Why am I passionate about this?

I empower military-connected kids through books that support their mental and emotional growth, ensuring they feel "heard, seen, and chosen”. I draw from my bi-cultural military upbringing and global experiences to deliver keynotes and workshops on resilience and change management. My mission is to create empathy and curiosity beyond comfort zones, advocating for representation of kids who moved frequently worldwide. Through my children's book series, And That's Okay, I sparked a movement to inspire a growth mindset, empathy, and authentic connections through meaningful conversations. Writing the books that I wanted as a child, I understand the power of representation. Every child must see themselves and their lived experience to believe, dream, and achieve great things.


I wrote

I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

By Shermaine Perry-Knights,

Book cover of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

What is my book about?

Looking for a book that teaches about the power of friendship? Here it is!

"I Miss My Friend And That's…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Night Catch

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did I love this book?

This heart-warming story teaches military families that they can stay connected although physically separated due to job assignments. Its reference to the starry night is relevant and relatable because we all share the night sky despite our physical location.

As a military-kid, this is the kind of story that we all wanted. I remember looking into the night sky and wondering where in the world he was and when our family would be together again. This story peeks into the minds of little soldiers and eases their concerns.

By Brenda Ehrmantraut, Vicki Wehrman (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Night Catch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Not ball as usual in the park,
but something special after dark."

When a soldier's work takes him half-way around the world, he enlists the help of the North Star for a nightly game of catch with his son.

Night Catch is a timeless story that connects families while they are apart and offers comforting hope for their reunion.

Featured book in the United Through Reading program.

"… Night Catch is the best of the best!"
—Sally Ann Zoll, CEO, United Through Reading

"… a staple in our Parent to Parent Program … We enthusiastically recommend it!"
—Military Child Education…


Book cover of The Peppered Sky

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did I love this book?

I recommend this book because it sparks curiosity into careers within the military.

The author is a military kid, like me, and shares her authentic experience. The Peppered Sky is representation at its finest. Readers take a peek into the world of paratroopers jumping on a mission to defend our freedom. This book shines a much-needed light on what our world looks like to civilians.

Ultimately, it’s a great introduction into the military lifestyle with sweet moments, vibrant illustrations, and rhyme. 

By Sarah Doran, Beth Snider (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Peppered Sky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Super Max's Hero Surprise

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did I love this book?

This book is a great reminder of the sacrifices that military families make for our country. I know all too well that the cycle of deployment is extremely emotional.

Dr. Robyn creates empathy for the rollercoaster of emotions that military-connected children endure during deployment. Super Max’s Hero Surprise is one of the few moments that are often televised about military life. It brings tears from everyone within sight (online or in-person) who witnesses the powerful and emotional moment of seeing a loved one after an extended period of time.

I recommended this book because it captures the strength of family ties. More times than not, our service member was on special assignment away from the family. Creating empathy for military kids is at the heart of why I continue to publish books.

By Heather E Robyn, Zoe Mellors (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Super Max's Hero Surprise as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

Max has a loved one currently on a military deployment. Or so she thought.

During a class assembly, Max gets some strong "Super Max" vibes. A special visitor has arrived at the school, and all eyes are now staring at her.

Why is everyone looking at her, and who is the special visitor to the assembly?

She saw a face that mirrored hers, with eyes so full of mist.

A beaming loving grin and daisies clutched inside his fist.

She recognized the uniform with black and brown and green,

and on his chest, her last name sewn, could easily be…


Book cover of I'm A Dandelion: A PCS Story For Military Children

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did I love this book?

This book creates empathy for kids that experience frequent moves. It’s timely, relevant, and relatable to military kids. I attended more than 11 schools in 5 countries from kindergarten until high school graduation. Needless to say, I moved a lot!

I’m A Dandelion is a conversation tool for lower elementary grades. The book provides a unique perspective on the transition for a young child. While this book features a military child, its message of resilience and hope are universal themes that help all children to overcome obstacles more easily.

The author does a great job of encouraging children to talk about their feelings and fears, and also reminds them that they are not alone in the adventure.

Book cover of Buddy the Soldier Bear

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did I love this book?

Buddy the Soldier Bear is an adorable story that highlights the journey of a care package.

Having grown up in a military family, we sent care packages to our service members when they were away. I distinctly remember our classes encouraging us to write letters and add our favorite drawings to the packages. It makes a huge difference in morale for service members to know that someone cared enough to think of and send a handwritten note.

It’s an emotional story that encourages readers to remember the military community outside of special holidays. With very relevant illustrations, the story offers appreciation and compassion for military families. There is a sense of adventure as Buddy joins the soldiers during military assignments until he safely accompanies the soldier home. 

By Marie Joy, Brandon Pollard (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Buddy the Soldier Bear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Meet Buddy and go on a magical journey with him, from the toy store to the battlefield and back home again. Buddy the Soldier Bear is a delightful tale of a stuffed bear who dreams of adventures and being part of a family. When he finds himself in a care package for a soldier, he embarks on quite an adventure, indeed. Written by the daughter of a WW II veteran and the mother of a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, you can feel the love poured into this story. Illustrated by a talented soldier who was deployed with…


Explore my book 😀

I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

By Shermaine Perry-Knights,

Book cover of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

What is my book about?

Looking for a book that teaches about the power of friendship? Here it is!

"I Miss My Friend And That's Okay" is a heartwarming story about two best friends, Grace and Kerrington, who live far apart, share their lives through letters, both the good and the bad. When Grace moves to Italy, she misses Kerrington and her old life, but also learns to enjoy new experiences and make new friends. This powerful picture book shows how children can be adaptable, while celebrating the enduring power of friendship.

Readers will discover the magic of true friendship that offers comfort and strength during life's obstacles, while also encouraging self-discovery and personal growth.

This book will encourage important conversations about:

Moving
Making new friends
Anxiety
Big feelings
New environments
Problem-solving
Positive mental health
Accepting each other's differences

Perfect for all children 6 to 10 years old.

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Girl of Light

By Elana Gomel,

Book cover of Girl of Light

Elana Gomel Author Of Nine Levels

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Elana's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

A girl of Light in a world of darkness.

In Svetlana's country, it’s a felony to break a mirror. Mirrors are conduits of the Voice, the deity worshiped by all who follow Light. The Voice protects humans of MotherLand from the dangers that beset them on all sides: an invading army of wolf-headed men on their borders and the infectious, ever-evolving, zombie-like Enemy that plagues them at home. When Svetlana meets Andrei, a traumatized and amnesiac soldier from another war, she embarks on a harrowing journey of adventure and self-discovery that leads her to question everything she was taught to…

Girl of Light

By Elana Gomel,

What is this book about?

A voice through Svetlana's mirror guides her beloved MotherLand from behind its' electric tower. The war with Wulfstan is not going as well as Sveta and her parents hope, but Sveta trusts the Voice. When her best friend Tattie goes missing, and Sveta saves Andrei, a soldier in summer uniform in the dead of winter, it takes Sveta through a crucible of Light, doubt, and back to the altar of true belief. Girl of Light unravels Sveta's beloved MotherLand in a war-torn adventure through monsters, missing eyes and broken mirrors.

Girl of Light is a dark fantasy with a Slavic…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in military, empathy, and soldiers?

Military 51 books
Empathy 162 books
Soldiers 109 books