Books About Persecution

The Best Persecution Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about persecution? 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 Shortlist

Our 7 Favorite Books About Persecution

Refugee
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Refugee

Three children flee their war-torn homes, facing perilous journeys for a chance at refuge and hope.

338 pages· 65,632 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 87,588 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by time and place, yet united by their desperate quests for safety. Josef flees Nazi Germany, Isabel escapes Cuba's turmoil, and Mahmoud braves Syria's chaos. Each faces life-threatening challenges—drownings, bombings, betrayals—on their harrowing journeys. As they seek refuge, their stories intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing the enduring power of hope and survival. Will they find the sanctuary they seek, or will the dangers prove insurmountable? Discover the connections that bind their fates in this gripping tale of courage and resilience.
I Have Lived a Thousand Years
Chapter Book · 1997

I Have Lived a Thousand Years

A young girl's survival in Auschwitz and her journey to freedom.

224 pages· 53,660 words
4.2 Goodreads · 23,943 ratings
Paperback
Summary: At thirteen, Elli Friedmann faces the horrors of Auschwitz with her family. As they endure unimaginable trials, Elli's resilience is tested. Will liberation bring the peace they seek, or will new challenges arise in a foreign land? Follow her harrowing journey from the depths of despair to the shores of hope.
Duncan's War
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2002

Duncan's War

A young boy must confront persecutors while trying to rescue his imprisoned father.

288 pages· 69,971 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 902 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: A boy in seventeenth-century Scotland is drawn into the conflict between Covenanters and their persecutors, struggling to obey his father’s faith while attempting a rescue.
The Rose Society
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2015

The Rose Society

By Marie Lu · Book #2 in the The Young Elites series

A betrayed girl seeks revenge, but her growing powers threaten to consume her.

448 pages· 99,283 words· Est. 11 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 70,516 ratings
$13.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Adelina Amouteru, once betrayed by those she trusted, is now the feared White Wolf. Fleeing with her sister, she seeks to build an army of Young Elites to topple the Inquisition Axis. But as her powers, fueled by fear and hate, spiral out of control, Adelina faces enemies on all sides. Teren Santoro wants her dead, while former allies aim to stop her vengeance. Can Adelina find the light within, or will darkness define her fate? Dive into a world where trust is scarce, and power comes at a perilous cost.
The Young Elites
Sale price
$2184
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2014

The Young Elites

By Marie Lu · Book #1 in the The Young Elites series

A survivor of a deadly fever discovers dangerous powers and faces a secretive society's deadly game.

520 pages· 88,098 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 144,859 ratings
$22.99Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Adelina Amouteru, marked by a deadly fever, discovers she possesses dangerous powers. Cast out by her family, she joins the Young Elites, a secret society of gifted survivors. As Teren Santoro hunts them down, Adelina must navigate alliances with Enzo Valenciano and the Dagger Society. But with darkness in her heart, can she trust anyone, or will her powers consume her? In a world where survival means choosing sides, Adelina's abilities could change everything—or destroy it all. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of power and vengeance?
When We Flew Away
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

When We Flew Away

Anne Frank's hidden life before hiding reveals courage amidst rising terror.

304 pages· 53,557 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 8,942 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world turned upside down by Nazi occupation, young Anne Frank faces prejudice and fear. As her family is forced into hiding, Anne's audacity and creativity shine through. Discover the untold story of her life before the famous diary, where she finds her voice amidst chaos. Will her words change the world? Dive into a poignant tale of resilience and hope.
Valentine
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · 2006

Valentine

A man defies an emperor's ban on marriage, risking everything to spread his faith.

43 pages· 1,357 words
4.5 Goodreads · 38 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where love is forbidden, Valentine secretly marries couples against the emperor's decree. When caught, he faces the ruthless Claudius the Cruel. With courage and faith, Valentine seizes the chance to share his beliefs with the emperor. Will his bold act of defiance change the emperor's heart, or will it cost him everything? Discover the inspiring tale of a man who dared to challenge tyranny with love and faith.