WWII continues hook middle grade readers into historical fiction. 

There are many different books that showcase the diverse experiences of people worldwide during World War II. I’ve selected books with a variety of different experiences from which readers can choose. 

The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a hook book (the first book that makes the reader fall in love with reading) for many reluctant readers. It does a masterful job at immersing students into the story quickly. Picturing what it was like to live as a child in England during the war often sparks nonfiction research as well.

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages is set amidst the scientists of the Manhattan Project, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. It’s a fantastic read for both STEM-oriented readers who may already know about the atomic bomb and for those who are curious to learn about this life-changing moment in history. 

Since A Boy at War by Harry Mazar is a popular choice for reluctant readers due to its shorter length. Many of them are captivated by the shocking story of Pearl Harbor that they return asking for the next books in the trilogy.

Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood captivates readers who enjoy the suspense of uncertain survival. Written as fiction-in-verse it uses fewer words to invite readers to imagine children struggling after their ship was torpedoed.