10+ Best War Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for gripping war books for 14-year-olds that combine history, adventure, and thought-provoking stories? You've landed in the right spot! Whether your young reader is a history buff or just loves a good tale set against a backdrop of epic battles and heroic deeds, we've got a collection that will captivate their imagination. Keep reading to discover our carefully curated lists of war books perfect for 14-year-olds, each promising to engage and educate in equal measure.

Fun War Books for 14-Year-Olds

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, beautifully written tale that showcases the power of words and resilience during one of history's darkest times. It helps young readers understand historical events through the personal experiences of relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in history and the transformative power of storytelling.

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: During World War II, a British female spy is captured by the Nazis in German-occupied France. Through her written confession, the story of her friendship with a pilot and their efforts in the war unfolds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an exciting and emotional rollercoaster, blending espionage with deep human connections. It's a celebration of bravery and the unbreakable bond between friends.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling, heart-wrenching tales and strong female protagonists.

• Soldier Dog by Sam Angus
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: The book tells the story of Stanley, a young boy who joins the British Army during World War I to escape his cruel home life. He becomes a messenger dog handler, responsible for a dog that carries life-saving messages across the front.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that combines adventure, the horrors of war, and the loyalty between a boy and his dog. It also provides educational insights into a lesser-known aspect of military history.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers interested in war stories that focus on survival and friendship.

• Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: The novel follows young Private Tommo Peaceful as he looks back over his childhood from the battlefields of World War I, reflecting on his family life, his schooling, and the events that led him to the war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the essence of human memory and the impacts of war on a personal level. The story is both educational and emotionally engaging, making it a great way to deepen empathy and historical understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate emotional depth and narratives that provide a personal perspective on global events.

• Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in prehistoric times, this story follows twelve-year-old Torak and his quest to defeat a demon-possessed bear that has destroyed his home. Torak's journey is filled with challenges and adventures, including forming an alliance with a wolf cub.
  • Why we recommend this book: While not a traditional war story, it's a tale of survival and bravery that mirrors the struggles and strategies found in war. It's thrilling and immersive, encouraging a love for reading through fast-paced action and rich storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who enjoy stories about survival, nature, and ancient times.

Educational War Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Copenhagen during World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape the Nazis by fleeing to neutral Sweden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of ethics and bravery
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant and accessible introduction to the Holocaust for younger readers, emphasizing the importance of courage and friendship in times of terror.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of heroism.

• War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel recounts the experiences of Joey, a farm horse conscripted to fight in World War I, and the attempts of his young owner, Albert, to bring him safely home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of World War I, emotional intelligence, perspective-taking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique viewpoint of war through the eyes of an animal, providing powerful lessons on loyalty, hope, and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and young readers who are interested in war narratives that focus on emotional journeys.

• The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Through the innocent eyes of eight-year-old Bruno, the son of a commandant at a concentration camp, this novel explores the horrors of the Holocaust and the devastating consequences of ignorance and hate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of historical atrocities, critical thinking about morality and ethics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartbreakingly simple story that delivers a powerful moral message. Its perspective encourages young readers to question and reflect on the impact of history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are new to learning about the Holocaust and those interested in human rights.

• Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During World War II, Ida Mae Jones, a young African American woman, passes as white to join the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots), facing not only the dangers of war but also the challenges of racial discrimination.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of gender and racial inequalities, resilience, historical knowledge of World War II
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women and African Americans during the war. It's an inspiring story of determination and breaking barriers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories about overcoming adversity and historical accounts of lesser-known heroes.

• Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during the American Revolution, this novel follows Isabel, a young enslaved girl who fights for her and her sister's freedom while spying for the rebels.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the American Revolution, issues of slavery and freedom, critical thinking about justice and personal agency
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping look at the American Revolution from the perspective of a young African American girl, blending historical facts with a compelling narrative of courage and resistance.
  • Perfect for: Students of American history and young readers who enjoy stories of struggle and resilience against oppression.

Challenging War Books for 14-Year-Olds

• All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: This novel portrays the extreme physical and mental stress faced by German soldiers during World War I, and the detachment from civilian life felt by many of these soldiers upon returning home.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of existentialism, the futility of war, and the loss of youth and innocence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant, unflinching look at the horrors of war, encouraging deep reflection and empathy for the human condition during conflict.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a serious, thought-provoking war narrative that challenges perceptions about heroism and conflict.

• A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
  • Genre(s): Memoir, War
  • Synopsis: This is the true story of Ishmael Beah, who became a child soldier in Sierra Leone when he was only 12. It details his harrowing experiences during the war and his eventual rehabilitation.
  • Why this book is challenging: The memoir provides a firsthand account of the brutal realities of war and the psychological impact on young soldiers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and moving account that offers insights into the challenges of recovering from war's deep physical and emotional scars.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-life stories of survival, resilience, and redemption.

• The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the experiences of a young soldier, Henry Fleming, during the American Civil War, capturing his struggle with fear and his quest for redemption on the battlefield.
  • Why this book is challenging: It employs a distinctive style and narrative technique to explore complex themes of courage, self-deception, and the realities of war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a psychological perspective on war, focusing on personal conflict and moral dilemmas, which can enrich a young reader's understanding of history and human behavior.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate psychological depth and moral complexity in their reading choices.

• For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: Set during the Spanish Civil War, this novel tells the story of Robert Jordan, an American dynamiter assigned to blow up a bridge that is crucial to the Republican forces' tactics.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features Hemingway's distinctive, sparse prose and delves into complex themes of love, war, and death, demanding a mature understanding from its readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic exploration of war's impact on individuals and their ideologies, providing a deep, philosophical look at personal and political conflicts.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers interested in a profound narrative that combines action with introspective dialogue.

• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
  • Genre(s): Satire, Historical Fiction, War
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier during World War II, who is desperate to maintain his sanity amidst the absurdity of war.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its non-linear timeline, unique narrative style, and satirical tone require sophisticated reading skills and an ability to appreciate irony and critique.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a seminal work that critiques bureaucratic authority and the concept of war itself, offering a humorous yet scathing indictment of the military-industrial complex.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy sharp wit, satire, and challenging conventional thinking about authority and war.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into war books at 14, you're already on a great path to understanding complex historical events and human emotions. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help you develop strong reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading more engaging.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and make consistent progress.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or online book clubs.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention by verbalizing thoughts and opinions.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Create a Mind Map
  • What it is: Draw a mind map that connects different characters, events, and themes in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the relationships and underlying themes in the story.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the connections clearer and more memorable.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict future events in the book based on what you've read so far.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the narrative.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them turn out to be right as you progress.

• Reflect on Historical Accuracy
  • What it is: Research the actual historical events related to the story and compare them with the book’s portrayal.
  • How it helps: Provides a deeper understanding of history and the author’s perspective.
  • Tips: Look for resources like documentaries, reliable websites, or history books.

• Write a Brief Review
  • What it is: After finishing the book, write a short review summarizing your thoughts and how you felt about the book.
  • How it helps: Helps consolidate your thoughts and provides closure to your reading experience.
  • Tips: Share your review online or with friends to help others discover the book.

Remember, the key to becoming a better reader is consistency and curiosity. Try out these exercises, and you'll not only enjoy your war books more but also enhance your reading skills significantly. Happy reading!