10+ Best World War 2 Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging World War 2 books for 12-year-olds that can both educate and captivate? Finding the right blend of historical accuracy and age-appropriate storytelling can be a challenge, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Whether your young reader is a history buff or just exploring this monumental period for the first time, we've compiled a variety of lists that delve into the bravery, struggles, and resilience of those times. Keep reading to discover our top picks for World War 2 books perfect for 12-year-olds!

Fun World War 2 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 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis by pretending she is part of her own family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, moving tale that introduces younger readers to the concepts of bravery and resistance during a difficult time in history, without being too graphic or intense.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of courage and friendship.

• 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 is evacuated from London during the war and discovers a new world of freedom and love with her surrogate family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an inspiring story of personal growth and resilience, and it provides historical context in an engaging, accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love transformative stories and learning about the past through personal narratives.

• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This poignant novel follows the friendship between Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy held in a concentration camp, through a fence that divides their worlds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking, emotional story that helps young readers understand the horrors of prejudice and war through the innocent eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in emotional, character-driven stories that deal with serious historical events.

• 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 Jewish family flees Germany right before Hitler comes to power, facing life as refugees in Switzerland, France, and England.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the life of refugees during World War II, filled with both challenges and moments of joy, making it relatable and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy real-life adventures and stories about other cultures and times.

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: This gripping tale features a young British female spy who is captured by the Nazis in occupied France during World War II and the friendship that sustains her through incredibly tough times.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical detail with suspense and emotional depth, highlighting themes of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love thrilling, heart-wrenching narratives and strong female protagonists.

Educational World War 2 Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of Dewey Kerrigan, who lives with her scientist father in Los Alamos while he works on a top-secret World War II project. Dewey has to navigate the challenges of this secretive and intense environment while forming friendships and discovering her own talents.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of scientific developments, historical context of World War II, critical thinking, and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique look at a lesser-known aspect of World War II, focusing on the human side of the people behind significant scientific advancements.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science, history, and stories of young protagonists navigating complex worlds.

• Hero on a Bicycle by Shirley Hughes
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In war-torn Florence, Italy, during World War II, a young boy named Paolo becomes involved in dangerous efforts to resist the Nazi occupation. He must make difficult choices to protect his family and help the partisans.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, moral decision-making, understanding resistance movements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting, action-packed story that also teaches about the courage and complexity of resistance during wartime.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love adventure and are curious about the roles of young people in historical conflicts.

• Elephant Run by Roland Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nick Freestone finds himself in a dangerous situation when he is sent to live on his father's plantation in Burma during World War II. After the plantation is invaded by Japanese forces, Nick must survive under harsh conditions, make alliances with the local people, and plan a daring escape.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the Pacific Theater in WWII, survival skills, strategic thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical detail with gripping adventure and survival themes, offering a different geographical perspective on the war.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced stories and learning about less commonly discussed aspects of World War II.

• Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Sumiko and her Japanese American family are forced into an internment camp during World War II. There, she forms a friendship with a Native American boy, which helps her see the beauty and possibility even in the most difficult circumstances.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical knowledge of American internment camps, cultural understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on the often overlooked internment of Japanese Americans during WWII and tells a story of resilience and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in stories of injustice, resilience, and cross-cultural friendships.

• 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 in a war-ravaged Europe. They embark on a dangerous journey across the continent in search of safety and their parents, guided only by a silver sword.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: European history of WWII, understanding of the refugee experience, perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping adventure that also educates about the resilience and challenges faced by children during wartime.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in epic journeys and historical adventures during World War II.

Challenging World War 2 Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows four diverse individuals as they seek safety and freedom on the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship promising escape for refugees during World War II. The story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of each character, revealing their secrets and the tragedies of war.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure with multiple viewpoints and the historical depth require advanced reading skills and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look at a lesser-known tragedy of World War II, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of human resilience and the impact of war.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers interested in historical events beyond the typical narratives and those who appreciate deep, emotional storytelling.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Supernatural
  • 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 unique narration by Death, complex themes involving morality, and historical context make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides a unique narrative perspective and deep, thought-provoking insights into the human aspects of war, making it a memorable read that challenges perceptions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for a different and profound narrative approach to historical events and moral questions.

• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This harrowing story follows 15-year-old Lina as she and her family are deported from Lithuania to Siberia during the Stalinist repressions of the 1940s. Despite the brutal conditions, Lina finds strength in art and documents her experiences in hopes of reconnecting with her father.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes such as survival, oppression, and hope under extremely harsh conditions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on the often-overlooked atrocities committed under Stalin during WWII and illustrates the power of hope and human spirit.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in the resilience of the human spirit and historical narratives that focus on survival under oppressive regimes.

• Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: During World War II, young Michael O'Shaunessey, an Irish boy, becomes a spy in Nazi Germany. As a member of the Hitler Youth, he must gather intelligence about a secret project known as Projekt 1065 while maintaining his cover and moral compass.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book involves complex moral dilemmas and a high-stakes plot that requires critical thinking and emotional resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical facts with thrilling espionage, providing an engaging and educational read that highlights the complexities of war and morality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy spy novels and stories that delve into the ethical challenges of wartime situations.

• The Extra by Kathryn Lasky
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, this novel follows a young Austrian girl of Jewish descent who is sent to a Nazi film camp. She is chosen as an extra for Nazi propaganda films, and must navigate this dangerous landscape while trying to maintain her identity and safety.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the manipulation of media for propaganda and the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the use of film in Nazi propaganda and the moral conflicts faced by individuals in such manipulated environments.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in media studies, ethics, and historical narratives that explore lesser-known aspects of WWII.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into World War 2 books, you're about to embark on a journey through some of the most intense and transformative times in history. To make the most out of your reading, here are some exercises designed to enhance your understanding and keep you engaged. These are perfect for 12-year-olds looking to develop good reading habits.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the major events and locations in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the geographical and historical context of the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to differentiate between events and locations.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a main character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the character's feelings and motivations.
  • Tips: Try to capture the character’s voice and thoughts about key events.

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a group with friends to discuss each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and comprehension through discussion.
  • Tips: Come up with at least one question or observation to share in each session.

• Timeline Creation
  • What it is: Create a timeline that tracks the key events of the book.
  • How it helps: Helps organize events chronologically and reinforces memory.
  • Tips: Use online tools or a large piece of paper to accommodate updates.

• Word Collector
  • What it is: Keep a list of new or interesting words found in the book.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and improves understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Try to use the new words in sentences or in the discussion group.

• Book Review Blogging
  • What it is: Write a blog post reviewing the book and expressing your opinions.
  • How it helps: Encourages expressive writing and critical assessment.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and what you didn’t, and explain why.

• Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out a significant scene from the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the characters and plot.
  • Tips: Use props or costumes to make the scene more vivid and engaging.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about interacting with the text in meaningful ways. By engaging actively with World War 2 books, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the historical events and the human experiences behind them. So, grab your book, pick an exercise, and get ready to explore history like never before! Happy reading!