Book For The Military Child

A Special Book for Special Children

Each year, United Through Reading connects the military community through the power of shared stories, but each April we do something extra special.

Our Book for the Military Child initiative unites military parents, caregivers, and children around a single reading experience—celebrating the courage and resilience of military children worldwide and reminding them that they serve, too. Military kids face unique experiences like frequent relocations, loved ones often away for long periods, and emotional and academic challenges. At UTR, we know these special kids deserve a special book!

Make It a Storytime to Remember

Service members can record themselves reading the book using the free United Through Reading App—keeping family bonds strong, wherever duty takes them.

Here’s how you can join in:

• Download the App to record your storytime and instantly send it to your child.

• Read along with a digital copy of the book right in the App.

• Watch our Spotlight Storytime available in the App of Sometimes Apart, Always in My Heart for inspiration.

• Request a free copy of the book after recording so your child can follow along.

With 13,000 copies distributed each April across military bases, libraries, and events, this initiative helps ensure every military child feels seen, heard, and connected—no matter where their story unfolds.

2026 Featured Book

Sometimes a big move helps you discover your own special meaning of home.

Home Moves With Me follows a child and their family as they settle into a new house. Each step of their journey is a gentle reminder that home is more than a place — it’s the people we love and the memories we create together.

Told in lyrical, inviting prose, the book features mixed‑media illustrations that draw readers into the main character’s world. Playful details — dragons, photo memories, a loyal dog — add depth and offer delightful hidden stories for readers to explore. The result is a book that’s as beautiful as it is meaningful.

Available in both English and Spanish (Mi hogar se muda conmigo), this special story will resonate deeply with military children and families. We are thrilled to present Home Moves With Me as the 2026 Book for the Military Child.

About the Author

Kathy Feedham Raggio grew up a military kid, became a DoDDS (DoDEA) school teacher, married an Air Force officer, and raised their three kids through eight military moves. Home Moves With Me is her first picture book.

About the Artist
Quinette Cook is an award-winning children’s and young adult author and traditional artist. She also illustrated Military Life: Stories and Poems for Children. Her father served in the Korean War and her sister served in the Navy.

About the Translator
Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author and translator. Her picture books include Paula’s Patches and Squawk of Spanish. She is Elva Resa’s lead Spanish translator and editor. For the past two years, Gaby has won first place for best translation of a picture book in the International Latino Book Awards for her translation of Elva Resa’s Operation AviationTM series by Teri Weber.

Home Moves With Me is published by the award-winning Elva Resa Publishing.

FAQ

Click on the question below for more details.

What is Month of the Military Child?

The Month of the Military Child, celebrated each April, honors the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of children in military families. Established by the Department of Defense in 1986, it recognizes military children's important role in the armed forces community and raises awareness of their unique challenges and contributions.

It’s a time to celebrate and support military kids who serve alongside their families, often facing frequent moves, parental deployments, and life transitions with courage and adaptability.

When did United Through Reading Launch its first Book for the Military Child?

What is the purpose of the Book for the Military Child?

Each year, United Through Reading brings the military community together through the power of shared storytime. Our Book for the Military Child initiative connects military parents, caregivers, and children through a shared reading experience. The program honors the courage and resilience of military kids worldwide by featuring a special story that reflects the unique aspects of military life—uplifting them and acknowledging that they serve, too.

We’ve chosen one book yearly since 2023 and use April’s Month of the Military Child to kick off the yearlong celebration. Follow along on UTR’s social channels for news and updates.

How can military families access the Book for the Military Child?

UTR works with military commands, installations, and partner organizations to distribute the book in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and locations throughout Asia and Europe. Families may also view a video of the book being read through our Spotlight Stories, which is available to registered UTR App users.

Active Story Stations received copies of the book for service members to utilize for storytime recordings to send to their children. Find a Story Station near you.

Where can I purchase the latest Book for the Military Child?