Keeping Jewish history alive for the next generation is a core tenet of PJ Library’s mission. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, students in 6th grade and older often demonstrate the ability to empathize with individual stories while also holding them in larger cultural and historical contexts — a skill that is crucial to reading and understanding Holocaust stories.
Although PJ Library does not currently accept manuscripts about the Holocaust, our program for older readers, PJ Our Way, does include some books on the topic. The program only offers books with Holocaust content if that content is age- and developmentally- appropriate, accurate and authentic, and representative of individual, familial, and communal growth, healing, and resilience.
Each of the following middle-grade books has been offered through the PJ Our Way program; please review their Parent Guides (linked below) for detailed information about each title, including age recommendations, content warnings, and conversation starters.
Related: Learn more about how PJ Library chooses books
Middle Grade Books
by Yona Zeldis McDonough
Recommended for ages 9+
Parent Guide
Marcel’s big dream is to compete in the prestigious Tour de France, a grueling cycling race. But since the Germans have occupied France, his racing may mean the difference between life and death!
by Susan Lynn Meyer
Recommended for ages 10+
Parent Guide
When the Germans arrive in France, Gustave and his family flee to the countryside, leaving his best friends, Marcel and Jean Paul, back in Nazi-occupied Paris. Can Gustave help his friends? And will the Eagles win the Boy Scout trophy without him?
by Adele Geras
Recommended for ages 9+
Parent Guide
Germany is Clara’s home, but in 1938 Jews are no longer safe there. Clara and her little brother, Maxi, have to leave everything behind and go to England to start a new life with a family they have never met.
by Annika Thor
Recommended for ages 10+
Parent Guide
It’s not safe for Jews in Vienna, so Stephie and her little sister, Nellie, have to start a new life on a tiny Swedish island. But Stephie can’t speak the language, Aunt Marta is so strict, and everything smells of fish! How will she ever fit in?
by Loic Dauvillier
Recommended for ages 10+
Parent Guide
Dounia is now a grandmother. But when she was a little girl in France, she had to hide from the Nazis. This graphic novel tells her story.
by Trina Robbins
Recommended for ages 9+
Parent Guide
Meet Lily Renee: war refugee, fashion model, jewelry designer, and the artist behind the glamorous and deadly superheroine Senorita Rio! This graphic novel tells her story.
by Morris Gleitzman
Recommended for ages 11+
Parent Guide
Zelda’s an eleven-year-old with a pretty unusual name. And it’s not just hers – she inherited it from her grandfather’s best friend. This is their story.
by Monique Polak
Recommended for ages 10+
Parent Guide
Most new brothers arrive in baby clothes – but Isaac’s fully grown! He’s a refugee with a past that’s full of secrets. Will Rosetta’s insatiable curiosity ruin their growing friendship?
Picture Books
While we do not send books about the Holocaust to PJ Library subscribers, we respect the fact that many families will choose to educate their children on this topic in their own way and time.
These books are appropriate for children of varying ages; however, only you will know if they are appropriate for your child(ren). We strongly recommend that you first read any book alone in order to gauge whether it is the right book to spark discussion and questions: Recommended Children’s Literature About the Holocaust
More
Holocaust Literature for Children via the Jewish Book Council
PJ Library’s How to Talk to Kids Series
Sign up for PJ Our Way
April 1, 2025