Books About World War I · 68 titles considered

The Best World War I Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about world war i? 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 World War I

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1982

War Horse

By Michael Morpurgo · Book #1 in the War Horse series

A horse's journey through war tests loyalty and hope.

176 pages· 37,433 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 60,731 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1914, Joey, a farm horse, is sold to the army and thrust into the chaos of World War I. Amidst the horrors of battle, Joey's courage inspires soldiers, yet his heart longs for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. As he charges into enemy lines and carries the wounded, Joey wonders if the war will ever end and if he will reunite with Albert. Can hope and loyalty survive the ravages of war, or will Joey's journey lead him further from home?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2009

The Doll Shop Downstairs

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Heather Maione (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Doll Shop series

A young girl must save her family's doll shop during World War I's embargo crisis.

128 pages· 18,835 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 445 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: In the heart of New York City, nine-year-old Anna faces a daunting challenge: World War I's embargo threatens her family's cherished doll repair shop. With German-made parts unavailable, the shop's future hangs in the balance. But Anna, fueled by imagination and determination, devises a plan that could turn the tide. Can her creativity and courage save the day, or will the war's shadow close the shop's doors forever? Inspired by true events, this tale of resilience and family bonds invites readers to discover the power of ingenuity in the face of adversity.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2014

Listen to the Moon

By Michael Morpurgo

A lost girl, a war-torn family, and a ship's fateful journey intertwine in mystery and survival.

368 pages· 84,332 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,775 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Merry sails on the Lusitania to reunite with her father, despite ominous warnings. Meanwhile, Alfie discovers a mysterious girl on an island, who only whispers 'Lucy.' As war looms, suspicions rise about her true identity. Are they friends or foes? In a world divided by conflict, unexpected bonds form, challenging perceptions and revealing hidden truths. Will Merry and Alfie find the answers they seek, or will the shadows of war consume them?

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2011

Goliath

By Scott Westerfeld, Keith Thompson (Illustrator) · Leviathan series

A ship veers off course with secrets, a hidden identity, and a dangerous passenger onboard.

543 pages· 94,159 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 34,308 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Summary: Alek and Deryn race to end World War I and reclaim a throne, but secrets threaten their mission. Disguised as a boy, Deryn hides her identity from Alek, complicating their growing bond. As their ship, Leviathan, heads to New York, a dangerous passenger lurks, unraveling secrets and alliances. Can they navigate these treacherous waters and achieve their goals, or will hidden truths and enemies tear them apart?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–9 · 2019

Stubby

By Michael Foreman

A dog becomes a hero in World War I, saving lives and catching spies.

32 pages· 1,014 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 149 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In the chaos of World War I, a dog named Stubby rises to heroism. From training camps to the perilous trenches of France, Stubby sniffs out danger, thwarts spies, and earns the unwavering loyalty of soldiers. Can this unlikely hero change the course of war and win hearts along the way?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Above the Trenches

By Nathan Hale · Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series

Young Americans defy neutrality, joining WWI's skies as daring pilots.

128 pages· 9,128 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 878 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: In the midst of WWI, eager young Americans defy their country's neutrality, joining the French Foreign Legion to become daring pilots. As part of the Lafayette Escadrille, they face the perils of aerial combat, challenging legendary foes like the Red Baron. How will these brave volunteers shape history from above the trenches?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2019

Lovely War

By Julie Berry

In wartime, four lives intertwine under the watchful eyes of gods, testing love's power against war's might.

Golden Kite Award (2020)

470 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 72,108 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: In the chaos of World Wars I and II, four lives—Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette—are entwined by fate and the whims of gods. A pianist, a soldier, a musician, and an orphan navigate love and loss, as goddess Aphrodite weaves their stories to avoid divine judgment. Can love triumph over the devastation of war? Discover a tale of hope, prejudice, and passion where the stakes are as high as the heavens themselves.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

Shooting at the Stars

By John Hendrix (Illustrator)

A Christmas Eve truce halts war, uniting enemies in unexpected peace.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2015)

40 pages· 2,079 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,044 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: On the front lines of World War I, a young British soldier writes home about an extraordinary Christmas Eve. Amidst fierce battles, Allied and German soldiers lay down arms to celebrate together, sharing carols and gifts. As the holiday ends, they return to their trenches, awaiting the war's grim resumption. This poignant tale captures a fleeting moment of humanity amidst conflict, leaving readers to ponder the power of peace in the darkest times.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Lines of Courage

By Jennifer A. Nielsen

Five youths in WWI Europe must find each other to change their fates.

