We Suggest: Titles for Veterans Day

By Collection Management Librarian Kathy

Every year on November 11, we honor America’s military veterans for their service. Below are some recent, thoughtful reads to help you observe.

Honoring veterans



They Were Soldiers by Joseph L. Galloway

Why you should try it: Be inspired by the stories of these 49 Vietnam veterans who went on to accomplish amazing things.

Description: Joseph Galloway and coauthor Marvin Wolf bring to life the inspirational stories of Vietnam veterans who returned home from the "lost war" to enrich America's present and future.

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Wheels of Courage by David Davis

Why you should try it: Find out how these veterans overcame the stigma of paralysis—doctors at the time considered paraplegics "dead-enders" and "no hopers"—to forever change our society.

Description: Following the lives of three paralyzed vets and their role in creating wheelchair basketball, this inspiring true story introduces the World War II veterans who started America’s first-ever wheelchair sports competition, forever changing the world.

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The Women With Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck

Why you should try it: Discover the fascinating and little-known history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Description: Tells the true story of the daring female aviators who helped the United States win World War II—only to be forgotten by the country they served.

Stream & download with: Media on Demand/Libby (ebook, digital audiobook)

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No Ordinary Dog by Will Chesney

Why you should try it: This is perfect for military aficionados and dog lovers.

Description: Tells the true story of a SEAL Team Operator and military dog handler, and the dog that saved his life.

Stream & download with: Media on Demand/Libby (ebook)

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Why We Serve by Alexandra N. Harris

Why you should try it: An important record of overlooked history that also happens to be gorgeously illustrated.

Description: Why We Serve commemorates the 2020 opening of the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the first landmark in Washington, DC, to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of Native veterans. 

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Sacred Duty by Tom Cotton

Why you should try it: This history of the oldest active-duty regiment in the Army is informative and reverent.

Description: The conservative Arkansas senator presents an intimate and uplifting portrait of Arlington National Cemetery's Old Guard, in a historical memoir that draws on his tradition-inspired service as a unit platoon leader in wartime.

Stream & download with: Hoopla (ebook, digital audiobook), Media on Demand/Libby (digital audiobook)

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PTSD by Guillaume Singelin

Why you should try it: Publishers Weekly called this graphic novel a "gorgeous meditation on the lingering horrors of war."

Description: In a near-future world, a veteran comes home from an unpopular war and struggles to cope with her mental and physical wounds, while seeking relief in illicit drugs she buys or steals.

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Three War Stories by David Mamet

Why you should try it: If you prefer fiction and an author that is stylistically experimental, try these novellas.

Description: Three novellas from the acclaimed director and playwright span across centuries and continents and include the story of a 19th century Secret Service officer who transforms himself when taken prisoner and two ex-military men who steal a plane from Israel.

Stream & download with: Hoopla (ebook)

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Librarian Kathy

About Kathy

Kathy is a Collection Management Librarian who loves reading, sharing, and talking about books. Her missions in life are to: create communities of readers, convince folks that her official title should be "Book Pusher," and refute that "disco" is a dirty word.