Books About Eastern Europe

The Best Eastern Europe Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about eastern europe? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Devil's Arithmetic
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Eastern Europe

Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1988

The Devil's Arithmetic

By Jane Yolen

A girl is transported to the past, facing horrors only she foresees.

170 pages· 37,942 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 62,748 ratings
Summary: Hannah dreads her family's holiday gatherings, where the past dominates every conversation. But this Passover, she's thrust back in time, into a world where only she knows the impending horrors. As she navigates this perilous past, can she change the course of history or is she doomed to witness the inevitable? The stakes are high, and Hannah's courage will be tested in ways she never imagined. Will she find a way back, or is she destined to remain a silent observer of history's darkest moments?
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2019

Spider-Man Swings Through Europe!

Spider-Man's European vacation turns into an unexpected adventure. What surprises await him abroad?

32 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 191 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Join Spider-Man on a European adventure as he swings through iconic cities, from Venice's canals to London's streets. Determined to enjoy his vacation, Peter Parker encounters unexpected surprises and hidden characters. Will his trip be as relaxing as planned, or will Spidey's world bring new challenges? Discover vibrant illustrations and fun facts that bring each city to life. Perfect for young superhero fans eager to explore the world with their favorite web-slinger.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1983

Bony-legs

By Joanna Cole, Dirk Zimmer (Illustrator)

A girl must outsmart a witch with the help of unlikely allies.

48 pages· 859 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,455 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Summary: Captured by a fearsome witch, young Sasha faces a grim fate. But with the aid of a creaking gate, a loyal dog, and a clever cat, she might just escape. As the witch prepares her cauldron, Sasha must use her wits and the magical gifts from her newfound friends—a mirror and a comb—to outmaneuver her captor. Can Sasha turn the tables on the witch and find her way to freedom, or will she become the witch's next meal? Discover the power of friendship and courage in this enchanting tale.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Story That Cannot Be Told

A girl must tell a dangerous story to save her family during Romania's final Communist days.

384 pages· 75,808 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,266 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In 1989 Romania, young Ileana is sent to live with unknown grandparents to escape the secret police. Her uncle's disappearance after publishing a forbidden story haunts her. As danger looms, Ileana must find her voice and tell a story that could save her family and village. Can she navigate the treacherous world of spies and secrets to protect those she loves?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

My Grandfather's Coat

A coat transforms through generations, revealing creativity and love in its many forms.

32 pages· 614 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 855 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Grandfather's coat, crafted upon his arrival in America, becomes a testament to ingenuity and love. As it wears out, he transforms it into new garments, each iteration telling a story of resilience and resourcefulness. How many lives can one coat touch? This tale of transformation spans four generations, celebrating the enduring spirit of renewal and the bonds of family. Discover the magic of a simple coat that becomes much more than fabric, weaving a legacy of creativity and connection.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

The War Below

A boy escapes a labor camp, joining the resistance to find his lost friend amidst war's chaos.

256 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,057 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Luka escapes a Nazi labor camp, determined to reunite with his friend Lida. As he navigates the treacherous woods, evading Nazis and Soviets, he joins the Ukrainian resistance. Trust is scarce, and every decision could be his last. With desperate rescues and daring raids, Luka's quest is fraught with danger. Will he survive the war's chaos to find Lida and return to his family? This gripping tale of courage and survival explores the harsh realities of war and the power of hope.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

Babushka Baba Yaga

A lonely witch seeks love and acceptance in a world that fears her.

32 pages· 1,200 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,024 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: In a twist on the classic tale, Babushka Baba Yaga is a witch who longs for a grandchild to love, not to eat. As she navigates a world that fears her, will she find the acceptance she craves? This heartwarming story explores themes of belonging and love, set against the vibrant backdrop of Russian folklore. Discover how an outsider can find a place in a community that misunderstands her true intentions.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Making Bombs for Hitler

A girl in WWII labor camp plots to sabotage Nazi bombs. Will she succeed?

240 pages· 48,276 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 13,302 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: In 1943, young Lida is torn from her family and sent to a Nazi labor camp. Forced to make bombs, she hatches a daring plan to sabotage them. Can she risk everything to fight back and reunite with her sister? This gripping tale of courage and survival explores a hidden chapter of WWII history.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

Nadia

A young gymnast's journey from small-town Romania to Olympic history.

32 pages· 968 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.2/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 525 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Follow a fearless young gymnast as she climbs from the forests of Romania to the world stage, achieving perfect scores at the Olympics. Discover the imperfect moments that shaped her path to greatness.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1949

Lisa and Lottie

Two girls discover they're twins and swap lives to reunite their parents.

153 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 12,088 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Summary: At summer camp, two girls uncover a life-altering secret: they're identical twins separated at birth. Lisa, from vibrant Vienna, and Lottie, from orderly Munich, hatch a daring plan to switch places. Their goal? To unravel the mystery of their parents' separation and bring them back together. As they navigate new lives, the twins face unexpected challenges and heartwarming discoveries. Will their bold switch lead to a family reunion, or will it reveal deeper secrets? Dive into this enchanting tale of identity, family, and adventure.
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Eastern Europe Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about eastern europe for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Ages 3–7 · 1977

An old coat transforms into new garments. What comes next?

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1999

The Wall

Ages 8–12 · 2007

A young artist's dreams clash with the harsh realities of life behind the Iron Curtain.

The Way Meat Loves Salt

Ages 4–9 · 1998

A daughter's love is tested, leading to exile and a magical journey of reconciliation.

Golem

Ages 10–12 · 1996

A clay giant is summoned to protect, but at what cost?

Baboushka and the Three Kings

Ages 4–7 · 1960

An old woman's eternal quest to find the Christ child unfolds each year.

The Birds' Gift

Ages 4–8 · 1999

Golden birds bring unexpected treasures to a village.

Bone Button Borscht

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A beggar's quest reveals the power of cooperation in a hungry village.

View all eastern europe picture books
Browse by age

Eastern Europe Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about eastern europe for developing and independent readers.

Stolen Girl

Ages 8–12 · 2010

A girl unravels her past, questioning if she was raised by Nazis.

Eloise in Moscow

Ages 5–8 · 1959

A whimsical journey to Cold War Moscow leads to unexpected adventures.

Russian Tales

2021

Enter a world of Russian folktales where magic and danger intertwine in stunning illustrations.

Anya and the Dragon

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Anya must choose: save a dragon or her family in a magical, perilous quest.

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Books about survival storiesBooks about the HolocaustBooks about time travel

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