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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

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.

Book cover of Night Catch
Book cover of The Peppered Sky
Book cover of Super Max's Hero Surprise

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,202

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

My Year of Casual Acquaintances

By Ruth F. Stevens,

Book cover of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

Ruth F. Stevens Author Of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

From the time I was a girl, I’ve loved stories that put a lump in my throat even as I’m laughing. As a fiction writer, that funny-sad tone is the one I go for in my own work. I gravitate toward female protagonists of all ages who break the mold—women who are intelligent and strong but who also have unconventional, quirky personalities. Women who can be hilarious, infuriating, and heartbreaking—sometimes all at once. Because they are complex and unique, these women tend to struggle with life’s challenges more than their contemporaries. That’s what makes their stories so interesting, and why I have chosen the books on this list. 

Ruth's book list on smart, quirky women facing personal struggles

What is my book about?

When Mar’s husband divorces her, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it's not easy starting over, she’s ready for new adventures—as long as she can keep things casual. Each month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant. . . and a handsome novelist who wants more than she can give. Mar learns from each encounter. But can she open herself up to true connection?

Surrounded by quirky, endearing characters, Mar navigates her…

My Year of Casual Acquaintances

By Ruth F. Stevens,

What is this book about?

"A fun, entertaining novel! I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this book as much as I did." -Leslie A. Rasmussen, award-winning author

When Mar Meyer's husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it's not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures-as long as she can keep things casual.

With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in military, empathy, and soldiers?

Military 51 books
Empathy 163 books
Soldiers 111 books