Best Holocaust Historical Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

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.

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.

Prisoner B-3087 is a historical fiction book that tells the story of Yanek Gruener, a Jewish boy in 1930s Poland who is taken prisoner by the Nazis and forced to endure ten concentration camps. The book portrays the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit through Yanek's eyes. The book has won numerous awards, including the Golden Sower Award and the Truman Readers Award. It is a bone-chilling tale that is not to be ignored, and a powerful story that is well-told. Overall, it is a heart-wrenching and emotional read that gives readers a glimpse into the unimaginable horrors of World War II.

"Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys is a heart-wrenching and haunting novel that tells the story of a Lithuanian family torn apart by Soviet officers during World War II. The fifteen-year-old protagonist, Lina, along with her mother and younger brother, is forced onto a crowded train and sent to a Siberian work camp, where they must fight for survival. Lina finds solace in her art, embedding clues in her drawings to help her father find them. The novel is beautifully written and deeply felt, making it an important book that deserves the widest possible readership. Overall, "Between Shades of Gray" is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and a moving portrayal of the human spirit's resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron is a captivating and heart-wrenching historical fiction book that tells the true story of Stefania Podgórska, a Polish teenager who hid thirteen Jews in her attic during World War II. The book explores themes of bravery, humanity, and sacrifice as Stefania risks her own life and the lives of her loved ones to save others. Cameron's writing is beautiful and meticulously researched, making every devastating moment both gripping and powerful. The Light in Hidden Places is a must-read for anyone interested in the Holocaust, and it is a unique addition to the genre of historical fiction books for teens and young adults.

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse is a remarkable historical novel set in Amsterdam during World War II. The story follows Hanneke, a teenage girl who works on the black market delivering illegal goods to her customers. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she is asked to find a Jewish girl who has gone missing. As she delves deeper into the search, she uncovers secrets that lead her to join the resistance and confront the horrors of the Nazi regime. Hesse's writing is beautiful and the plot is intricately woven, making Girl in the Blue Coat an exceptional read that portrays themes of love, loss, and bravery.

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli is a heart-wrenching tale of a young orphan boy living on the streets of Warsaw during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The novel follows the boy's journey as he navigates the horrors of the Holocaust and ultimately finds hope in the midst of devastation. Spinelli's writing is both powerful and poignant, and readers will find themselves fully immersed in the story. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, particularly young adult readers. Overall, Milkweed is a stunning novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.

Code Name Verity (Anniversary Edition) by Elizabeth Wein is a thrilling and heart-wrenching story about two best friends who become British spies during World War II. When their plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France, one of the girls has a chance at survival while the other faces a grisly execution. As Verity weaves her confession to her Nazi interrogators, she uncovers her past and battles for her life. This anniversary edition includes a new bonus chapter, essay from the author, and discussion guide. Wein's visceral portrayal of friendship, courage, and survival makes this a must-read for teens and young adults.

The Librarian of Auschwitz (Special Edition) by Antonio Iturbe tells the inspiring story of Dita Kraus, a young girl imprisoned in Auschwitz who becomes the librarian of the camp. The novel is based on the true story of Kraus, who risked her life to keep the magic of books alive during the Holocaust. This special edition includes a Q&A with Dita Kraus and discussion questions. The book is a hauntingly authentic Holocaust retelling that will stand with other powerful testaments from the era. The Librarian of Auschwitz is a heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring work of art that will resonate with readers long after they finish the last page.

The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia is a remarkable true story of a family during one of the bleakest periods in history. The Rudomin family is accused of being capitalists and forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, to live in exile in Siberia. For five years, Esther and her family struggle to stay alive in the endless steppe. The strength of their small family sustains them and gives them hope for the future. This book radiates optimism and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a powerful classic that deserves to be read by all.