Books about World War II

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.

The Messenger Bird is an exciting adventure story with a twist, and will be particularly enjoyed by anyone who is interested in history and the Second World War.

When a German fighter plane crashes nearby, Grace saves the pilot’s life. But she will play an even greater part in World War II than she realises. Sheds light on an unusual part of wartime history. 

When war is declared in 1939, Bletchley Park becomes a hive of covert activity and Robyn is tasked with looking after the homing pigeons. Suspecting there is a spy in their midst, she is determined to uncover the truth in this thrilling mystery adventure.

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

In the midst of war, a mysterious figure is performing acts of kindness in a Lake District village. Can Tarn find out who it is? An excellent addition to fiction about World War II. 

Mick Manning has carefully recreated the hair-raising tales his father told him about life as an RAF tail-gunner during the Second World War

In the middle of war-torn Europe, can Kizzy and Jakob save a group of lost children and abandoned horses? A dangerous journey awaits them. 

A trio of connected stories, set during the Second World War, that feature feisty children, ghosts and a potential Nazi invasion. Compelling storytelling. 

This is the incredible true story of Noor Inayat Khan, a Muslim woman who spied for Britain during the Second World War. Noor is written by Sufiya Ahmed as a brave and fiercely impassioned young woman, painting her life with meticulous detail and a realistic first person voice.

When Col is evacuated, his sister Rose stays behind in London to help with the war effort. But when he learns Rose is in danger, Col and his guardians – his childhood imaginary friends – must embark on a quest to save her.

Twins Viktor and Nadya are separated when Nazi forces attack the Soviet Union – but they’ll risk everything to find each other again.

This important and moving book from an acclaimed author follows pen pals Solly, an English schoolboy, and his Polish cousin Bernie during World War II.

During World War II, an Anglo-Indian refugee is offered a deal by a ghostly child: her mother’s life in exchange for three truths.

In a story that is part fantasy, part family history, Nandi discovers the lost story of her great Aunty Ellie’s wartime heroics. The multi-generational elements will resonate with readers lucky enough to have older relatives with stories to tell about their younger days.

It’s the Second World War and while everyone else is evacuated to the countryside, 12-year-old Joseph ends up in the city with a woman who owns a zoo. A beautifully written historical adventure story, which will take readers on an emotional and exciting journey.

Focussing on the experiences of a small group of individuals, Safiyyah’s story shines a spotlight on an under-recognised pocket of resistance from World War II when hundreds of Jews were led to safety via underground passages from the Grand Mosque in Paris.

Hilary McKay’s ultimately uplifting Second World War story is full of brilliant characterisation, reflecting the experiences of young people on both sides of the war. It’s an immersive and thoughtful read.

In war-torn France, who can Rosie trust? A pacy novel starring a brave Anglo-India heroine.

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.

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.

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.

Following Archie’s War, which recorded in diary form the First World War home-front experience of a ten year old, Williams now turns to Archie’s daughter, Flossie Albright.

Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the Second World War, and finds himself living with reclusive widower Thomas Oakley.

Olive and her brother have been evacuated to Devon, but big sister Sukie is still missing from the night of the bombs. Emma Carroll is a natural storyteller: there’s a good twist towards the end that even the most wily readers won’t see coming. 

When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is more worried about the battle to convince his younger brother that the swaggering Johnny, their mum’s new boyfriend, is a bad ​’un. Compelling and moving, with peril galore.