United Through Reading (UTR) is a nonprofit organization serving military families across all branches of service, including Active Duty, Veterans, Reserves, and National Guard. UTR provides books and shared reading experiences for children from birth through age 18, helping families stay connected—no matter the distance.

UTR is seeking submissions for its 2028 Book for the Military Child, which will be released on April 1, 2028, in celebration of the Month of the Military Child, and promoted as the Book for the Military Child until the release of the 2029 title. It will remain part of the Book for the Military Child collection. 

The selected book will be distributed to military families through UTR events, installation service offices, and the UTR mobile app. Through the app, service members will be able to record themselves reading the book and send both the recording and a copy of the book home, creating meaningful moments of connection during times of separation.

Click here to learn more about the program and past selections.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking original, engaging stories that:

  • Feature a child protagonist
  • Reflect experiences military children can relate to
  • Celebrate and uplift military-connected families
  • Are especially strong as read-alouds

Stories should be unique, emotionally resonant, and inspiring for both children and their families.

Eligible Submissions

UTR welcomes:

  • Submissions by publishers and authors
  • Complete, unpublished manuscripts 
  • Previously published books that meet the criteria (Note: selected titles will require a new print run with the Book for the Military Child logo)
  • Bilingual manuscripts or books with Spanish translations (preferred)

Submission Guidelines

  • Nonfiction and historical works will not be considered
  • Submissions by authors  must be original, written by you, and you must hold the rights
  • Publisher submissions must be for titles currently under contract or in active development. 
  • If submitting a published book, please submit a PDF or eBook copy
  • Format for unpublished book requirements:
    • Double-spaced
    • 12-point font (Calibri or Times New Roman)
    • Page numbers included
    • Title and author name in the header on each page

How to Submit

Please submit all materials by August 15, 2026 to B4MC@utr.org.

Include the following in a single Word or PDF document:

  • Synopsis and complete manuscript (include Spanish translation, if available)
  • Target audience
  • Author name and contact information
  • Illustrator name and contact information
  • Author bio and professional platform
  • Please include illustrations if available

For unpublished manuscripts only:

  • Include a brief marketing plan and list of planned author events spanning four months pre-release and six months post-release
    (Note: Release date is April 1, 2028.)

Review Process

All submissions will be reviewed by United Through Reading. A selection will be made by October 1, 2026, with notifications to follow.

Thank you for your interest in working with United Through Reading.