Best Children's Holocaust Fiction Books of 2026

The Book Thief is a #1 New York Times bestseller, and one of Time Magazine's 100 Best YA Books of All Time. It is set in Nazi Germany in 1939, where Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich, learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. The book is a poignant story about the power of books to nourish the soul even in the darkest of times. The Book Thief is a must-read for both young adults and adults alike, and it is the kind of book that can change lives.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is a Newbery Medal-winning novel that tells the story of Annemarie Johansen and her family, who take in Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen, and hide her from the German troops who are relocating all the Jews of Denmark. The book provides a powerful lesson on fighting antisemitism and showcases the heroism of an entire nation during a time of terror and war. Through Annemarie's eyes, readers come to understand the true meaning of bravery. This book is a modern classic of historical fiction that continues to speak to readers today.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a heart-wrenching story about the Holocaust, seen through the eyes of two young boys. It follows the journey of Bruno, a young German boy, who moves to a new house near a concentration camp. Bruno's curiosity leads him to meet a Jewish boy on the other side of the fence, and their friendship has devastating consequences. John Boyne's writing style is simple yet powerful, making it a memorable and moving story. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the atrocities of the Holocaust.

The "I Survived Graphic Novels #1-4: A Graphix Collection (I Survived Graphix)" is a box set of four paperback graphic novel editions that bring Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling "I Survived" series to life. The graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling, making it an exciting read for children interested in stories of disaster and survival. Each book includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event. This set is perfect for young readers who want an action-packed experience of the events that have shaped history.

White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) by R.J. Palacio is a heartrending story about the power of kindness and courage during the Second World War. Readers get to know Grandmère, Julian's grandmother from Palacio's bestselling collection of stories, Auggie & Me. The graphic novel tells the story of how she was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village and how the boy she once shunned became her savior and best friend. With poignant symbolism and gorgeous artwork, White Bird is a must-read graphic novel that connects historical moments to what's happening today and shows the impact of the Second World War and the rise of fascism.

The graphic novel adaptation "I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944" by Lauren Tarshis is an intense and beautifully illustrated story of survival during World War II. The story follows Max and Zena, two Jewish siblings who make a daring escape from Nazi soldiers and are taken in by Jewish resistance fighters. The book combines historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages. The inclusion of nonfiction back matter with historical photos and facts about World War II and the Holocaust makes this an educational and engaging read for children. Overall, this is a powerful and important addition to the I Survived series.

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz is a thrilling World War II novel about Michael O'Shaunessey, a young boy living in Nazi Germany who is secretly a spy for the Allies. Despite his disgust for the Nazi regime, Michael joins the Hitler Youth to gain insider knowledge and access to information. When he learns about Projekt 1065, a secret Nazi war mission, he must risk everything to prove his loyalty to the Hitler Youth. Gratz skillfully conveys the fear and suspicion of daily life in Germany during the war. This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and espionage.

The Devil's Arithmetic is a children's Holocaust fiction book by Jane Yolen, published by Puffin Books. The story of the book is about a 12-year-old girl named Hannah, who is transported back to a 1940s Polish village and experiences the horrors of the Holocaust. The book has won the National Jewish Book Award and has received great reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly. The 30th-anniversary edition comes with a new introduction from the author. In conclusion, this book is a powerful and moving read that provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust for children.

I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944 (I Survived #9) (9) is a gripping historical fiction novel that tells the story of Max Rosen and his sister Zena's daring escape from Nazi soldiers into the nearby forest. They are brought to a safe camp by Jewish resistance fighters but soon find themselves in the middle of the Nazi invasion. Lauren Tarshis's writing style is informative and emotionally intense, making this book a page-turner for children interested in history. The book is a part of the New York Times bestselling I Survived series that tells stories of young people's resilience and strength in the midst of unimaginable disasters and times of turmoil. Highly recommended for children's European historical fiction books enthusiasts.

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is a powerful and gripping novel about a 16-year-old boy, Helmut Hubner, who dares to expose the truth about Hitler's regime in Nazi Germany. Despite knowing the risks, Helmut distributes leaflets to reveal the lies and propaganda spread by the government. The book provides a thought-provoking insight into the life of a young man who thinks for himself and shows immense courage in the face of adversity. Overall, The Boy Who Dared is an inspiring and important read for young adults, highlighting the significance of speaking the truth and standing up for what is right.