the first book of the Dr. Doobie series. It's a beautifully illustrated children's book that touches on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and explains why it can affect military personnel, war veterans, and their families. PTSD is an individual condition that has interpersonal effects. It explains triggers, avoidance behaviors, and safety behaviors unique to military personnel and war veterans and how to live with an individual affected by PTSD. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a valuable age-appropriate resource that can encourage open and honest communication to help families deal with mental illness, and remove the stigma of seeking help through therapy. My goal is to impart hope, reassure a parent's love, and educate individuals about the importance of taking care of your mental health. Mental illness happens when we lose our presence in the present. Mental illness is something that is real, and it is something we do not talk about enough in our communities, families, and relationships. Let's have a voice and recognize when we need to seek out treatment.
Simon Songjoy Defends His Melody
A children's tale of love, loss and heroism
Author: Roby Dean-Blest, Copyright @ 2009
Do you know somebody who has a deployed loved one? Perhaps your own family is trying to make sense of life after having a family member return from Iraq or Afghanistan...
Roby Dean-Blest, an adult child of Vietnam veteran, Chuck Dean, creates a unique, school-age children's story addressing the complicated issues of wartime PTSD, -Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Often, kids cannot understand the volatile emotions they experience during the long months of waiting and wondering..finally coming to a head with the return of their veteran. -Then the real "adjustment period" begins...
Written as a tool for military personnel and their families, "Simon" bridges the gap for readers who may be experiencing their own delayed stress symptoms, confusion or lack of coping skills to deal with the aftermath of their Homecoming.
Sparrow (board book)
Author: Dorinda Silver Williams, Copyright @ 2012
Ages 0-3
Sparrow is designed to support a young child whose parent has experienced a physical or emotional injury/illness.
Sparrow (papa version) tells the story of a young bird whose beloved parent has been away on a long journey. When Papa finally returns home from his journey, young Sparrow notices that he seems different. Papa is tired and weary and his wing is clipped. Papa and young Sparrow cannot fly together like they used to do. Everything is so different that young Sparrow begins to wonder if Papa’s feelings for him have changed as well. Papa reaches out, offering Sparrow the assurance that he needs; papa loves Sparrow, now and always. Sparrow learns that although he and Papa can no longer fly together, they can be together—and that means everything.
The Taking Care of You Kit
With this kit, families can encourage and support one another when challenged with the obstacles of reintegration.
The Taking Care of You! Support for Kids of Injured Heroes Kit supports families and children ages six and older who are experiencing a loved one's return from deployment with visible and/or invisible injuries.
The Injury Care Kit features the Taking Care of You! Support for Kids of Injured Heroes DVD created by the Trevor Romain Company with the USO, and provides resources that help military children understand the types of injuries as well as recovery and reintegration processes.
The Care Kit includes:
- The Taking Care of You! Support for Kids of Injured Heroes DVD
- A Journal with prompts, calendar, map, and activities
- The Taking Care of You! Family Guidebook
- Download the Reintegration Family Guidebook
- Coco™, a plush toy mouse offering comfort to children
- All housed in a Care Kit Box to keep treasured items safe.
When Daddy Comes Home
A children's book on PTSD
Author: Maggie Hundshamer, Copyright @ 2016
PTSD is a very tough subject for children to understand. Author Maggie Hundshamer, a USMC veteran, has written this book to help you explain the subject to your children and give them a way to help you as much as you help them.
Why Are You So Scared?
A child's book about parents with PTSD
Author: Beth Andrews, Copyright @ 2012
Ages 4-8
Kids who have a parent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can often feel confused, scared, or helpless. Why Are You So Scared? explains PTSD and its symptoms in nonthreatening, kid-friendly language, and is full of questions and exercises that kids and parents can work through together.
The workbook-style layout encourages kids to express their thoughts and emotions about PTSD through writing, drawing, and designing. This book can serve as a practical tool for kids to cope with and eventually understand their parent's PTSD.
Why Is Daddy Like He Is?
A book for kids about PTSD
Author: Patience H. C. Mason, Copyright @ 1992 (revised 2011)
A simple explanation of the symptoms of PTSD and reassurance that it is not the child's fault. Works for adult children of veterans, and for veterans, also.
Why Is Dad So Mad?
