18 Devastating Must-Read Books About the Holocaust
While many of the survivors of the Holocaust have since passed on, their stories live on in literature. There have been numerous fiction and non-fiction books written about the Holocaust, so we wanted to highlight some of our favorites.
As Jewish women and mothers, it is important for us to make sure that history is never repeated. Some of the books below are memoirs, others are meticulously researched works of non-fiction, but the majority of the books are fictional.
What are the differences between fiction and non-fiction books about the Holocaust?
We wanted to point out which books are fiction and which aren’t so that readers understand that fiction changes facts, embellishes, skips over events, or fudges timelines BUT it also has an amazing ability to evoke strong emotions when done correctly.
In an ideal world, you would read a little of everything. A memoir to get one person’s story, a fictional story based on a family’s life, and a non-fiction story about the broader scope of the era. But we know that isn’t for everyone.
We have carefully curated the list of books about the holocaust below in the hopes that whatever book you choose, you will have an emotional connection to the 6 million people that died at the hands of Hitler and the Nazi party.
As we say in Judaism, may their memories be a blessing.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Holocaust Memoirs
Night by Elie Weisel
January 2006 Oprah Book Club Pick
I have a personal story about this book. My husband’s grandmother grew up in the same town as Elie Weisel. She knew both him and his wife. This was the first thing that she told me when I met her (My husband’s name is also Elie but this is purely coincidental).
This is a must-read non-fiction book about the Holocaust written by the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. It is a short but very powerful book that will emotionally wreck you.
Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: The Definitive Edition
Author: Anne Frank
Year: 1997
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: “The Single most compelling personal account of the Holocaust” (The New York Times Book Review)
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the quintessential book about the Holocaust written by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl in hiding during WWII. Although she did not live to see freedom, her father survived as did the diary that she kept during her years of hiding.
This is a powerful book that captures the neverending capacity for hope in the human spirit. After all, Anne said it best when she said “in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart”. The words are a powerful reminder about the human spirit.
Trigger Warnings
Death, holocaust
Why Kirsten loves it
The message that Anne passes along in this diary is one that we can all learn from. Anne’s words are powerful and thoughtful.
Why Jackie loves it
There are really no words to say about this book. Love is not the correct word for how I feel. This book should be required reading for everyone. Anne somehow remained positive despite the danger she faced, the isolation and hunger.
Find this book in: WWII Books / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Books for a 12-Year-Old / Epistolary Novels
All But My Life by Gerta Weissman Klein
I had the honor of meeting Gerta Weissmann Klein when she came to speak at my middle school about her experience during the Holocaust. I still have the autographed copy of this book in my library and I will cherish it always.
This non-fiction tale was moving and wonderful. Gerta was just 6 years-old when she first started experiencing the hatred and persecution of the Nazis. Her story of survival will be one you won’t ever forget.
Non-Fiction Resistance Books about the Holocaust
The Light of Days by Judy Batalion
This harrowing non-fiction book tells the stories of the Jewish female resistance members during WW2. These women have not been given nearly enough attention for their bravery, fearlessness, and sacrifice.
As Battalion explores the different experiences each female operative goes through during the war, I had tears streaming down my face. The sheer gall of these women was inspiring to me, especially in light of the danger they were in if caught out.
I picked this up during International Holocaust day and I couldn’t put it down. A must-read for those looking for WWII books and courage in the face of hatred.
The Zookeeper’s Wife
Author: Diane Ackerman
Year: 2007
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
There is no surprise that this nonfiction book was made into a movie. The story is just so compelling and feels like a novel. When the Nazis invaded Poland, the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo had their animal collection ransacked. While taking care of the remnants of the zoo, they decide to hide fleeing Jewish people in the now-empty animal homes.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Animal death, Genocide, War
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this book and I am so glad that I listened to this one. Suzanne Toren reads it beautifully. Â Her wonderful accents and pronunciation of the words helped set the scene.
Find this book in: Feel-Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books About the Holocaust / Best Nonfiction Books / Best Netflix Adaptations / Nonfiction Animal Books
Love Nonfiction? We do too! That’s why we created the Ultimate List of Nonfiction Books.
The Best Holocaust Historical Fiction Books
The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story opens in 2005 with legendary actress Lena Browning, telling her dark, daring past to an actress who wants to star in and direct a biopic about Lena. It then flashes forward to Lena’s time in the Warsaw Ghetto.
