Books about World War II
War can be a difficult subject for children to understand properly, especially the conflict of the Second World War.
From classic favourites to more recent titles, these books for children take a variety of different approaches to representing the events of World War II.
Read our list of children's books about the Holocaust
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On the Move: Poems About Migration
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On the Move: Poems About Migration
This emotive poetry anthology from former Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen, explores the plight of refugees today, Rosen's child…
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The Messenger Bird
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The Messenger Bird
The Messenger Bird is an exciting adventure story with a twist, and will be particularly enjoyed by anyone who is interested in hi…
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I, Spy: A Bletchley Park Mystery
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I, Spy: A Bletchley Park Mystery
When war is declared in 1939, Bletchley Park becomes a hive of covert activity and Robyn is tasked with looking after the homing p…
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Hitler's Canary
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Hitler's Canary
Hitler's Canary, ultimately, is about the courage and heroism of ordinary citizens in a time of danger and strife.
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My Brother's Keeper
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My Brother's Keeper
Alfie's story has obvious subject appeal for boys and the length is enticing for reluctant readers, but this neat little story man…
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Tail-end Charlie
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Tail-end Charlie
Mick Manning has carefully recreated the hair-raising tales his father told him about life as an RAF tail-gunner during the Second…
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Goodnight Mister Tom
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Goodnight Mister Tom
Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the Second World War, and find…
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My Secret War Diary, by Flossie Albright
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My Secret War Diary, by Flossie Albright
Following Archie's War, which recorded in diary form the First World War home-front experience of a ten year old, Williams now tur…
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Anne Frank
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Anne Frank
This account of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and Anne Frank's family's hiding in a secret annexe to escape them, is sensitivel…
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When We Were Warriors
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When We Were Warriors
A trio of connected stories, set during the Second World War, that feature feisty children, ghosts and a potential Nazi invasion. …
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Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan
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Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan
This is the incredible true story of Noor Inayat Khan, a Muslim woman who spied for Britain during the Second World War. Noor is w…
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The Silver Sword
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The Silver Sword
In the chaos of World War II, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are separated from their parents, and left alone to fend for themselves, hidin…
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The Midnight Guardians
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The Midnight Guardians
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, C…
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The Swallows’ Flight
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The Swallows’ Flight
Hilary McKay’s ultimately uplifting Second World War story is full of brilliant characterisation, reflecting the experiences of yo…
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Hitler's Canary
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Hitler's Canary
Hitler's Canary, ultimately, is about the courage and heroism of ordinary citizens in a time of danger and strife.
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Please Write Soon
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Please Write Soon
This important and moving book from an acclaimed author follows pen pals Solly, an English schoolboy, and his Polish cousin Bernie…
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Carrie's War
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Carrie's War
Inspired by Nina Bawden's own experiences of living as an evacuee in a Welsh mining valley as a child, Carrie's War is n…
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Nisha's War
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Nisha's War
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.…
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When Fishes Flew: The Story of Elena’s War
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When Fishes Flew: The Story of Elena’s War
In a story that is part fantasy, part family history, Nandi discovers the lost story of her great Aunty Ellie’s wartime heroics.&n…
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Code Name Kingfisher
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Code Name Kingfisher
In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam in 1942, Hannie joins the Resistance. In the modern day, Liv is trying to cope with bullies at school. …
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Safiyyah’s War
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Safiyyah’s War
Focussing on the experiences of a small group of individuals, Safiyyah’s story shines a spotlight on an under-recognised pocket of…
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When the Sky Falls
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When the Sky Falls
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 w…
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The Swallows’ Flight
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The Swallows’ Flight
Hilary McKay’s ultimately uplifting Second World War story is full of brilliant characterisation, reflecting the experiences of yo…
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Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy
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Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy
In war-torn France, who can Rosie trust? A pacy novel starring a brave Anglo-India heroine.
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The Silver Sword
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The Silver Sword
In the chaos of World War II, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are separated from their parents, and left alone to fend for themselves, hidin…
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The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II
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The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II
A fascinating family memoir and a very personal story about terrible loss, The Missing describes the impact of the Holoc…
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Anne Frank
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Anne Frank
This account of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and Anne Frank's family's hiding in a secret annexe to escape them, is sensitivel…
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Tail-end Charlie
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Tail-end Charlie
Mick Manning has carefully recreated the hair-raising tales his father told him about life as an RAF tail-gunner during the Second…
; Flip
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My Secret War Diary, by Flossie Albright
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My Secret War Diary, by Flossie Albright
Following Archie's War, which recorded in diary form the First World War home-front experience of a ten year old, Williams now tur…
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Goodnight Mister Tom
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Goodnight Mister Tom
Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the Second World War, and find…
; Flip
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The Messenger Bird
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The Messenger Bird
The Messenger Bird is an exciting adventure story with a twist, and will be particularly enjoyed by anyone who is interested in hi…
; Flip
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Hitler's Angel
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Hitler's Angel
In the summer of 1941, two displaced teenagers, one German, one Austrian, are recruited by the British government for a secret mis…
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My Brother's Keeper
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My Brother's Keeper
Alfie's story has obvious subject appeal for boys and the length is enticing for reluctant readers, but this neat little story man…
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Letters from the Lighthouse
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Letters from the Lighthouse
Olive and her brother have been evacuated to Devon, but big sister Sukie is still missing from the night of the bombs. Emma Carrol…
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