Memorial Day is our nation’s special holiday to honor those who have served in our military as well as those honored soldiers who gave their lives for our freedoms. Here are some of the novels about war, sacrifice, and growing up that made a mark on me from my high school readings lists.
In fact, this is an area where I’d love to have more suggestions of young adult novels that you all have enjoyed or recommend!
Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt
Goodreads: The Newbery Award winning author of Up a Road Slowly presents the unforgettable story of Jethro Creighton—a brave boy who comes of age during the turbulent years of the Civil War.
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Paul Bäumer enlisted with his classmates in the German army of World War I. Youthful, enthusiastic, they become soldiers. But despite what they have learned, they break into pieces under the first bombardment in the trenches. And as horrible war plods on year after year, Paul holds fast to a single vow: to fight against the principles of hate that meaninglessly pits young men of the same generation but different uniforms against each other–if only he can come out of the war alive.
The Unvanquished by William Faulkner
Set in Mississippi during the Civil War and Reconstruction, THE UNVANQUISHED focuses on the Sartoris family, who, with their code of personal responsibility and courage, stand for the best of the Old South’s traditions.