There, Bina Blonski as she was known at the time, narrates a story of persistence and sacrifice within the Ghetto walls. Torn between two brothers and with a survival instinct, Bina uses her Arayan looks and skills as an actress to work for the resistance.
Eventually, the story returns to 2005 and post-war Hollywood where we learn how Bina became Lena and how Lena has always continued the fight against those who seek her annihilation.
Trigger Warnings
War, death
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the best story I’ve ever read about the Holocaust because it depicts Jewish people, particularly women, as fierce fighters determined to prove their right to exist. I was inspired and awed by both the writing and the characters.
I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and was on the edge of my seat throughout. The tension was so high at times I found myself fidgeting, walking around, and wringing my hands. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. It’s an absolute must-read. #Gifted
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this story takes place in multiple time periods. Lena is a great character and I loved reading her story. I called Kirsten yelling and needing to know the ending- which she would not spoil for me. At the end of the book, I was yelling with joy.
Find this book in: Books about the Holocaust / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 /Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Hollywood Novels
Lilac Girls
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Year: 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Woolsey-Ferriday Series
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Based on the true story of New York socialite, Caroline Ferriday, this fictionalized account of the war is told from three perspectives.
The novel alternates between Caroline in New York, Kasia, a Polish prisoner, at Ravensbruck, and Herta, the only female doctor at that same camp.
Trigger Warnings
Nazi affiliation
Why Kirsten loves it
Herta’s perspective, she was a real doctor at Ravensbruck, was particularly fascinating to read. Hearing her thoughts left a deep impact since authors rarely write from the perspective of the Nazi party members. That perspective makes this novel unique among these books about WWII and is truly a thought-provoking book.
Find this book in: Books About WWII / Books Set in France / Thought Provoking Books / Books With a Color in the Title / Holocaust Books / Books With Flowers in the Title
Historical Fiction Books About the Holocaust
We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein
December 2023 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
This incredible novel is based on the true story of the Warsaw Ghetto inhabitants who recorded what life was like for their fellow occupants. Adam, the protagonist, is one of several secret archivists working to capture the truth of life within the ghetto.
The story takes us through Adam’s life as he records testimonies from his friends and neighbors, but also gives us an in-depth look at his drive to survive the Nazis. I was deeply moved by the intimate look at what Jews went through during that dark period, but this is a hard one to read in the current climate because it feels a breath away from happening today.
The Little Liar: A Novel by Mitch Albom
This book by Mitch Albom is a powerful novel set during the Holocaust. It follows the journey of eleven-year-old Nico Krispis, who must confront a heart-wrenching decision that forever changes his life.
Nico and his companions, Sebastian and Fanni, survive the death camps and search for each other. The story explores the consequences of deception, the struggle for survival, and the power of love. Narrated by Truth, this is a powerful and poignant book.
Find this book in Best Books about WWII / H17 Devastating Must-Read Books About the Holocaust
Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson
This powerful novel tells the story of a well-known Jewish Philanthropist accused of being a nazi war criminal. Solomon, the accuser, convinces Catherine to be his lawyer and represent him in the case. Â
The novel moves back and forth from past to present as Solomon recounts his story. This is a powerful novel that will leave you wondering until the end and is one of my favorite books about WWII. And while this book is fiction, it is similar to many true stories.
The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff
Noa has been cast out after becoming pregnant by a Nazi Soldier. She is forced to give up her baby as well and now finds herself living at a railway station and cleaning to earn her stay. When she finds a boxcar filled with Jewish infants being transported to a concentration camp, Noa grabs a baby and runs.
She finds safety with a German circus and must learn to become a trapeze artist to remain hidden in plain sight. This is a powerful story about love and friendship.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Sarah is 10 years old in 1942 when she is arrested by the French police. Before the Vel’ D’hiv roundup, she tries to protect her brother by locking him in a cupboard and taking the key with her.
She thinks that she will be back in a few hours. 60 years later, a journalist named Julia Jarmond is asked to write about this black day in history. She finds a connection to Sarah. This is an astonishingly heartbreaking tale.
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
Kirsten and I seem to be in te minority with our feelings about this book which is why it is on our list. It is an amazing story about one family’s survival during the Holocaust.
