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

Exploring history can be tough, especially when it involves complex and emotional events like the Holocaust. Finding the right Holocaust books for 12-year-olds that present this critical period with sensitivity and understanding isn't always easy. That's why we've put together a thoughtful selection of books tailored for young readers. These narratives not only convey the facts but also the human stories of resilience and courage. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of Holocaust books perfect for 12-year-olds, each chosen to spark understanding and empathy.

Fun Holocaust Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from the Nazis to safety in Sweden.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the themes of bravery and friendship under the dire circumstances of the Holocaust, crafted specifically for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of courage and friendship.

• The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy held in a concentration camp.
  • Why we recommend this book: Through the innocent eyes of a child, readers can explore the profound themes of prejudice and the impact of war, making complex historical issues more accessible and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are new to Holocaust literature and enjoy poignant, thought-provoking stories.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel follows 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 we recommend this book: It combines historical context with a unique narrative perspective and highlights the power of words and resilience during tumultuous times.
  • Perfect for: Those who love unique narrative styles and stories that emphasize the power of human spirit and literature.

• When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: This semi-autobiographical novel follows a young Jewish girl who flees Nazi Germany with her family, facing the challenges and adventures of being a refugee.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a lighter, child-friendly approach to the serious subject of the Holocaust, focusing on resilience and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate stories of adventure and survival from a child’s perspective.

• I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Part of the "I Survived" series, this book details the harrowing story of a young Jewish boy and his sister escaping the horrors of the Nazi invasion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's part of a well-loved series that makes historical events accessible and engaging for young readers through fast-paced, thrilling narratives.
  • Perfect for: Action-loving young readers interested in history and survival stories.

Educational Holocaust Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine
  • Genre(s): Historical Nonfiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This true story revolves around a suitcase from Auschwitz, which arrives at a children's Holocaust education center in Tokyo. The center's curator embarks on a quest to uncover the story of Hana Brady, a young Jewish girl who was murdered during the Holocaust.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, research skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a tangible connection to the past through the exploration of Hana's life and fate, offering a deeply personal view of history.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-life mysteries and personal stories from history.

• The Harmonica by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Ron Mazellan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book tells the tale of a young boy in a concentration camp who finds solace in playing a harmonica, a gift from his father, which also saves his life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the Holocaust, empathy, appreciation for music
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the power of music and personal resilience under unimaginably difficult circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning about the Holocaust and the importance of hope and personal expression.

• Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt, illustrated by Johanna Kang
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This story follows Helen, who recalls the night her Jewish best friend Lydia was taken away during the Holocaust, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and guilt.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, emotional understanding, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that helps young readers grasp the impact of the Holocaust on individual lives and friendships.
  • Perfect for: Children beginning to learn about the effects of historical events on personal relationships.

• Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust by Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsun
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book features the harrowing, true stories of nine Jewish boys and girls whose lives spiraled into danger and fear as the Holocaust tore apart their families and the world around them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a collection of firsthand experiences that underscore the survival spirit and are tailored to educate and engage young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate real survivor tales and are interested in learning through the lens of personal narratives.

Challenging Holocaust Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Warsaw during the Holocaust, this novel follows a young boy named Misha who survives by stealing food, living with other orphans, and witnessing the horrors of the ghetto.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative dives deep into complex themes of identity, belonging, and the brutal realities of war, presented through the eyes of a child with no clear understanding of his own background.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on a child’s survival instinct and the search for identity amidst chaos.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a gripping, emotional story that challenges their understanding of history and humanity.

• 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 finds herself in a concentration camp and experiences the terror and suffering of the period firsthand.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends historical facts with time-travel fantasy, challenging readers to connect past atrocities with the contemporary world and their own lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a powerful way to experience the emotional and historical impact of the Holocaust through a relatable protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in a mix of historical fiction and fantasy that delivers a poignant message about the importance of remembering history.

• 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 witnesses the atrocities of the Nazi regime.
  • Why this book is challenging: Told from the naive point of view of a young child, the book confronts harsh realities in a way that is digestible but still retains the severe impact of historical events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heart-wrenching introduction to the effects of the Holocaust seen through innocent eyes, emphasizing hope and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready to explore difficult subjects through the narrative of a child, enhancing empathy and understanding.

• Daniel's Story by Carol Matas
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Daniel, a 14-year-old Jewish boy, narrates his ordeal from the rise of Nazi power in Germany to his time in Auschwitz and eventual liberation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers a detailed, first-person perspective of the Holocaust from multiple locations and points in time, providing a broad and deep understanding of the events.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book not only educates about the Holocaust but also encourages reflections on human rights and personal resilience.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who seek a comprehensive view of the Holocaust through a personal narrative.

• The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia by Esther Hautzig
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Historical Nonfiction
  • Synopsis: Esther recounts her childhood experience of being deported from Poland to Siberia during World War II, focusing on her struggle and adaptation to harsh conditions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It provides an exploration of a lesser-known aspect of World War II—the deportation of Polish Jews to Siberian labor camps—requiring readers to broaden their understanding of the war’s impact.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of survival and adaptation in extreme conditions, offering a different perspective on the global impact of World War II.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in personal memoirs and stories of survival against the odds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading books about the Holocaust can be a profound experience, especially for young readers. To help 12-year-olds get the most out of these important texts, here are some engaging exercises designed to improve their reading habits and deepen their understanding of the material.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time to spend reading each day or how many pages to read.
  • How it helps: Helps manage reading time efficiently and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule.

• Discuss With Others
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or classmates.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and offers different perspectives on the same topic.
  • Tips: Try to discuss what you read each day to reinforce your memory and understanding.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of events as you read through the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of events and the relationships between them.
  • Tips: Use symbols or drawings to represent different events or characters to make the map more engaging.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down questions that arise while reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the content.
  • Tips: Review these questions during or after reading to explore answers or discuss them with others.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and helps clarify understanding of the main points.
  • Tips: Keep summaries short and focus on the key details.

• Visualize While Reading
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes described in the book as vividly as possible.
  • How it helps: Increases empathy and understanding of the narrative and characters.
  • Tips: Pause occasionally while reading to picture the events and settings in your mind.

• Connect to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Relate aspects of the book to your own life or to current events.
  • How it helps: Makes the content more relatable and memorable.
  • Tips: Write down any personal connections that come to mind during your reading sessions.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your understanding of Holocaust literature but also develop valuable reading skills that will serve you well throughout your education. Happy reading!