Recommended Reads
Flexible Wings by Veda Stamps
Summer Stevenson is an eleven-year-old military child who dreams of having a permanent home and swimming in the Olympics one day, just like her idol Olympian Lia Neal. But those things seem out of reach as her parents “the heroes” continually move the family from house to house like boxed-up toys. She worries constantly that her fighter-pilot mum could be redeployed at any moment, and she struggles to make new friends, finding herself in humiliating circumstances with her neighbours.
Inspired by nature and drawing support from friendships both old and new, including those with Grandma "Bachaan," her coaches, and other kids on the swim team, Summer seeks the courage she'll need to tackle life's challenges.
Billie Templar’s War by Ellie Irving
Billie Templar desperately wants her dad to come home. He's a soldier and has been away for seven weeks, fighting for 'Queen and country' - but how can the two of them possibly defend their four-year record of winning the three-legged race at the school carnival if he's thousands of miles away?
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter
A story about confidence and belonging. It is relevant due to themes of emotional resilience.
A Million Angels by Kate Maryon
“We talk about everything, Dad and me. About all the mysteries inside of us. About all our wonderings of the world. But tomorrow my dad goes to war. Then what will I do?” Jemima’s dad’s in the Army and he’s off to Afghanistan again for six whole months. Her mum’s about to have another baby and hasn’t got the energy to worry about anything else. Gran is staying to help out, but her head is filled with her own wartime memories. So, while Mima is sending Dad millions of guardians angels every night to keep him safe, who is looking out for her?
Shadow byMichael Morpurgo
A powerful story involving military families and loyalty. Directly connects to military family experiences. This reading list draws on recommendations from service-children organisations including Forces Children Scotland, SSCE Cymru, and Reading Force, alongside additional titles selected to support our school community.