10+ Best World War 2 Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging World War 2 books for 10-year-olds that can help young readers understand this significant chapter in history? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply looking for a thoughtful gift, our curated lists will guide you to the perfect reads. Keep reading to discover our top picks of World War 2 books for 10-year-olds that are both educational and captivating.

Fun World War 2 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 ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from the Nazis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to the themes of bravery and resistance during a difficult historical period, presented in a way that's accessible and engaging for younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in history and stories of heroism.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who leaves her abusive mother to evacuate London during WWII, discovering a new world of freedom and love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity and the healing power of love and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a moving, character-driven story.

• When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Autobiographical
  • Synopsis: Based on the author's own experience, this book follows young Anna as her family flees Germany to escape Hitler’s regime, facing the challenges of being refugees.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a child’s perspective on serious historical events, making it relatable and understandable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about history and the experiences of refugees.

• The Lion and the Unicorn by Shirley Hughes
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lenny Levi lives in London during the Blitz and must be evacuated to the countryside, where he struggles with his identity and the meaning of bravery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the emotional landscape of a child during war, complemented by Shirley Hughes' evocative illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and resilience.

• Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Willie Beech is evacuated from London to the countryside during the war and forms a transformative relationship with the elderly Mr. Tom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a heartwarming tale that explores themes of healing and the impact of kindness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional, character-focused narratives.

Educational World War 2 Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Hero on a Bicycle by Shirley Hughes
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In Florence, Italy during World War II, thirteen-year-old Paolo Crivelli dreams of being a hero. His nightly bicycle rides bring him into the resistance struggle against the occupying Nazis.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of resistance movements, empathy, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with historical insights, showing the impact of war on families and the courage of young people.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and history buffs.

• War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A powerful tale of a young farm horse named Joey who is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of World War I. The story is told from Joey's perspective, detailing his experiences and the unbreakable bonds he forms.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, perspective-taking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique viewpoint of war through the eyes of an animal, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and those interested in a different perspective on war.

• The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: After their parents are taken by the Nazis, three Polish siblings must fend for themselves with the help of a paper knife, the silver sword, which becomes a symbol of hope and survival as they journey across war-torn Europe.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, historical context of WWII, survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of perseverance and courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy survival stories and historical adventures.

• Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Evacuated from London, David and Tucky feel like the war is far away from their new life in the countryside. That is until they encounter a crashed German plane and its crew.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of wartime dilemmas, moral reasoning, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores the complexity of war, showing that enemies can be human and kind, which challenges typical war narratives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in the moral complexities of war and human relationships.

• Billy and the Minpins by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Although not directly about World War II, this story of young Billy who ventures into the Forest of Sin and encounters the Minpins, tiny tree-dwelling people who battle the monstrous Gruncher, parallels themes of resistance and bravery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, courage, the concept of resistance
  • Why we recommend this book: It indirectly reflects the themes of fighting against oppressive forces through a fantastical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and learning about bravery in different contexts.

Challenging World War 2 Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: The novel tells the story of a young British female spy captured by the Nazis in occupied France during World War II. As she writes her confessions, a complex tale of friendship and survival unfolds.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, involving unreliable narration and shifting perspectives which demand advanced reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, emotionally powerful look at the roles of women in war and the bonds of friendship under extreme pressure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy suspenseful stories and learning about lesser-known roles in wartime.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of death, war, and the power of words, narrated by Death itself, which introduces a unique and philosophical perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a profound exploration of the human condition during a tumultuous time, encouraging readers to think critically about the impact of history on individuals.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in deep, thought-provoking narratives.

• The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: It’s 1943, and eleven-year-old Dewey Kerrigan is traveling alone to live with her scientist father who is working on a top secret government program in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book incorporates real historical scientific advancements and ethical questions, which are complex topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history with a bit of science fiction, offering insights into a pivotal part of WWII history while exploring themes of friendship and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and history buffs alike, especially those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of war.

• Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This intense novel follows seventeen-year-old Richie Perry, an African American soldier from Harlem, as he enlists in the Army and experiences the realities of the Vietnam War.
  • Why this book is challenging: Though it's set during the Vietnam War, the complex themes of racial discrimination, the horrors of war, and the journey to adulthood are relevant and challenging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a hard-hitting, realistic portrayal of war that doesn’t shy away from difficult truths about conflict and its impact on young soldiers.
  • Perfect for: Mature young readers looking for a serious, reflective look at war and its consequences.

• A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: With the rise of the Berlin Wall, Gerta finds her family suddenly divided. She must risk everything to escape East Berlin and reunite with her family on the other side.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel presents a tense, suspenseful story that explores complex issues of freedom, courage, and the will to survive under oppressive conditions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping, page-turning adventure that also educates about a significant historical event through the eyes of a relatable protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love thrilling stories with historical significance and strong female leads.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of World War 2 books, it's a thrilling way to learn about history. But, to make the most out of your reading experience, especially for 10-year-olds, here are some fun and effective exercises to develop good reading habits. Let’s get started!

• Create a Visual Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline and add major events from the book as you read.
  • How it helps: This helps in understanding the sequence of events and their historical context.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different types of events or countries involved.

• Character Maps
  • What it is: Make a map or chart of the characters and their relationships to each other.
  • How it helps: Helps in keeping track of the characters and their development throughout the story.
  • Tips: Update the map as new characters are introduced in the book.

• Question Bowl
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story on pieces of paper and put them in a bowl.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and curiosity about the plot and historical facts.
  • Tips: Try to answer these questions after finishing chapters or the entire book.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Before reading a chapter, write down predictions about what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Compare your predictions with the actual outcomes after reading.

• Reading Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Take turns reading parts of the book aloud with a parent or a friend.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of the scenes while reading to make it more fun and engaging.

• Book Review Blog
  • What it is: Write a short review of each book or chapter and post it on a personal blog.
  • How it helps: Encourages articulation of thoughts and personal opinion.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn’t like about the readings.

• Connect to the Present
  • What it is: Discuss or write about how the events from World War 2 relate to current events.
  • How it helps: Builds connections between historical events and modern-day issues.
  • Tips: Use online resources or books from the library to find similarities and differences.

These exercises aren't just about making reading fun; they're also about deepening your understanding of the complex events during World War 2. By engaging actively with the books, you'll not only remember more but also develop a keen interest in history. So, grab your favorite World War 2 book, pick one or two of these exercises, and start your adventure into the past! Happy reading!