100 books like The Peppered Sky

By Sarah Doran, Beth Snider (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that The Peppered Sky fans have personally recommended if you like The Peppered Sky. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Night Catch

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

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.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did Shermaine 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 Super Max's Hero Surprise

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

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.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did Shermaine 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 Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

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.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did Shermaine 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.

By Brooke Mahaffey, Lidiia Mariia Nyz (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I'm A Dandelion as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Buddy the Soldier Bear

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Of I Miss My Friend And That's Okay

From my list on military family life.

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.

Shermaine's book list on military family life

Shermaine Perry-Knights Why did Shermaine 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…


Book cover of Daedalus Returned

Peter Monteath Author Of Battle on 42nd Street: War in Crete and the Anzacs' bloody last stand

From my list on the Battle of Crete.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for the Battle of Crete flows from my traveler’s experiences of this most beautiful of Mediterranean islands and its people. The Second World War is just one episode in a history that stretches back millennia, yet to this day, it remains ever-present in the minds of Cretans. The landscape, too, still bears the scars of war. Every visitor to Crete has the opportunity to uncover the multiple layers of a rich past. To dig down to the horrors of the twentieth century with its brutal war and occupation does not take long, and it is enormously rewarding. In few places are past and present so closely intertwined.

Peter's book list on the Battle of Crete

Peter Monteath Why did Peter love this book?

For me, the history of any war or battle can only be grasped if the perspectives of both–or perhaps all–sides are taken into account. One of the most revealing accounts from a German perspective came from the pen of Baron von der Heydte.

Heydte was among those who parachuted into Crete on the first day of battle; his account conveys that perilous endeavor through his eyes and follows his participation until the surrender of Chania a week later. Intriguing for me, too, is how Heydte, once an avid Nazi, cleverly dials back here his enthusiasm for the cause.

By Baron von der Heydte,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

limited 1,000 copy reprint of an extremely rare WWII memoir. This one of the few memoirs ever written by a former German paratrooper. The Baron was in command of a battalion of paratroopers in Crete, being dropped at zero hour near Canea and seven days later received the surrender of the town. This book is the full exciting account of preparation, landing and seven days of terrifying battle. This is an excellent read and the Baron has a flair with the pen. Captured in 1945 in the Ardennes the Baron was bitterly attacked for his anti-Hitler sentiments as a P.O.W.,…


Book cover of Letters from Uncle Dave: The 73-year Journey to Find a Missing-In-Action World War II Paratrooper

Joy Neal Kidney Author Of What Leora Never Knew: A Granddaughter's Quest for Answers

From my list on research of World War II casualties.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm the oldest granddaughter of Leora, who lost three sons during WWII. To learn what happened to them, I studied casualty and missing aircraft reports, missions reports, and read unit histories. I’ve corresponded with veterans who knew one of the brothers, who witnessed the bomber hit the water off New Guinea, and who accompanied one brother’s body home. I’m still in contact with the family members of two crew members on the bomber. The companion book, Leora’s Letters, is the family story of the five Wilson brothers who served, but only two came home.

Joy's book list on research of World War II casualties

Joy Neal Kidney Why did Joy love this book?

This is not only the story of a young American serving in WWII, it's a family story about what happens when that MIA or KIA telegram arrives. And how it permeates through the family when the family member is never found and the family is left in limbo, dealing with an ambiguous loss and unresolved grief that even affects more generations.

Because my Grandma Leora lost three sons during WWII, I can relate to the not knowing, as for one of the brothers, only God knows where his remains lie today.

It is encouraging to read about the author's trips to Europe and to learn how much the Dutch revere the young Americans who helped liberate their homeland. They publicly remember anniversaries and welcome visiting Americans, especially those hunting for answers.

This family history and historical journey, aiming for closure by one family, is a real American treasure.

By Phil Rosenkrantz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Letters from Uncle Dave as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A hero never came home from the war. Will his nephew’s painstaking twenty-year search finally offer the family closure?

Phil Rosenkrantz never met his uncle. All he knew was that the fearless 82nd Airborne Paratrooper was marked MIA, and seventy-three years later he still didn’t know the brave man’s history… or where his remains lay. But his two-decade quest to bring his relative’s sacrifice to light would reveal startling epistles, detailed sketches, and the vivid humor of a man confronting a bitter fight for freedom.

Letters From Uncle Dave: The 73-year Journey to Find a Missing-In-Action World War II Paratrooper…


Book cover of The General

Richard Vaughan Davies Author Of Fireweed

From my list on books from a pre-internet era, full of action, humour and social comment.

Why am I passionate about this?

The list reflects my interest in history and my own recollections of the days before the current era of mass tourism and online globalisation. I confess to a feeling of painful nostalgia for a time when we all had a very different worldview, and these books are all of that period. They feature temporal grief for an age that has passed. They are all highly readable books by writers at the top of their game.

