Looking to add to your collection? Here is a list of books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day – January 27.
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🕯️ International Holocaust Remembrance Day Book List
Honoring Memory, Courage, and Hope
Every year on January 27, the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This solemn day reminds us of the importance of remembering those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust and honoring the survivors who shared their stories. These books, organized by age level, help students learn about courage, compassion, and the responsibility to stand against hate.
🌼 Primary (Grades K–2)
The Cat with the Yellow Star: Coming of Age in Terezin by Susan Goldman Rubin and Ela Weissberger – https://amzn.to/3Zq7Xma
A gentle introduction to the Holocaust through the true story of a child survivor who performed in the children’s opera Brundibár while imprisoned in Terezin.
🎨 Activity prompt: Discuss what symbols mean and have students create symbols of hope and kindness.
The Whispering Town by Jennifer Elvgren, illustrated by Fabio Santomauro – https://amzn.to/4pPTKda
A Danish village quietly helps a Jewish family hide and escape during the Nazi occupation.
🌙 Activity prompt: Talk about bravery. Ask students to write or draw one way they can help someone in need.
Benno and the Night of Broken Glass by Meg Wiviott, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon – https://amzn.to/3Zq8414
Told from the perspective of a cat, this story introduces Kristallnacht in a way that young readers can understand.
🐾 Activity prompt: After reading, create a “Community of Caring” chart showing ways to keep everyone safe and respected.
🕊️ Elementary (Grades 3–5)
The Journey That Saved Curious George by Louise Borden, illustrated by Allan Drummond – https://amzn.to/4kbjNuh
The true story of Curious George creators Margret and H.A. Rey, who fled Nazi-occupied Europe on bicycles.
🚲 Activity prompt: Map their escape route and discuss how creativity can bring light in dark times.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry – https://amzn.to/3YQUR1a
A modern classic about a Danish girl’s courage as she helps her Jewish friend escape to Sweden during World War II.
⭐ Activity prompt: Invite students to write a short journal entry from the perspective of someone showing quiet courage.
Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loïc Dauvillier, illustrated by Marc Lizano – https://amzn.to/45Y3f2L
A graphic novel-style story about a grandmother who shares her childhood experience of hiding during the Holocaust.
📖 Activity prompt: Have students create a “memory page” of someone who made a difference in their lives.
🌹 Middle School (Grades 6–8)
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank – https://amzn.to/4sSFGCg
Anne’s diary continues to be one of the most powerful firsthand accounts of the Holocaust, capturing her thoughts, dreams, and fears while hiding in Amsterdam.
📝 Activity prompt: Invite students to write a reflection on the importance of telling one’s story.
Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura E. Williams – https://amzn.to/4r3tOeS
A German girl learns that her parents are hiding a Jewish family in their home, forcing her to question what she’s been taught.
💭 Activity prompt: Discuss moral courage—what does it mean to do what’s right even when it’s hard?
We Are Witnesses: Five Diaries of Teenagers Who Died in the Holocaust by Jacob Boas – https://amzn.to/49NP3L0
A collection of diary excerpts from five Jewish teenagers offering varied perspectives on the same tragic era.
📚 Activity prompt: Have students compare and contrast the voices of the different diarists.
🔯 High School (Grades 9–12)
Night by Elie Wiesel – https://amzn.to/3ZqG8dq
A powerful memoir recounting Wiesel’s experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald, exploring faith, survival, and humanity.
🕯️ Activity prompt: Lead a reflective discussion or writing response about memory and bearing witness.
Maus by Art Spiegelman – https://amzn.to/3YQFKoA
A Pulitzer Prize–winning graphic novel that depicts Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, blending memoir and allegory.
🎨 Activity prompt: Discuss symbolism in storytelling—why might the author have chosen this format?
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – https://amzn.to/45qtlLz
Narrated by Death, this novel follows a young German girl who finds solace in books during the Nazi regime.
📖 Activity prompt: Create a “Words Have Power” wall where students post quotes about courage and compassion.
Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust by Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsun – https://amzn.to/4bbxoiE
Ten real-life stories of children who lived through the Holocaust, showing resilience and hope.
🌟 Activity prompt: Ask students to write or share what hope means to them in times of difficulty.
Books about the Holocaust give students an age-appropriate way to confront one of history’s darkest chapters while highlighting human strength, empathy, and resistance. As librarians and educators, we honor memory by ensuring these stories are never forgotten—and by helping students see how kindness and courage can change the world.
I have not read these books, so please read them for yourself to make sure they are appropriate for your library.
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