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

Salt to the Sea is a gripping historical fiction novel that tells the story of four refugees during World War II, who are each haunted by their past and desperately seeking safety. As they converge on a ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff, promises of safety and freedom are made, but not all promises can be kept. The book has won several awards and features exclusive interviews with Wilhelm Gustloff survivors and experts. Ruta Sepetys is a master of historical fiction, and Salt to the Sea is a haunting, heartbreaking, and altogether gorgeous novel that is one of the best young-adult novels to appear in a very long time.

Survive. At any cost.10 concentration camps. 10 different places where you are starved, tortured, and worked mercilessly. It's something no one could imagine surviving. But it is what Yanek Gruener has to face. As a Jewish boy in 1930s Poland, Yanek is at the mercy of the Nazis who have taken over. Everything he has, and everyone he loves, have been snatched brutally from him. And then Yanek himself is taken prisoner -- his arm tattooed with the words PRISONER B-3087. He is forced from one nightmarish concentration camp to another, as World War II rages all around him. He encounters evil he could have never imagined, but also sees surprising glimpses of hope amid the horror. He just barely escapes death, only to confront it again seconds later. Can Yanek make it through the terror without losing his hope, his will -- and, most of all, his sense of who he really is inside? Based on an astonishing true story.

Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two is a deeply affecting novel that tells the story of Navajo code talkers who played a crucial role in the U.S. war effort against Japan. The book follows the journey of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker and braves the heaviest fighting of the war. Joseph Bruchac's gentle prose presents a clear historical picture of young men in wartime. The book is inspiring and honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians. It is a must-read for those interested in World War II history and the Navajo culture.

The extraordinary story of Stefania Podgórska, a Polish teenager who chose bravery and humanity by hiding thirteen Jews in her attic during WWII, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon Cameron -- now a Reese's Book Club YA Pick!One knock at the door, and Stefania has a choice to make...It is 1943, and for four years, sixteen-year-old Stefania has been working for the Diamant family in their grocery store in Przemysl, Poland, singing her way into their lives and hearts. She has even made a promise to one of their sons, Izio -- a betrothal they must keep secret since she is Catholic and the Diamants are Jewish.But everything changes when the German army invades Przemysl. The Diamants are forced into the ghetto, and Stefania is alone in an occupied city, the only one left to care for Helena, her six-year-old sister. And then comes the knock at the door. Izio's brother Max has jumped from the train headed to a death camp. Stefania and Helena make the extraordinary decision to hide Max, and eventually twelve more Jews. Then they must wait, every day, for the next knock at the door, the one that will mean death. When the knock finally comes, it is two Nazi officers, requisitioning Stefania's house for the German army.With two Nazis below, thirteen hidden Jews above, and a little sister by her side, Stefania has one more excruciating choice to make.This remarkable tale of courage and humanity, based on a true story, is now a Reese's Book Club YA Pick!

The Iliad, a classic wartime epic by Homer, has been masterfully adapted by graphic novelist Gareth Hinds. The book features dynamic illustrations that take readers directly to the plains of Troy and into the battle itself, capturing all the grim glory of the story. In addition, the book comes with notes, maps, and a cast of characters to help readers understand all the action and drama of the epic. This version of The Iliad is exceptionally compelling and accessible for readers who have struggled with the poetry of the standard text. Overall, this book is a stunning adaptation of a timeless classic.

The Book Thief (Anniversary Edition) by Markus Zusak is a gripping and poignant story set in Nazi Germany. This special edition includes bonus content, such as original sketches and manuscript pages. The protagonist, Liesel Meminger, is a foster girl who discovers the power of books and reading with the help of her foster father. The book is a beautiful exploration of the human spirit and the importance of storytelling, even in the darkest of times. The Book Thief is a must-read for both young adults and adults, and deserves a place on every bookshelf.

Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen is a gripping tale of a 13-year-old boy, Samuel, who grew up on the frontier of a British colony in America. After his parents are taken as prisoners during the war between the American patriots and the British, Samuel goes on a dangerous mission to rescue them. He confronts the enemy daily and discovers allies, all while going deep into enemy territory to find his parents. This book is a superb reflection on the nature of war and an excellent choice for young adults interested in historical fiction.

My Brother Sam Is Dead, a Newbery Honor Book, is a gripping tale of a family caught in the middle of the American Revolution. Tim Meeker is torn between his loyalty to his brother Sam, who is fighting for the Patriots, and his father, who is a loyalist. As the war rages on, Tim must make a difficult choice that will change his life forever. Written by James Lincoln Collier, this book is a must-read for children interested in colonial American history. The Scholastic Gold edition includes exclusive bonus content that adds to the reading experience.

The historical middle-grade novel, "Forge" by Laurie Halse Anderson, is the second book in the Seeds of America trilogy. The story revolves around Curzon, an escaped slave who joins the Patriot Army as a freeman. The narrative takes place during the Valley Forge winter, where Curzon faces the challenges of soldiering and the constant fear of being discovered. The novel also explores the friendship between Curzon and Isabel, who is also at Valley Forge against her will. Anderson's vivid descriptions of the harsh winter and the characters' struggles make this an engaging read for young adults. Overall, "Forge" is a well-written and important book that sheds light on the lives of slaves during the American Revolution.

The Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor is a captivating historical mystery that follows two teenage girls, Adalyn and Alice, seventy years apart. When Alice inherits an apartment in Paris from her grandmother, she uncovers family secrets from World War II that her grandmother had kept hidden. Meanwhile, Adalyn is living in Paris during the Nazi occupation, working as a socialite while secretly fighting with the resistance. The novel explores themes of family, love, and sacrifice, and will keep the reader engaged until the very end. A must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction and mysteries.