Richard's book list on books from a pre-internet era, full of action, humour and social comment

Richard Vaughan Davies Why did Richard love this book?

The best novel ever about WWI. I was there with them in the trenches and finally understood how the generals came to have the mentality that allowed the slaughter to continue.

Forester is a superb writer and grossly underrated. He is a model for any aspiring writer. I must have read it four times at least, and each time found some new aspect to enjoy.

By C. S. Forester,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The book John Kelly reads every time he gets a promotion to remind him of 'the perils of hubris, the pitfalls of patriotism and duty unaccompanied by critical thinking'

The most vivid, moving - and devastating - word-portrait of a World War One British commander ever written, here re-introduced by Max Hastings.

C.S. Forester's 1936 masterpiece follows Lt General Herbert Curzon, who fumbled a fortuitous early step on the path to glory in the Boer War. 1914 finds him an honourable, decent, brave and wholly unimaginative colonel. Survival through the early slaughters in which so many fellow-officers perished then brings…


Book cover of Momma's Boots

Jerilyn Marler Author Of Lily Hates Goodbyes

From my list on military families dealing with deployment.

Why am I passionate about this?

I know the pain of separations. Navy doctor father. Missionary kid at boarding school in India. Military wife. Military mother. Separations suck. So when my three-year-old grandchild Lily struggled with her daddy’s deployment in 2010, I felt her pain. I composed the story and used personal photos to illustrate Lily Hates Goodbyes. Whenever we read about book Lily’s emotions, my Lily would say, “Just like me!” Wanting other children to have this cathartic experience, I hired Nathan Stoltenberg, a brilliant illustrator, and self-published the book. It’s available in a Navy version and an All Military version—the only difference is daddy’s uniform. Book Lily is a friend to young military children around the world. 

Jerilyn's book list on military families dealing with deployment

Jerilyn Marler Why did Jerilyn love this book?

While most deployed service members are male, women serve and are deployed, too. I honor their contribution by including this touching book. When Momma puts on her military boots, little Bean grapples with questions of why and where and how long. Momma describes her work with references to other kinds of work that Bean understands. It’s a sweet conversation that provides a broader context for military work and assurance that Momma will return.

By Sandra Miller Linhart, Tahna Marie Desmond (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Momma's Boots as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This award-winning deployment book for kids is a favorite of all major military branches: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves in military books and best deployment books for children.The illustrator has masterfully drawn the lovable and relatable characters to be racially non-specific; Bean is non-gender specific, as well. It's Boot's task to take Mommy where she's needed, but it's Momma's job to explain why.When Momma puts on her boots, Bean knows it's time to say good-bye, and maybe for a long time. What does Momma do when she goes? Do the other mommies wear boots…


Book cover of Naked

Stacy Kristen Author Of Jax: An Age Gap, Second Chance at Love MC Romance

From my list on unforgettable spicy romance reads.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an indie romance author obsessed with all things romance, the spicier the better! I’m all about the happy ending, so all my books feature a happy ever after (HEA) or happy for now (HFN).

Stacy's book list on unforgettable spicy romance reads

Stacy Kristen Why did Stacy love this book?

I read this book because it was recommended to me by a friend. And I’m glad I did. It sucked me in and I literally read the entire collection in less than a week. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down! I rarely reread books, but this series might get me to do just that! It’s a truly enjoyable read.

By Raine Miller,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she's putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra-successful London businessman Ethan Blackstone buys her nude portrait, he isn't taking 'no' for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and has no problem voicing his desires to her. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares her despite the demons she carries around. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will…


Book cover of Chronology of the War at Sea 1939-1945

John Schettler Author Of Kirov

From my list on build realism in your military fiction.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a lover of history all my life, seeing its course change in decisive conflicts, the clash of empires that defined the winners and losers. One thing that always fascinated me was seemingly insignificant events that ended up assuring either victory or defeat. I have always said that “the devil, and the story, is in the details.” The books on this list provide those details exhaustively. These histories are the grist for the mill of my writing mind, and I think my readers can clearly see that my books are “labors of love” in homage to the history I have studied so diligently throughout my life.

John's book list on build realism in your military fiction

John Schettler Why did John love this book?

I loved this one because it documented every engagement at sea during WWII. Each listing specifies the operational mission, Commanding officers, and exact order of battle of every ship, saving hours of research and allowing me to get right to my story.

All you have to do is flip to any date, and there it is. You will see what is happening in every sea. I dropped Kirov into the soup, and there was my story. I could see what ships were near, which might encounter the Russian Battlecruiser first, and how the Royal Navy might have reacted with the assets in their exact historical positions on any given day.

This book is simply a must-have for any writer of naval fiction in this period.

By Jurgen Rohwer, Gerhard Hummelchen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chronology of the War at Sea 1939-1945 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Text: English
Original Language: German


Book cover of Night Catch
Book cover of Super Max's Hero Surprise
Book cover of I'm A Dandelion: A PCS Story For Military Children

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