Author: Seth Kastle, Copyright @ 2015
The children’s issues picture book Why Is Dad So Mad? is a story for children in military families whose father battles with combat related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After a decade fighting wars on two fronts, tens of thousands of service members are coming home having trouble adjusting to civilian life; this includes struggling as parents.
Why Is Dad So Mad? is a narrative story told from a family’s point of view (mother and children) of a service member who struggles with PTSD and its symptoms. Many service members deal with anger, forgetfulness, sleepless nights, and nightmares. This book explains these and how they affect Dad. The moral of the story is that even though Dad gets angry and yells, he still loves his family more than anything.
Why Is Mom So Mad?
Author: Seth Kastle, Copyright @ 2015
The children’s issues picture book Why Is Mom So Mad? is a story for children in military families whose mother battles with combat related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After a decade fighting wars on two fronts, tens of thousands of service members are coming home having trouble adjusting to civilian life; this includes struggling as parents. Asymmetrical warfare has blurred the lines of women in combat roles, female veterans are impacted by this through current conflicts more than ever.
Why Is Mom So Mad? is a narrative story told from a family’s point of view (father and children) of a service member who struggles with PTSD and its symptoms. Many service members deal with anger, forgetfulness, sleepless nights, and nightmares.This book explains these and how they affect Mom. The moral of the story is that even though Mom gets angry and yells, she still loves her family more than anything.
Why Is Mommy Like She Is?
A book for kids about PTSD
Author: Patience H. C. Mason, Copyright @ 2010
The children of five mommies with PTSD from different experiences while deployed talk about PTSD with their counselor. A book for the children of women with PTSD, which describes the symptoms of PTSD in simple terms and reassures children that it is not their fault.
Wounded
Author: Eric Walters, Copyright @ 2009
There are many different ways to be wounded. Marcus and his sister and mother are counting the days until Marcus's father comes home from Afghanistan. Waiting weeks for a phone call, and with only the occasional e-mail, has been difficult for the family, but they're ready to celebrate his return. When the big day comes, they're overcome by happiness and relief that he's safe, but as the days pass, Marcus begins to feel that there's something different about his father. He barely sleeps, he's obsessed with news from Afghanistan, and while at times he seems almost too happy, at other times he's erratic and aggressive. Marcus knows that post-traumatic stress disorder affects many soldiers, but at first he finds it hard to believe his father needs help, and then when he does think he needs counselling, he just can't seem to convince his father.
Award-winning Canadian author Eric Walters offers a rare and insightful look into the unseen, often unspoken, emotional cost of war in this groundbreaking new novel.
Note: As with the majority of the books listed on Operation We Are Here, I have personally read this book. As the description suggestions, this book speaks of the "often unspoken, emotional cost of war." I suggest parents read this book first to determine whether it is fitting for their teen to read due to some of the content. I do recommend that military supporters read this story to give insight into the emotional cost of war from the view point of a teenager.
Books for children and teens of wounded warriors
A Sergeant in the House
Author: Betty Turnbull, Copyright @ 2013
A Sergeant in the House tells the story of Lenny who desperately wants a puppy. His father is in the military, the family must move frequently, and Lenny is still very young to care for an animal, so Lenny strikes a bargain: When his daddy becomes a sergeant, Lenny can have a puppy. When his father is deployed to war, Lenny learns what it means to be responsible, to care for his family, and to help around the house. A dreaded phone call brings the news that Lenny's father has been injured and is being sent home. When Lenny's father explains that this means he'll never become a sergeant, Lenny realizes that what he truly wants is his daddy puppy or no puppy.
This heartwarming story is a salute to military families across the country, and a cheer for our nation's heroes.
Beneath Wandering Stars
Author: Ashlee Cowles, Copyright @ 2016
After her Soldier brother is horribly wounded in Afghanistan, Gabriela must honor the vow she made: If anything ever happened to him, she would walk the Camino de Santiago through Spain, making a pilgrimage in his name. The worst part is that the promise stipulates that she must travel with her brother's best friend--a boy she has despised all her life. Her brother is in a coma, and Gabi feels that she has no time to waste, but she is unsure. Will she hesitate too long, or risk her own happiness to keep a promise? An up-close look at the lives of the children of military families, Beneath Wandering Stars takes readers on a journey of love, danger, laughter, and friendship, against all odds.
