Children's reading lists

The best children’s books about the Second World War

War is a difficult subject, and the atrocities of World War II can be especially hard to broach with younger readers. So, we’ve put together a selection of books, from real-life accounts and essential facts to historical fiction, that will give children helpful insight into what life was like during this pivotal time.

An image of a selection of children’s books about the Second World War on a dark blue background with a fighter plane illustration
Image: Alicia Fernandes/Penguin

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