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

Are you on the hunt for engaging war books for 12-year-olds that capture the complexities of history through compelling stories? You've come to the right place! Whether your young reader is a budding historian or just loves a good adventure, our carefully curated selections promise to spark curiosity and provide profound insights. Keep reading to discover our top picks of war books for 12-year-olds that are not only educational but incredibly captivating.

Fun War Books 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 follows Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot, who is evacuated from London to the countryside. She experiences freedom and transformation as she escapes her abusive mother and discovers a new world of possibilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's both uplifting and touching, offering a powerful narrative about resilience and personal growth. It also provides historical insights in a way that's accessible for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of triumph over adversity and those interested in historical settings.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark, during World War II. It focuses on 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen who becomes a part of the efforts to save her Jewish friends from the Holocaust.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the themes of bravery and resistance against injustice, tailored in a way that's suitable for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories about heroism and friendship.

• War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated from the perspective of a farm horse named Joey, this novel explores the journey of a horse as he experiences the horrors of World War I on both sides of the conflict.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an emotional narrative that helps young readers understand the impacts of war through the eyes of an animal, encouraging empathy and historical awareness.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in war stories from a unique perspective.

• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • 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: It tackles difficult subjects with a narrative that is accessible for young readers, encouraging them to think about the consequences of prejudice and conflict.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready to explore more challenging themes in a sensitive and thought-provoking way.

Educational War Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Soldier Dog by Sam Angus
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Stanley, a young boy who joins the British Army during World War I to escape his harsh home life. He becomes a messenger dog handler, experiencing the front lines of war while forming a deep bond with his dog, Soldier.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of loyalty and the human-animal bond
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heart-wrenching tale that not only provides insights into World War I but also highlights the emotional connections between humans and animals in extreme circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and animal stories, especially those who appreciate tales of bravery and friendship under difficult conditions.

• Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel weaves together the stories of three different children in the WWII era, connected by a magical harmonica. As the harmonica travels, it affects the lives of Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of WWII, music as a narrative element, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines historical facts with a touch of magic, showing how music can transcend personal and cultural boundaries.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of history and fantasy, and those who are interested in how music can influence lives.

• 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, a Navajo boy who becomes a Marine and uses his native language to create unbreakable codes during World War II.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Navajo culture, WWII history, cryptography
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights an often-overlooked aspect of American history and celebrates the contributions of Native Americans during the war.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in military history, cryptography, and Native American history.

• The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, the story follows two girls, Dewey and Suze, who live in Los Alamos as their parents work on the top-secret atomic bomb project.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Science and technology during WWII, ethical implications of warfare
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the lives of children who lived in a highly secretive environment and the moral questions surrounding scientific discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by science, history, and the ethical dimensions of technological advancements.

Challenging War Books for 12-Year-Olds

• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this dual narrative follows two characters: Salva, a Sudanese boy caught in the civil war, and Nya, a girl in 2008 who walks miles each day for water. Salva's story of survival and escape intertwines with Nya's life in a compelling narrative about struggle, resilience, and hope.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents complex themes of survival, displacement, and the impact of war on individuals, requiring readers to confront harsh realities and moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful look at the effects of war and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. The real-life basis of Salva's story adds depth and authenticity.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-life stories of survival and young protagonists who overcome extreme challenges.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement. Narrated by Death, it offers a unique perspective on the ways people try to make sense of their lives amid war.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its use of Death as a narrator and its stylistic complexity, including the use of German phrases and imagery, make it a profound and sometimes challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant exploration of the power of words and the human capacity for kindness in the darkest times. The unusual narrator provides a fresh perspective on historical events.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate a deep, philosophical narrative and are interested in literature that portrays the human side of war.

• Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel recounts the memories of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier fighting in World War I, as he spends his last night reflecting on his life. It explores themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of war.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure, shifting timelines, and emotional depth require readers to engage deeply with the text and its characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an intimate portrayal of the impacts of war on a personal level, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a moving story that combines historical detail with a deep emotional narrative.

• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1941, 15-year-old Lina is deported from her home in Lithuania to a brutal Siberian work camp during Stalin's purges. The story follows her struggle to survive and preserve the hope of finding freedom again.
  • Why this book is challenging: The depiction of harsh historical realities, complex emotional responses, and moral dilemmas makes this a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history, emphasizing resilience, hope, and the importance of remembering the past.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical narratives about survival, the human spirit, and lesser-known histories of World War II.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading about war can be a profound experience, especially for young readers like 12-year-olds. It's not just about the historical facts; it’s about understanding courage, leadership, and the impact of conflict. To help young readers get the most out of their war book experiences, here are some engaging exercises that promote good reading habits and deeper comprehension:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps complete books in a timely manner.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into the daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Discuss With Others
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family who are interested in similar topics.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to form a small book club or join one that focuses on war books.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Create maps based on the locations mentioned in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story's setting and improves geographical knowledge.
  • Tips: Use online resources or an atlas to find accurate and detailed maps.

• Research the Historical Context
  • What it is: Look up information about the war or period the book is set in.
  • How it helps: Provides a deeper understanding of the background and the real events that inspired the story.
  • Tips: Start with simple resources like children’s history websites, library books, or educational videos.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Pretend to be a character from the book and write or speak about their experiences.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and understanding of the character's decisions and feelings.
  • Tips: Focus on a character you feel particularly drawn to or curious about.

• Connect to Current Events
  • What it is: Compare events in the book with current events around the world.
  • How it helps: Makes connections between history and the modern world, showing the relevance of past events.
  • Tips: Use news sources or talk to adults to understand current events better.

These exercises aren't just about making reading fun; they're about building a bridge between the pages of a book and the real world. They help young readers develop not only good reading habits but also a deeper understanding of history and its ongoing impact. So, dive into those books, and let every page turn add a little more to your knowledge and imagination. Happy reading!