Books About War · 869 titles considered

The Best War Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about war? 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 10 Favorite Books About War

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Refugee

By Alan Gratz

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

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2018)Cybils Award (2017)Sydney Taylor Book Award (2018)

338 pages· 65,632 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 86,284 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)

128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,729 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

A Place to Hang the Moon

By Kate Albus

Three siblings seek a forever home amidst wartime chaos and secrets.

320 pages· 62,475 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.6/5 Goodreads · 24,836 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1940, siblings William, Edmund, and Anna are evacuated from London, hoping to find a new family in the countryside. As they navigate foster homes and wartime challenges, they find solace in a village library and its kind librarian, Nora. But with the war's shadow looming and Nora's husband's mysterious absence, can they find the family they long for? Discover a tale of resilience and the search for belonging in a world turned upside down.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

Newbery Medal (1990)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1990)Sydney Taylor Book Award (1989)

139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 633,799 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021

When the World Was Ours

By Liz Kessler

Three friends torn apart by war seek hope and reunion.

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2022)

352 pages· 64,837 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,871 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1936 Vienna, Leo, Elsa, and Max share a perfect day, unaware of the looming darkness of war. As Europe descends into chaos, their lives are shattered, scattering them across Germany, England, Prague, and Poland. Will they find their way back to each other, or has the war changed them forever? This poignant tale, inspired by true events, explores the enduring power of friendship and hope amidst the devastation of the Holocaust.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

They Called Us Enemy

By George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, Harmony Becker (Illustrator)

A boy's childhood unfolds in WWII American camps, questioning identity and resilience.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2020)

204 pages· 12,726 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 57,001 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: George Takei's childhood is upended when his family is forced into WWII American camps. As a young boy, he navigates the harsh realities of life behind barbed wire, grappling with questions of identity and justice. His mother's sacrifices and father's unwavering belief in democracy shape his future. How does one find hope in a world of legalized racism? This graphic memoir explores the courage and resilience needed to redefine what it means to be American. Join Takei on a journey through history that challenges the very essence of freedom and belonging.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Between Shades of Gray

By Ruta Sepetys

A girl uses art to survive a Siberian work camp and reunite her family.

Golden Kite Award (2012)

344 pages· 64,129 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 285,601 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Lina's life shatters when Soviet officers tear her family apart, sending them to a Siberian work camp. Amidst the harsh conditions, Lina clings to her art, embedding secret messages in her drawings, hoping to reach her imprisoned father. As she battles for survival, Lina's courage and creativity become her lifeline. Will her art be enough to reunite her family and keep hope alive? Discover a gripping tale of resilience and the power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Sale price

$1140

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1956

Night

By Elie Wiesel, Marion Wiesel (Translator) · Book #1 in the Night Trilogy series

A teenager's harrowing survival in Nazi death camps challenges humanity's darkest depths.

120 pages· 31,141 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,395,559 ratings

$12.00Save 5%

Summary: In the chilling memoir 'Night,' a young boy endures the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. As he navigates the brutality of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, he grapples with profound questions about humanity and survival. This powerful account not only recounts the daily terror but also delves into the philosophical implications of the Holocaust. Will his story ensure the world never forgets the depths of man's inhumanity?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2012

Catherine's War

By Julia Billet, Claire Fauvel (Illustrator), Ivanka Hahnenberger (Translator)

A young girl hides from the Nazis, capturing her journey through the lens of a camera.

Mildred L. Batchelder Honor (2021)

176 pages· 9,214 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,329 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Rachel Cohen, a budding photographer at a children's home near Paris, must hide from the Nazis as France falls under their control. Adopting a new identity as Catherine Colin, she leaves behind her friends and safety. With her camera, Catherine documents her perilous journey and the bravery of those who risk everything to save lives. Will her passion for photography help her survive the war and preserve the memories of courage and sacrifice? Inspired by true events, this gripping tale explores identity, resilience, and the power of art in the darkest times.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2012

The Dragonet Prophecy

By Tui T. Sutherland · Book #1 in the Wings of Fire series

Five dragonets are destined to end a war between dragon tribes.

