Author: Ryan Manion
Illustrator: Shane L. Johnson

It is not always easy being a leader, but someone must take on the role. That is exactly what Travis Manion did throughout his life. Always choosing to take the path less traveled, Travis made a difference everywhere he went, which is what drove him to become a U.S. Marine. Even after his death, his legacy lives on through the people he impacted, including his sister, Ryan Manion. As she reflects on memories of her brother, she shares the five most important lessons she learned from him.

Things My Brother Used to Say, written by Ryan Manion and illustrated by Shane L. Johnson, demonstrates the importance of staying true to yourself while showing kindness to everyone you meet. This story encourages readers to think about their character and can inspire people to examine these principles within their own lives. Above all, it empowers the reader to ask themself, “If not me, then who?”

Download Printable Reading Guide

Extend Your Learning:

Use these comprehension questions with your kids or students to build their literacy skills!

Where was Travis deployed?
What did Travis like to do with his childhood best friend Brendan?
What are the five important lessons that Ryan learned from Travis?
What were some of the ways Travis helped others throughout the book?
In what ways do you demonstrate these principles in your own life?

Check out the Travis Manion Foundation and see how they serve Veterans and families of the fallen: Travis Manion Foundation | “If Not Me, Then Who…”
Visit us at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) this month on May 25th at 10:00 A.M. for our Memorial Day ceremony. The author of the book, Ryan Manion, will be our keynote speaker! While it is free to attend, it is recommended to register for tickets in advance. Those can be acquired here: Memorial Day 2026 – National Veterans Memorial Museum. There will also be a link to watch the ceremony virtually that will be available on our website closer to the event.
If you are looking for a way to honor someone this Memorial Day, we invite you to take part in our Memorial Day campaign. With a gift of $25 or more, you can dedicate a flag that will be displayed on the lawns of the NVMM and COSI (Center of Science and Industry) during our Memorial Day commemoration.
- Follow this link to take part: National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- The names of those honored in this way will be on our website through June 30th, 2026. They can be found at this link: Dedicate a Memorial Day Flag – National Veterans Memorial Museum.

Create a Kindness Jar

Feel free to check out this website for different pattern options: How to Make Beaded Bracelets: 25 Bead Bracelet Patterns

Sometimes we feel like we are not making a difference unless we are doing something that feels big, but in order to do big things, one must do a lot of little things to get there. With this activity, you will create a jar of kind things to do. No matter what it is, all of them can be done in a big way. This will help you follow one of Travis’ sayings, “Be big in the little things.”
- What you’ll need: A jar, paper, scissors, and a writing utensil
- What you’ll be doing: Cut the paper into tiny strips, about three inches long and half an inch wide. Think of kind things to do for others and for yourself, such as throwing trash away or doing your homework in a timely manner. Then, write them down on the pieces of paper and put them in the jar. At least once a week, pull a piece from the jar and do it.
  - Remember, you do not need to pull something from the jar to act, but this can be a great way to get you in the habit.

While the book is not currently available at the local library, you can purchase a copy here: Things My Brother Used to Say | Travis Manion Foundation. 100% of the proceeds go to the Travis Manion Foundation. Then, come to the NVMM and learn more about unique Veteran stories that can be found throughout United States History.

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NVMM Reads: “Things My Brother Used to Say”

Extend Your Learning:

The NVMM is Open on MLK Day!

$1 Admission on Jan. 16 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.