Best Military History Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

This young adult adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s award-winning bestseller, Unbroken, recounts the gripping story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympian-turned-airman who survives a plane crash in enemy territory during World War II. The book follows Zamperini’s harrowing journey through the Pacific Ocean, where he faced hunger, thirst, and enemy attacks, before being captured by the Japanese and enduring brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. The book features over 100 photographs and an exclusive interview with Zamperini. This thrilling and inspiring survival epic is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition is a heartwarming story of an unbreakable bond between a man and his dog during World War II. This book tells the incredible true story of Frank Williams, a radarman in Britain's Royal Air Force, and Judy, a purebred pointer, who met as prisoners of war. As they discover Frank and Judy's story, young readers will also learn about key World War II moments through informative sidebars, maps, photographs, and a timeline. Overall, this book is a well-written and engaging read that captures the beauty and power of friendship and loyalty between man and animal.

The United States of Epic Fails: 52 Crazy Stories and Blunders Through History That You Didn't Get Taught in School is a Trivia & Fun Facts book that takes a humorous look at some of the biggest failures in American history. From politics to sports and pop culture, this book covers it all. Readers will learn about embarrassing moments and epic failures in American history, including failures in film, military, and even lawn games. The book is perfect for history buffs and anyone who loves a good train wreck. Overall, The United States of Epic Fails is a unique and entertaining read that sheds light on a different side of American history.

Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin is a gripping account of the Cold War and the terrifying arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The book takes readers on a journey through the decades-long showdown filled with spy planes, armed submarines, and undercover agents. Sheinkin masterfully weaves together the political, scientific, and human aspects of the conflict, culminating in the nail-biting Cuban Missile Crisis. Winner of the 2022 Kids' Book Choice Award, this military history book for teens and young adults is a must-read for anyone interested in the Cold War and its impact on world history.

King George: What Was His Problem? by Steve Sheinkin is a fun and funny book that tells the story of the American Revolution in a way that young readers will never forget. Rather than focusing on the causes of the Revolution, the book is filled with anecdotes and little-known details that bring the birth of our nation to life. From naked soldiers to salmon sandwiches, this book is packed with action and real facts that will leave readers eager to share what they've learned. Overall, this book is a great choice for middle-grade readers who want to learn about American history in a fun and engaging way.

A Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor Winner. At the outset of World War II, Denmark did not resist German occupation. Deeply ashamed of his nation's leaders, fifteen-year-old Knud Pedersen resolved with his brother and a handful of schoolmates to take action against the Nazis if the adults would not. Naming their secret club after the fiery British leader, the young patriots in the Churchill Club committed countless acts of sabotage, infuriating the Germans, who eventually had the boys tracked down and arrested. But their efforts were not in vain: the boys' exploits and eventual imprisonment helped spark a full-blown Danish resistance. Interweaving his own narrative with the recollections of Knud himself, The Boys Who Challenged Hitler is National Book Award winner Phillip Hoose's inspiring story of these young war heroes.. This thoroughly-researched and documented book can be worked into multiple aspects of the common core curriculum.

The Port Chicago 50 by Steve Sheinkin is a National Book Award Finalist and YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist. The book tells the story of 50 black sailors who were charged with mutiny after they refused to work in unsafe and unfair conditions at a segregated Navy base in California during World War II. Sheinkin's thoroughly researched and documented book sheds light on the prejudice and injustice faced by black men and women in America's armed forces during the war. Overall, this book is a nuanced look at those who gave their lives in service of a country where they lacked the most basic rights.

Explore WWII from the front lines in this teen history book Help history come alive in a way that’s easy for teens to connect with and enjoy. World War II History for Teens dives deep into the major battles, providing a core, compelling framework that allows teens to better understand what really happened during the war. From the conquest of Europe all the way through the end of the Pacific Theater, they’ll get an up-close look at the course of the Second World War and learn how it created the world they live in today.World War II History for Teens includes: Key WWII battles―Read through detailed accounts of the most important battles, the moments that decided their outcomes, and how these results shaped the war.Critical thinking―An exciting narrative engages readers while also providing the information they need to draw their own conclusions about the impact of WWII.Closer looks―World War II History for Teens helps readers go even deeper with special features on military technology, how many of the war’s key decisions were made, and more. Show teens how exciting history can be with World War II History for Teens.

The true story of the Edelweiss Pirates, working-class teenagers who fought the Nazis by whatever means they could. . Fritz, Gertrud, and Jean were classic outsiders: their clothes were different, their music was rebellious, and they weren’t afraid to fight. But they were also Germans living under Hitler, and any nonconformity could get them arrested or worse. As children in 1933, they saw their world change. Their earliest memories were of the Nazi rise to power and of their parents fighting Brownshirts in the streets, being sent to prison, or just disappearing.. As Hitler’s grip tightened, these three found themselves trapped in a nation whose government contradicted everything they believed in. And by the time they were teenagers, the Nazis expected them to be part of the war machine. Fritz, Gertrud, and Jean and hundreds like them said no. They grew bolder, painting anti-Nazi graffiti, distributing anti-war leaflets, and helping those persecuted by the Nazis. Their actions were always dangerous. The Gestapo pursued and arrested hundreds of Edelweiss Pirates. In World War II’s desperate final year, some Pirates joined in sabotage and armed resistance, risking the Third Reich’s ultimate punishment. This is their story.

The Hidden Girl: A True Story of the Holocaust is a gripping tale of survival during one of history's darkest times. Lola, a young Jewish girl, is forced to flee and hide from the Nazis after her mother is killed by the Gestapo. She faces constant danger and struggles to stay alive, all while holding on to the one article of clothing her mother left her. This book is a must-read for those interested in the Holocaust and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.