10+ Best Books About War for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for engaging and age-appropriate books about war for 12-year-olds? Finding the right blend of educational content and captivating storytelling can be quite a challenge, especially when the topic is as complex as war. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a young reader yourself, this blog is your go-to guide. Keep reading to discover a variety of books about war for 12-year-olds that are perfect for learning and reflection.

Fun Books About War for 12-Year-Olds

• The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl who escapes her abusive mother by evacuating London during the war, discovering a new world of freedom and possibilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an uplifting story that highlights resilience, courage, and the transformative power of love and support during challenging times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories and those interested in historical settings.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In Nazi-occupied Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns about bravery and sacrifice as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazi roundup.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle introduction to the themes of war and resistance, focusing on friendship and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories about friendship and heroism.

• War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Joey, a farm horse turned war horse in World War I, experiencing the horrors of war through the eyes of an animal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on war, emphasizing loyalty, hope, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and readers who appreciate a different viewpoint on historical events.

• The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Bruno, the son of a WWII Nazi officer, befriends a Jewish boy named Shmuel, a prisoner in Auschwitz, leading to a haunting and powerful conclusion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles complex issues through the innocent eyes of a child, providing a poignant, reflective experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready to explore deeper and more challenging themes in a sensitive manner.

• I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Nathaniel Fox runs away from his uncle's farm and finds himself in the middle of the American Revolution, facing the realities of war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action and history in a way that's engaging and accessible, making it a fun way to learn about American history.
  • Perfect for: Adventure-seekers and history buffs who enjoy fast-paced, immersive storytelling.

Educational Books About War for 12-Year-Olds

• Soldier Dog by Sam Angus
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story of Stanley, a young boy who becomes a messenger dog handler in World War I, and his bond with his dog, Soldier.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of World War I, empathy, animal-human relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a touching narrative that combines historical facts with the emotional bonds between a boy and his dog during war.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in war stories with a personal touch.

• The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the Balicki children in World War II as they use a silver sword pendant as a symbol of hope to navigate war-torn Europe in search of their parents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge of World War II, resilience, family values
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of perseverance and hope during one of history’s darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of adventure and quests, especially within a historical context.

• Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Private Tommo Peaceful recounts his life from rural England to the trenches of World War I, reflecting on family, loyalty, and the horrors of war.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: World War I history, emotional literacy, understanding of military life
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant and heart-wrenching look at the impacts of war on a personal level.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in emotional narratives and historical settings.

• The Fighting Ground by Avi
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: 13-year-old Jonathan goes to fight in the American Revolution but finds himself in a moral quandary when he captures a soldier.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: American Revolution history, moral reasoning, bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping 24-hour account of a young boy’s experience in war, filled with ethical dilemmas and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and those interested in exploring the complexities of war and personal values.

• Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Ned Begay and how he and other Navajo men used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: World War II history, cultural awareness, cryptography
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights an often-overlooked aspect of American history, celebrating the crucial role of Navajo code talkers.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in military history, cryptography, and Native American history.

Challenging Books About War for 12-Year-Olds

• A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Historical
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of Ishmael Beah as he was forced to become a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative provides a stark, first-person perspective of war's brutal realities, which can be emotionally and intellectually demanding for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and eye-opening perspective on the impact of war, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of global issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in autobiographies and those looking to understand the personal effects of war.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It employs a unique narrative style, narrated by Death, and tackles complex themes of mortality, war, and the power of words.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines historical context with a deep, personal story, encouraging readers to think about the impact of war on individuals and communities.
  • Perfect for: Those who love unique narrative voices and stories that blend history with profound human connections.

• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of 15-year-old Lina, a Lithuanian girl deported to a Siberian labor camp during World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It exposes readers to the less commonly discussed atrocities of Stalin's reign and the challenges of survival under extreme oppression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling tale of hope, resilience, and the struggle for freedom and human dignity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in untold stories of history and the strength of the human spirit in adversity.

• Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During World War II, four teenagers from different homelands converge in their desperate attempt to escape the advancing Soviet army, culminating in the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff ship.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intertwining perspectives and the historical depth require readers to keep track of multiple narratives and historical facts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights a tragic, often overlooked event in history through deeply personal and interconnected stories.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate multiple viewpoints and are interested in the lesser-known events of World War II.

• Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ida Mae Jones, a young African-American woman, passes as white to join the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) during World War II, facing not only the dangers of war but also the challenges of her identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of racial identity, gender roles, and social justice amidst the backdrop of war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insight into the contributions of women and African-Americans during the war, wrapped in a story of courage and personal discovery.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in stories of empowerment, social issues, and historical contributions of underrepresented groups.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into books about war, it's not just about understanding history—it's about connecting with the stories and learning from them. Here are some exercises designed specifically for 12-year-olds to enhance their reading experience and develop good habits. These activities will make the reading process more engaging and insightful.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps manage time and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or classmates.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw or write out the main events of the story on a timeline or map.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of events and the relationships between them.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark important events or turning points in the story.

• Predict the Outcome
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, try to predict how it will end based on what you've read so far.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them with the actual outcome once you finish the book.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of one of the characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Choose a character you feel particularly drawn to or curious about.

• Question and Answer Exchange
  • What it is: Write questions about the book and swap them with a friend to answer.
  • How it helps: Stimulates deeper thinking and discussion about the book.
  • Tips: Think of questions that aren't directly answered in the text to explore creative interpretations.

These exercises are designed to make your reading journey more structured and enjoyable. By actively engaging with the books, you'll not only enhance your understanding but also develop lasting reading habits. Give them a try and see how much more you can get out of your next war-themed book! Happy reading!