Books about the Holocaust for children 8 to 12

Partly autobiographical, this is first of the internationally acclaimed trilogy by Judith Kerr telling the unforgettable story of a Jewish family fleeing from Germany at the start of the World War II.

A hard-hitting picture book which tells the true story of a Holocaust survivor. This important book explores dark events in a sensitive but unflinching way.  

This account of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and Anne Frank’s family’s hiding in a secret annexe to escape them, is sensitively told.

The true story of two brothers and their family whose lives were torn apart by the Nazi plan to rid the world of anyone they considered ​‘different’.

In the chaos of World War II, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are separated from their parents, and left alone to fend for themselves, hiding from the Nazis in the ruins of their city.

This emotive poetry anthology from former Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen, explores the plight of refugees today, Rosen’s childhood as part of a Jewish family in post-war London, his family’s’ memories of the war, and the fate of relatives who disappeared in Nazi Germany.

Hitler’s Canary, ultimately, is about the courage and heroism of ordinary citizens in a time of danger and strife.

Doll Karolina is saved from war in her native Land of the Dolls and transported to Poland to live with a man known as the Dollmaker – only for their lives to be turned upside down by World War II. An unusual novel blending reality with folklore and fantasy that will have a lasting impact on readers.

The harrowing true story of a Hungarian Jewish boy and his mother and their journey to – and escape from – Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp in the Second World War. Extraordinary and moving.

Six people tell their stories of living through the Holocaust as children in this compelling and deeply thought-provoking graphic novel-style book.

Morris Gleitzman brings heart and humour to the difficult subject of the Holocaust in this ground-breaking children’s book.

A fascinating family memoir and a very personal story about terrible loss, The Missing describes the impact of the Holocaust on one family, which provides a relatable pathway into this overwhelming event for young readers.

Jessie is delighted when she finds a beautiful white puppy at Gran’s house. But then Gran starts becoming confused, and saying strange things about their new pet.

During the occupation of Ukraine in World War II, players from what had been the Dynamo Kiev football team set themselves up as Start FC and competed in a Nazi-organised league

Elsa, Max, and Leo are three friends who live in Vienna – but as Hitler’s rise to power begins to cast a shadow over Europe, they find themselves torn in different directions. This moving and well researched book about the holocaust is only suitable for readers 12+.

It’s Ella’s job in the camp, where everyone must either work or be killed, to make beautiful clothes for the wives of Nazi officers and female guards. The Red Ribbon is a moving story of friendship, kindness and heroism under impossible circumstances.

This revealing, thought-provoking collection brings together true stories of Jewish children sent into hiding in the Netherlands during World War II – and provides plenty of opportunities for discussion.