Big Boss Brain
Learning about traumatic brain injuries
Author: Shannon Maxwell, Copyright @ 2012
Big Boss Brain is an unprecedented look into the often invisible effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) through the eyes of a child. Main character, Cassidy, guides readers on a journey of discovery to learn and answer questions about the physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral changes in a loved one following a TBI. Characterized images of Big Boss Brain further reinforce understanding of the brain's function, control, and damage in a manner kids can easily understand. The story captures the reader's attention and imagination, allowing them to believe in the possibilities of life together after traumatic injury.
The often invisible effects of TBI are difficult for adults to fully comprehend; more so for children who are discovering the world around them. Big Boss Brain is a way of providing children with a vehicle to understand TBI and realize that they are not alone. While intended for children, Big Boss Brain also is instructive for adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually. Understanding this growing population, author, Shannon Maxwell, once again draws upon her family's experiences following Lt Col Maxwell's penetrating TBI to create a must have resource for any family navigating or wanting to learn more about traumatic brain injury. Illustrator, Liza Biggers joins Maxwell in this second collaborative endeavor -- the first - Our Daddy is Invincible! -- bringing to life images sure to captivate readers of all ages.
Bull Rider
Author: Suzanne Morgan Williams, Copyright @ 2010
Young adult
All it takes is eight seconds . . . Cam O'Mara, grandson and younger brother of bull-riding champions, is not interested in partaking in the family sport. Cam is a skateboarder, and perfecting his tricks—frontside flips, 360s—means everything until his older brother, Ben, comes home from Iraq, paralyzed from a brain injury. What would make a skateboarder take a different kind of ride? And what would get him on a monstrosity of a bull named Ugly? If Cam can stay on for the requisite eight seconds, could the $15,000 prize bring hope and a future for his big brother?
Daddy's Different
A look at brain injury through a child's eyes
Author: G. Forest, Copyright @ 2013
Jack's Daddy is acting different, but he still looks the same. When Daddy comes home with a brain injury, Jack struggles to accept the new changes in him. Jack associates Daddy's new behavior with all sorts of wild animals, from a forgetful Squirrel to a grumpy Grizzly Bear. Follow Jack on this incredible journey into acceptance and the life lesson that Love can survive any injury.
Daddy's Different tells the often untold story of brain injury through a child's eyes. Beautifully written and illustrated, Daddy's Different gives a voice to brain injury's smallest victims and offers insight into this mysterious world.
Hero at Home
Author: Sarah Verardo, Copyright 2018
Hero at Home was inspired by the author's personal family journey: having three young daughters and a catastrophically wounded veteran husband. Grace's dad is an inspiration to so many, but he is not the only one in his family who deals with scars of war. This book is dedicated to the brave men of Bravo Company, 2-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne, who fought alongside Grace's dad-the ones who came home, and in loving memory of the ones who did not.
An important read for those wishing to embrace the Wounded Heroes in their community and better understand that for these Heroes, the fight doesn't end when they return home. The mission continues and is a family affair. Injuries from military service can be both visible and invisible. Hero at Home celebrates the contribution that our veterans have made, and shines a light on how vital it is to embrace these special families.
Is Your Dad a Pirate?
Author: Tara McClary Reeves, Copyright @ 2017
Ages 4-8
Her daddy went away to fight for our country. And he came home changed. What's a young family to do when a parent is injured? How might they respond to curiosity? In this tender account based on her childhood experiences, beloved author Tara McClary Reeves shares how her family adapted to the extensive physical losses her father, Marine Corps Lieutenant Clebe McClary, sustained. With warmth and humor, this book encourages children and spouses facing similar trials to cherish the gift of family. To hold on to faith. And to choose to be loving heroes on the home front. Is Your Dad a Pirate? will challenge your perspective and deepen your commitment to love.
My Daddy Forgets
There's a boo boo in his head
Author: Brad Blazek, Copyright @ 2021
Children may be confused when they have a parent with a disability and especially a disabling brain injury. They may blame themselves for the parent being in pain or not understand why their home acts differently. This is a children's book about a little girl bunny who is telling her little baby sister bunny about their daddy bunny who has a brain injury and can't remember. It is a touching story of how the daddy may be different than other daddy's but how he loves his children. His pain, forgetfulness and need for less noise is not their fault. He wants them to be able to be like all the other little bunnies even though he may be a little different.
My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?
Helping military children cope with a brain-injured parent
Author: National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation
Copyright @ 2017
This book offers young readers practical coping tools to empower children to feel confident about themselves and become a more active participant in his or her injured parent’s life.
