World War II Books for Kids

These books will help kids understand the events of one of the most interesting periods of modern history: World War II. On this list you'll find historical fiction to give context for the time period and convey what it really felt like for fighters on the front lines, kids and families back home, and Jews in hiding or sent to concentration camps. You'll also find engaging nonfiction books to help curious kids learn the facts (or finish assignments for history class). And if your history buff is looking for more to read, check out this list of World War I Books for Kids.

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Love in the Library Poster Image
BOOK

Love in the Library

age 6+

Gentle, true story about finding love, hope in prison camp.

By: Maggie Tokuda-Hall (2022)
Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued Poster Image
BOOK

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued

age 6+

Inspiring true story of lifesaving hero and WWII refugees.

By: Peter Sis (2021)
Cape: The League of Secret Heroes, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Cape: The League of Secret Heroes, Book 1

age 8+

Tween superheroes battle Nazis, prejudice in exciting story.

By: Kate Hannigan (2019)
Rescue Poster Image
BOOK

Rescue

age 8+

Suspenseful drama of escape from Nazi occupation in WWII.

By: Jennifer A. Nielsen (2021)
A Faraway Island Poster Image
BOOK

A Faraway Island

age 9+

Moving story of Jewish sisters living as refugees in Sweden.

By: Annika Thor (2009)
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BOOK

Number the Stars

age 9+

Stirring tale of girl who smuggles Jews to safety in WWII.

By: Lois Lowry (1989)
Paper Wishes Poster Image
BOOK

Paper Wishes

age 9+

Sad, soulful story of grieving girl interned during WWII.

By: Lois Sepahban (2016)
The Tower of Life Book Cover: A young girl with dark hair wearing a blue and white gingham dress holds photographs to her chest, a sketch of a small town behind her.
BOOK

The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs

age 9+

Affecting true story of a Holocaust survivor and historian.

By: Chana Stiefel (2022)
The War That Saved My Life Poster Image
BOOK

The War That Saved My Life

age 9+

Abused girl finds courage, family in compelling WWII story.

A Place to Hang the Moon Poster Image
BOOK

A Place to Hang the Moon

age 9+

Bookish orphan sibs seek family in old-school WWII tale.

By: Kate Albus (2021)
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit Poster Image
BOOK

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

age 9+

Young WWII refugee's story told with warmth and wonder.

By: Judith Kerr (1971)
The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler Poster Image
BOOK

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler

age 10+

Gripping true story of devout man who tried to stop Hitler.

By: John Hendrix (2018)
The Metropolitans Poster Image
BOOK

The Metropolitans

age 10+

Teens aim to foil Nazi plot in thrilling, magical adventure.

By: Carol Goodman (2017)
White Bird: A Wonder Story Poster Image
BOOK

White Bird: A Wonder Story

age 10+

Moving WWII graphic novel has loss, offers hope for future.

By: R.J. Palacio (2019)
Allies Poster Image
BOOK

Allies

age 11+

Gripping, must-read novel follows young soldiers on D-Day.

By: Alan Gratz (2019)
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl Poster Image
BOOK

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

age 11+

Inspiring wartime journal reveals teen's inner life.

By: Anne Frank (1947)
The Boy on the Wooden Box Poster Image
BOOK

The Boy on the Wooden Box

age 11+

Moving memoir of boy Holocaust survivor on Schindler's list.

Grenade Poster Image
BOOK

Grenade

age 11+

Tense, gripping WWII drama has powerful cost-of-war message.

By: Alan Gratz (2018)