336 pages· 67,138 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 22,071 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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Browse by age

War Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about war for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$995

Return of the Jedi

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Introduce your child to Star Wars with a simple, epic retelling.

Sale price

$995

The Empire Strikes Back

Ages 2–5 · 2015

Introduce your child to Star Wars with iconic scenes and simple words for early learning fun.

Sale price

$599

I Am Mulan

Ages 2–5 · 2020

A brave warrior defies tradition to save her family and country.

Sale price

$599

Star Wars: The Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ages 2–5 · 2022

A Jedi's journey through epic battles and galactic quests.

Sale price

$599

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Ages 2–5 · 2016

A galaxy's fate hangs in the balance as new heroes rise against a dark force.

Sale price

$599

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

Ages 2–5 · 2015

A young boy's destiny collides with a dark force's revenge.

Sale price

$499

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Ages 2–5 · 2015

The Empire hunts a young rebel as darkness looms in the galaxy.

Sale price

$599

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

Ages 2–5 · 2015

A daring rescue mission leads to a final showdown in a galaxy far, far away.

Sale price

$499

Mulan

Ages 2–5 · 1998

A young woman disguises as a soldier to save her father and her country.

Sale price

$499

I Am a Hero (Star Wars)

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Explore epic battles and timeless heroes in a galaxy far, far away.

Sale price

$499

Star Wars: I Am a Jedi

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join the Jedi in a timeless battle against darkness in the Star Wars saga.

Sale price

$499

Star Wars: I Am a Pilot

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join daring pilots in a galaxy of epic battles and adventures.

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War Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1599

Emmeline Pankhurst

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A young dreamer fights for women's voting rights, changing history.

Sale price

$1799

Diana's White House Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A young girl living in the White House during World War II wants to do her part to help with the war effort

Sale price

$1799

The Lady with the Books

2020

In post-war Germany, two children find hope in a hall of books, changing their lives forever.

Sale price

$999

Christmas Tapestry

Ages 6–9 · 2002

A tapestry hides a secret that could bring a Christmas Eve miracle.

Sale price

$1895

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion

Ages 4–6 · 2009

A child's questions reveal a grandfather's wartime memories, blending imagination with somber reflection.

Sale price

$1795

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot

Ages 7–9 · 2002

A pilot's candy drop brings hope to children in blockaded Berlin.

Sale price

$1899

A Bowl Full of Peace

Ages 6–11 · 2020

Survive the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and find hope in a miraculous discovery.

Sale price

$1899

Josephine

Ages 7–10 · 2013

From poverty to stardom, Josephine Baker's journey defies the odds.

Sale price

$1699

Lumber Jills

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Women take up axes to save Britain during WWII.

Sale price

$1899

Hedy Lamarr's Double Life

Ages 5–10 · 2019

Discover the secret life of a movie star turned wartime inventor.

Sale price

$1699

The Day War Came

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A child's world shatters as war arrives, leaving her to seek hope in a foreign land.

Sale price

$1999

Freedom Bird

Ages 5–9 · 2020

A mysterious bird inspires siblings to escape slavery and seek freedom.

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Browse by age

War Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about war for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1999

Everything Sad Is Untrue

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A refugee boy spins tales to claim his truth in a skeptical classroom.

Sale price

$999

Into the Wild

Ages 8–12 · 2003

A housecat faces a deadly clan war, threatening the warrior code.

Sale price

$1499

The Book Thief

Ages 12–18 · 2005

In Nazi Germany, a girl steals books to survive and share hope amidst war.

Sale price

$1999

Echo

Ages 10–14 · 2015

A harmonica links three children across time, each facing life-altering challenges.

Sale price

$999

The Boy on the Wooden Box

Ages 10–15

A young boy's journey from a carefree childhood in rural Poland to surviving the Holocaust through resilience, family, and the unlikely protection of Oskar Schindler.