Every day, many children watch as a parent goes off to a military assignment, often in dangerous situations. Most children will later welcome home their parents who served without incident. Others, however, will greet a parent who suffered a head injury, which changes all their lives.
While brain injury is a complex topic, it is an unfortunate fact that certain types of brain injuries, which are all too common in military personnel, affect a person’s behaviors such as mood and temper. A previously kind and loving parent may become irritable, short-fused and be intolerant of frustration after a brain injury. To a child, this change can be scary and overwhelming. Children may not understand why Mom or Dad is so different and may blame themselves.
Our Daddy Is Invincible!
Author: Shannon Maxwell, Copyright @ 2010
What happens when a parent becomes traumatically injured? In Our Daddy Is Invincible! Alexis and Eric find out that their Daddy was badly hurt, something they thought impossible. They are scared for him and wonder how his injuries will change their lives. They learn that his love for them continues to be strong and that life goes on. There are people to help in their daddy's recovery, new adventures to be found, and new ways to find enjoyment together as a family. Turn the pages of this beautifully illustrated, hope-filled book and discover the possibilities. Our Daddy Is Invincible! is based on the true story of a Wounded Warrior and American hero and his family.
Possum Summer
Author: Jen Blom, Copyright @ 2011
Ages 9-12
Possum Summer is an uplifting novel about a girl and her father whose fractious relationship is healed by the hard lessons they learn about love and letting go. Eleven-year-old P (short for Princess) longs for a pet, but her father insists that all animals on their Oklahoma farm earn their keep. While he's away on combat duty, P rescues an orphaned opossum that she names Ike. When her father is injured and her world falls down around her ears, P knows she must find it in herself to betray Ike's trust and force him to survive in the wild - no matter how much it kills her to do it.
Sparrow (board book)
Author: Dorinda Silver Williams, Copyright @ 2012
Ages 0-3
Sparrow is designed to support a young child whose parent has experienced a physical or emotional injury/illness.
Sparrow (papa version) tells the story of a young bird whose beloved parent has been away on a long journey. When Papa finally returns home from his journey, young Sparrow notices that he seems different. Papa is tired and weary and his wing is clipped. Papa and young Sparrow cannot fly together like they used to do. Everything is so different that young Sparrow begins to wonder if Papa’s feelings for him have changed as well. Papa reaches out, offering Sparrow the assurance that he needs; papa loves Sparrow, now and always. Sparrow learns that although he and Papa can no longer fly together, they can be together—and that means everything.
Still My Dad
Author: Julia A. Maki
When Abbey's dad goes overseas to serve in the military, she's very proud of him. But when he gets hurt and has to come home, Abbey's life changes. Join Abbey as she learns how to help her dad and his new pal, Tori the service dog, in Still My Dad.
The Healing Heroes Book (Activity book)
Braving the changes when someone you love is wounded in service
Author: Ellen Sabin
Ages 6-12
The Healing Heroes Book: Braving the Changes When Someone You Love is Wounded in Service is an interactive book that helps children and families of wounded service members deal with the feelings, changes and challenges they face because of their loved one's injury.
This 64 page book combines educational narrative, conversation starters, activities, and journal-style pages to help children appreciate their military family, explore their feelings, ask questions, confront their concerns, and find ways to feel better when they are down.
Kids become the co-author of their book and it can be a powerful tool in their healing process as it opens lines of communication while supporting children and family members with information and suggestions of healthy ways to cope and move forward.
The Taking Care of You Kit
With this kit, families can encourage and support one another when challenged with the obstacles of reintegration.
The Taking Care of You! Support for Kids of Injured Heroes Kit supports families and children ages six and older who are experiencing a loved one's return from deployment with visible and/or invisible injuries.
The Injury Care Kit features the Taking Care of You! Support for Kids of Injured Heroes DVD created by the Trevor Romain Company with the USO, and provides resources that help military children understand the types of injuries as well as recovery and reintegration processes.
The Care Kit includes:
- The Taking Care of You! Support for Kids of Injured Heroes DVD
- A Journal with prompts, calendar, map, and activities
- The Taking Care of You! Family Guidebook
- Download the Reintegration Family Guidebook
- Coco™, a plush toy mouse offering comfort to children
- All housed in a Care Kit Box to keep treasured items safe.