Books About The 1940s

The Best The 1940s Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about the 1940s? 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.

Mickey & Me
The Shortlist

Our 5 Favorite Books About The 1940s

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Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1996

White Socks Only

By Evelyn Coleman, Tyrone Geter (Illustrator) · Albert Whitman Prairie Paperback series

A girl defies segregation by drinking from a 'Whites Only' fountain, sparking unexpected consequences.

32 pages· 1,498 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,125 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: In the segregated South, a young girl in Mississippi believes her white socks allow her to drink from a 'Whites Only' fountain. Her innocent defiance on a scorching day ignites a powerful stand against hatred. As she steps up to the fountain, the air crackles with the potential for change. Will her bravery and a touch of magic overcome the barriers of prejudice? This evocative tale captures the heat and spirit of a pivotal moment, where courage and innocence challenge the status quo.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2003

Mickey & Me

A boy's time-traveling adventure with a baseball card leads to unexpected discoveries.

160 pages· 28,528 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,267 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Joe Stoshack can time travel with a baseball card. When his dad, hospitalized after an accident, urges him to visit 1951 with a rare Mickey Mantle card, Joe prepares for the journey. But instead of Yankee Stadium, he lands in Milwaukee, 1944. Why is he there, and what secrets await him? Joe's adventure promises surprises beyond his wildest dreams.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1998

Mister and Me

Jolene's world shifts as she battles to keep her family intact against an unwelcome suitor.

80 pages· 12,651 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 135 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: In a 1940s Louisiana mill town, young Jolene faces a dilemma when her mom's suitor, Leroy, threatens to change everything. Determined to keep her family as it is, Jolene's defiance grows, but can she stop the impending marriage? As she navigates this emotional upheaval, Jolene's courage and resilience are tested. Will her efforts be enough to preserve the life she knows, or will she have to embrace an uncertain future? Dive into a heartfelt tale of family, change, and the power of a young girl's determination.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

War and Millie McGonigle

Can Millie find balance amidst war, family chaos, and unspoken crushes?

224 pages· 49,552 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 801 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: In WWII-era California, Millie McGonigle navigates a world of rationed food, family tensions, and unspoken crushes. With a sickly sister demanding attention and a charming surfer boy she can't approach, Millie struggles to maintain control. As a new neighbor arrives with unexpected lessons, Millie must find her footing in a world teetering on the brink of war. Can she keep her family together and her spirit intact as everything around her shifts? Discover a tale of resilience, growth, and the search for stability in uncertain times.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

What Do We Know About the Roswell Incident?

Did a UFO crash at Roswell, or was it a cover-up?

112 pages· 7,827 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 173 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: In 1947, a mysterious object crashed in the New Mexico desert, sparking decades of speculation. Was it a UFO, proof of alien life, or merely a weather balloon? Dive into the Roswell Incident's enduring mystery and uncover the facts behind the legend. Is it a government cover-up, or just a myth? Explore the truth about one of the most famous UFO sightings ever.
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