10+ Best Holocaust Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the topic of the Holocaust with young readers can be challenging, but choosing the right books can make a significant difference. Our carefully selected list of Holocaust books for 10-year-olds offers age-appropriate narratives that provide a sensitive yet insightful look into this pivotal moment in history. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or guardian, keep reading to discover our top picks that help introduce this complex subject with care and respect.

Fun Holocaust Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis by pretending she's part of her family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the subject of the Holocaust, told through a suspenseful and moving story that highlights bravery and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of heroism.

• The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Hannah, a modern Jewish girl, is transported back in time to 1942 Poland during a Passover Seder. She experiences life in a concentration camp and learns the importance of remembering the past.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book combines historical facts with time-travel fantasy, making it a captivating read that also educates about the Holocaust.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy time-travel stories and learning about history through immersive experiences.

• I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Part of the "I Survived" series, this book tells the harrowing story of 11-year-old Max and his sister, Zena, as they struggle to survive the brutal conditions of the Nazi invasion of Poland.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, gripping adventure that also imparts important historical lessons.
  • Perfect for: Adventure-loving kids who are curious about World War II and stories of survival.

• Benno and the Night of Broken Glass by Meg Wiviott, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Through the eyes of a cat named Benno, this picture book depicts the events of Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany, as seen through the experiences of Jewish and non-Jewish residents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces younger readers to a pivotal historical event in a sensitive and accessible way, using beautiful illustrations to soften the harsh realities of the story.
  • Perfect for: Younger readers who are visual learners and those new to historical subjects.

• Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt, illustrated by Johanna Kang
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Set during the Holocaust, this story follows Helen as she looks back on the night her Jewish friend Lydia was taken away. Helen grapples with guilt and memories of their friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that deals with themes of loss, guilt, and the impact of historical events on personal relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional stories and are learning to understand complex feelings.

Educational Holocaust Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Harmonica by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Ron Mazellan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book follows a young boy named Szpilman who finds solace in playing his harmonica during his time in a concentration camp.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical knowledge, understanding of resilience and hope in adverse situations
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the power of music as a source of comfort and hope during one of history's darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in music, history, and stories of emotional resilience.

• Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story by Ken Mochizuki, illustrated by Dom Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who helped thousands of Jews escape from Lithuania during World War II by issuing transit visas against the orders of his government.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, moral reasoning, historical context of World War II
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights a lesser-known hero of the Holocaust and promotes values of courage and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in real-life heroes and the broader impacts of the Holocaust beyond Europe.

• Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine
  • Genre(s): Historical Nonfiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: The true story of Hana Brady, a Jewish girl from Czechoslovakia who perished in Auschwitz, and the journey of her suitcase to the Tokyo Holocaust Museum, where it helps to educate children about the Holocaust.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical awareness, understanding of the Holocaust's global impact
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects past and present, showing the ongoing relevance of Holocaust education and the personal stories behind historical events.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in real stories and the tangible traces of history.

• The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse, illustrated by Wendy Watson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Set in Warsaw during the Holocaust, this book tells the story of a young Jewish girl who, along with other children and the cats of Krasinski Square, helps smuggle food into the ghetto.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, understanding of resistance during the Holocaust
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the bravery and ingenuity of children during the Holocaust, providing a different perspective on resistance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories of courage and cleverness in dire situations.

Challenging Holocaust Books for 10-Year-Olds

• When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the author's own experience as a young Jewish girl who flees Nazi Germany with her family, traveling through Switzerland and France before settling in England.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of displacement, identity, and the impact of political changes on a personal level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the experiences of refugees, which can help readers understand the broader impacts of war and persecution.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in autobiographical stories and learning about the experiences of refugees during historical events.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, including the Jewish man hidden in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is unique and the themes are deep, involving mortality, the power of words, and the human capacity for both kindness and cruelty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, thought-provoking book that encourages deep thinking about the impact of words and the human aspects of history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and are interested in different perspectives of World War II.

• Once by Morris Gleitzman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story follows Felix, a Jewish boy in Poland in 1942, who escapes from an orphanage to find his parents and discovers the harsh realities of the Holocaust.
  • Why this book is challenging: The protagonist's journey introduces difficult topics about persecution and survival under extreme conditions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that handles the subject matter sensitively, making it accessible without diminishing the gravity of the events.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a story of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

• The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is about an eight-year-old boy named Bruno who moves from Berlin to a house near a concentration camp, where he befriends a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of friendship and innocence amidst the backdrop of the Holocaust, challenging readers to think critically about issues of morality and complicity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant and heart-wrenching view of the Holocaust through the innocent eyes of a child, highlighting the stark contrasts between normal life and the atrocities of war.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in stories that explore friendships under unlikely and challenging circumstances.

• The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig
  • Genre(s): Historical Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This autobiography tells the story of the author's childhood in Siberia after she and her family are deported from Poland by the Soviets during World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides a detailed account of survival under harsh conditions, including the struggle to maintain one's culture and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of resilience and determination, offering a different perspective on the effects of World War II on civilians.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate real-life stories of survival and resilience.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When exploring heavy topics like the Holocaust, especially for younger readers like 10-year-olds, it's crucial to engage in activities that not only enhance comprehension but also provide emotional support. Here are a few exercises that can help kids develop good reading habits while navigating the sensitive content in Holocaust books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many pages or chapters to read each session.
  • How it helps: Helps manage the reading load and keeps the reader motivated.
  • Tips: Choose small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Discuss With Others
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or in a book club.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through different perspectives and emotional support.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book regularly, perhaps once a week, to keep insights fresh.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw or write out the main events of the story in a sequence.
  • How it helps: Helps in retaining and understanding the sequence and importance of events.
  • Tips: Use drawings or symbols along with words to make the map more engaging and easier to remember.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes described in the book as if watching a movie.
  • How it helps: Improves memory of the story and deepens understanding.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to close your eyes and picture what happened.

• Question and Answer Diary
  • What it is: Keep a diary where you write questions and answers about the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and personal connection to the content.
  • Tips: Write at least one question and answer per reading session.

• Link to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate events or characters in the book to personal life experiences.
  • How it helps: Deepens emotional understanding and personal relevance of the book.
  • Tips: Share these connections during discussions or write them down in a journal.

By incorporating these exercises into their reading routine, children can better handle the complexities of Holocaust narratives while enriching their overall reading experience. These activities not only bolster comprehension but also ensure a more empathetic and personal approach to learning about such a significant historical event.