5 wartime tales set on the World War II home front

My interest in World War II, especially the Home Front, began with conversations I had with my grandfather. His stories of collecting shrapnel during the war became the inspiration for my book The Shrapnel Boys.

I’ve gathered some of my favourite Home Front stories, which show how ordinary children’s lives were transformed by the challenges of war.

These books bring history to life by showing how children faced rationing, blackouts, evacuation and separation with courage and imagination. They blend adventure and resilience with moments of warmth, reminding us that even in uncertain times, friendship and kindness can light the way. 

These Home Front tales open a window to the past while still feeling relevant and inspiring for today’s young readers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. 

Set in Blitz-era London, this gripping story follows Olive, Lawrence, Franklin and the mysterious ​“Gremlin” as they discover that wartime adventure quickly turns into harsh reality. Between bomb raids, secret projects and personal struggles, the friends lean on each other – and a scruffy dog – for courage. 

Geraldine McCaughrean’s writing is exceptional. She expertly blends coming-of-age drama with vivid historical detail, creating a tale of friendship, resilience and hope. 

Evacuated from London to a Welsh village in 1939, Jimmy and his little brother struggle to adjust to strange food, new faces and the stern ​“Auntie” who takes them in. When Jimmy discovers a skull hidden in a tree, the brothers are drawn into a gripping mystery that tests trust, loyalty and courage. 

Warm, suspenseful and full of heart, this debut beautifully captures the power of kindness and the resilience of children in wartime. As a fan of Lesley Parr, I also recommend When the War Came Home, set in Wales in the aftermath of World War I. 

This is a beautifully crafted historical novel that blends suspense, warmth and hope. The story follows siblings Olive and Cliff as they uncover secrets in a quiet Devon village, and Emma Carroll’s writing captures both the tension of the era and the resilience of children with remarkable clarity.

The prose is vivid yet accessible, painting landscapes and emotions with equal skill, while the mystery at the heart of the plot keeps readers turning the pages. It’s a moving, thoughtful story that shows empathy and courage shining through even in the darkest of times – a truly compelling read for middle-grade audiences and beyond. 

Phil Earle has written three excellent books set on the Home Front, and I highly recommend While the Storm Rages and Until the Road Ends as well. But here I will focus on When the Sky Falls. 

Set in 1941, 12-year-old Joseph is sent to live with stern Mrs. F in a bomb-ravaged city, where her only concern is keeping her crumbling zoo – and its gorilla, Adonis – alive. Lonely and angry, Joseph slowly forms a powerful bond with the animal as bombs fall and bullying looms. 

With fast-paced action, raw emotion, and rich historical detail, this moving story explores war, resilience and unlikely friendship. It makes me cry on every read. Perfection. 

Dead End Kids is a compelling historical novel set in Wapping, London, during the early years of World War II. The story follows Josie Turner and her brother Len, along with their friends, as they navigate the dangers of the Blitz. 

With most of the men conscripted, the East End is populated mainly by women and children. Josie and her gang, using a disused barge as their headquarters, form a junior firefighting unit to combat the fires caused by nightly bombings, aiming to ease the burden on the overstretched fire services. Josie, determined not to be sidelined because she’s a girl, leads her own group of young firefighters. 

Bernard Ashley vividly captures the atmosphere of wartime London, bringing to life the courage and determination of this captivating group of children. 

While Lifeboat 5 isn’t set in a British village or city during the war, it captures the same themes of survival, resilience, and the impact of global conflict on ordinary people. 

In this moving novel-in-verse, 15-year-old Bess and her brother Louis escape the Blitz by sailing on the SS City of Benares bound for Canada. At first the voyage feels like an adventure, but when a German torpedo strikes, it becomes a desperate struggle for survival. 

Susan Hood’s lyrical writing captures fear, hope, and the strength of family bonds. With photos and historical notes included, this gripping story brings a little-known World War II tragedy vividly to life. 

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson is out now.