We’re thrilled to welcome our fabulous new team member, Terry Stuart. Here Terry shares her military family experience, and why books are her “portable home.”
You have experienced several perspectives on military family life – can you tell us a little about your military links?
I grew up as a military daughter and have been a military wife for over 30 years, so I’ve lived the rhythms of Armed Forces life from both sides; packing up homes, navigating new schools, and finding our feet in each posting. Those transitions and separations taught me the resilience and resourcefulness that service families embody, and they’re a constant reminder of how important continuity and community are when everything else feels in motion.
Earlier in my career I also worked within Service Children’s Education, which gave me a front‑row seat to the educational experiences of service pupils and the practicalities families manage around postings and deployments.
We know you are a self-confessed bookworm! How do you feel books can feature in military family life?
Books have always been our “portable home.” During busy moves and times apart, a well-loved story becomes a familiar anchor; something you can open anywhere and instantly feel connected. I’ve seen how a shared book routine creates a small ritual that helps children feel secure when the bigger picture is changing. It’s why I’m passionate about Reading Force: stories can knit families together across distance, strengthen wellbeing, and offer comfort when life is full of unknowns.
We’re thrilled to have you join the RF team – can you tell us why you wanted to come on board Reading Force?
Reading Force’s mission speaks to my lived experience and professional focus. Personally, I’ve seen how reading builds connection; professionally I’ve spent years leading people-centred initiatives to deliver impact at scale. I was energised by the opportunity to join Reading Force and transition from corporate life into a community focused setting that allows me to apply my skills to benefit service families directly, and expand Reading Force’s reach.
Do you have a few favourite children’s/YA books? Why have these stuck with you?
The Magic Faraway Tree (Enid Blyton): It’s pure wonder; each land at the top of the tree felt like a new posting, full of surprise and possibility. That playful sense of adventure mirrored my own childhood moves and helped make change feel exciting rather than daunting.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury): This is one we read as a family, and my grandson is now reading. The phrase “we can’t go over it, we can’t go under it…” resonates with service life; you go through things together. It’s a joyful, rhythmic reminder of facing challenges as a family.
I Love you to the Moon and Back (Amelia Hepworth & Tim Warnes): This is one of my children’s favourites which they’ve also passed on to my grandson. This book holds a special place in my heart because during times of separation, I’d say to the children, “It doesn’t matter how far apart we are, look at the moon before you go to sleep and know that I am looking at the same moon as you.” That simple ritual gave us a sense of closeness even when miles apart.
Finally, what are you currently reading?
I’ve just finished reading Murder at the Monastery by the Reverend Richard Coles, and I loved it for its nostalgia, the gentle humour, and the way it weaves mystery with a strong sense of community. It’s a charming, humane story that balances warmth with a thoughtful puzzle; perfect for curling up with on a quiet evening.
Thanks so much for sharing Terry!