While we did not love the writing and the way the story was laid out, we cannot deny that this family has an amazing story.
For more Historical Fiction books about WWII, check out this post.
Fiction Books Set in Auschwitz
The Librarian of Auschwitz
Author: Antonia Itrube
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age Range: 8 – 12
Plot
This is based on the story of Dita Kraus who was a 14-year-old girl when she went to Auschwitz. She worked as the “librarian” in the children’s block. The book gives an in-depth look at the day-to-day survival of people in the camp and is ultimately about bravery and real-life heroes.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism, Genocide
Why Jackie loves it
The book is difficult to read because of the subject matter. The librarian in this book is completely unique because of her circumstances and age. I love that this powerful story is geared toward middle-grade readers; however, adult readers will love this books as well..
Find this book in: Books About Books / WWII Books for Kids / Books About The Holocaust
Maus: A Survival’s Tale by Art Spiegelman
A very interesting take on the Holocaust, this graphic novel set depicts the Nazis and the Jews as Cats and Mice respectively. It’s slightly easier to see the horrific acts of the holocaust visually when you aren’t looking at people, but I promise you, you will still be disturbed.
It’s one thing to read and imagine something and another to see it depicted. Art Spiegelman handles the subject matter with care, but it is still incredibly sad.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
This amazing story of love and survival in the worst time in recent history is beautiful and inspiring. It is based on the story written after three years of interviews with the man who was the tattooist of Auschwitz.
There has been some controversy surrounding this work of fiction because of it’s historical inaccuracies, most prominently pointed out in this article.
While we debated putting this book on the list, we ultimately decided that the emotional response this book evokes in the reader is worth experiencing IF the reader goes in knowing that it isn’t totally accurate. Our hope is that readers will read both the book and the article and/or a memoir to get a clearer idea of what happened during this horrific time period.
The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted by Robert Hillman
Although it is a book about the Holocaust, it is different than any other book I had read on the subject. Tom, a farmer in Australia meets Hannah and is instantly drawn to her.
The two make an unlikely pair but, are able to find something in the other that helps to heal them. Hannah is a survivor or Auschwitz and has lost everything. The story moves between the past and the present seamlessly to tell this love story.
Click for more Historical Fiction Books!
YA and Middle Grade Fiction Books about the Holocaust
Plot
Alex is a twelve-year-old boy who did something very, very bad. When the judge sentences him to community service at a retirement home, he expects the worst. With Maya-Jade – the only other person his age who works there – hovering over his shoulder at all times, he fears that his secret will be revealed.
Alex eventually meets Josey who is a 107-year-old man who lived through the holocaust and hasn’t talked in many years. Josey entrusts his story to Alex, one of sadness, love, and death soon they form a close bond. But, secrets can’t be kept forever, and to do good, Alex has to confront what he has done.
Trigger Warnings
War, Antisemitism, Genocide
Why Jackie loves it
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s amazingly well-written, and one of the few books I have read to have made me cry.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Books about the Holocaust / Giftable Books / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
Plot
This historical fiction book for teens was such an unexpected beauty for me. Books about the Holocaust are most often inherently extremely heavy. I love the way this book is a fairy tale retelling of Briar Rose (AKA Sleeping Beauty) that turns it into a story about the Holocaust.
Rebecca grew up hearing her grandmother’s version of Sleeping Beauty. Now, her grandmother’s dying wish is for Rebecca to uncover her true story.
Trigger Warnings
Genocide, Antisemitism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It does not trivialize the atrocities of that time but rather, it makes the subject more approachable to a younger audience. Beautifully written and well done. This is one of the books for a 13-year-old that adults will love and a must-read from WWII books for kids!
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books about the Holocaust / Classic Book Retellings / Fun Books for Teens
Plot
This magical realism book is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany in 1939. Liesel is living with her foster parents and learning to read from stolen books. She also shares these books with the Jewish man who is hiding in her basement.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a brilliant, powerful, poignant, and unforgettable look at Nazi Germany. It’s becoming part of many school curriculums for good reason. I’ve never read a story that encapsulates life for ordinary children during this harrowing time in history.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / YA Historical Fiction Books / Books about the Holocaust / Coming-of-age Books for Teens
Have either of you read Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi?
We haven’t! Sounds like we might need to!