390 pages· 81,900 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,877 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In war-torn Europe, five young strangers—Felix, Kara, Juliette, Elsa, and Dimitri—face the horrors of World War I. Each harbors a dream: resisting oppression, healing the wounded, reuniting family, finding friendship, and surviving the front lines. As their paths cross amidst chaos, they discover that courage and friendship might be their only salvation. Will they find each other in time to change their destinies?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1993

War Game

By Michael Foreman

Enemies pause war for a Christmas soccer game, revealing shared humanity.

68 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 240 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: In 1914, four British boys, aspiring soccer stars, find themselves in the trenches of World War I. On Christmas Day, amidst the chaos of battle, a miraculous cease-fire occurs. German and British soldiers defy the war's brutality, coming together for a soccer match and exchanging gifts. This unexpected truce challenges the boys' perceptions of enemy lines and the true spirit of humanity. Can a simple game change the course of their lives and the war itself? Discover the power of unity in the most unlikely of places.

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World War I Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1699

Rags

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A stray dog becomes a soldier's loyal companion on WWI battlefields.

Sale price

$1799

A Scarf for Keiko

Ages 5–10 · 2019

In 1942, can Sam prove his friendship to Keiko as war divides them?

Sale price

$1899

Tucky Jo and Little Heart

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A young soldier's wartime friendship leads to a life-changing reunion.

Sale price

$899

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

Ages 5–8 · 1988

A family must find the perfect Christmas tree amidst wartime challenges.

Sale price

$1799

Sergeant Billy

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A goat becomes a war hero, saving soldiers and facing treason.

Sale price

$1899

Finding Winnie

Ages 3–6 · 2015

A boy hears the true story of a veterinarian who adopts a bear cub and names her Winnie during World War I.

Sale price

$1599

Captain Rosalie

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A young girl embarks on a secret mission as war looms, but an unread letter changes everything.

Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call

Sale price

$1899

Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call

Ages 7–10 · 2021

A pioneering woman leads telephone operators in WWI, facing danger and earning a historic honor.

Sale price

$1999

Soldier for Equality

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A soldier battles prejudice and fights for civil rights after World War I.

Sale price

$1999

The Little Ships

Ages 9–12 · 1997

A girl disguises herself to join a daring rescue across the English Channel.

Sale price

$1799

Fairy Spell

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Two girls convince the world fairies are real with a simple photograph.

Sale price

$1999

Harlem Hellfighters

Ages 10–13 · 2014

Harlem musicians face war's horrors, racism, and redefine courage through music.

View all world war i picture books

Browse by age

World War I Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about world war i for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$899

The Skylarks' War

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A girl defies societal norms to pursue education and independence during World War I.

Sale price

$799

Stubby

Ages 8–11 · 2015

A stray dog becomes a war hero, capturing spies and earning military rank.

Sale price

$1999

Rilla of Ingleside

Ages 9–12 · 1921

A young girl's carefree life shifts as war and unexpected responsibility test her courage.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (Graphic Novel)

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Uncover World War I's secrets and battles in a gripping graphic tale.

Sale price

$799

The Butterfly

Ages 6–9 · 2000

A hidden friendship faces danger as two families flee from Nazi terror.

Sale price

$799

Trapped in Hitler's Web

Ages 8–12 · 2020

In WWII, Maria must protect her friend Nathan while hiding in Nazi Austria.

Sale price

$1699

On the Horizon

Ages 10–12 · 2020

Witness the echoes of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima through poignant verse and haunting illustrations.

Sale price

$1899

Secret Soldiers

Ages 10–14 · 2019

A young miner joins a secret mission beneath the battlefield to find his brother.

Sale price

$899

Rascal

Ages 8–12 · 1963

A boy's bond with a raccoon faces an unexpected spring twist.

Sale price

$1495

Private Peaceful

2003

A young soldier faces the horrors of WW1, questioning heroism and cowardice in a single day.

Sale price

$1099

The Radium Girls

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Young women fight for justice after a mysterious illness reveals a deadly secret.

Sale price

$899

Soldier Dog

Ages 9–12 · 2012

A boy and his dog face the horrors of World War I to find his missing brother.

View all world war i chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About World War I

Great books, picked for their age.

World War I Picture Books

World War I Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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