Looking to add to your collection? Here are some books about Pearl Harbor.
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December 7th marks the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor—an event that forever shaped American history. While the topic is significant and sometimes solemn, there are thoughtful, age-appropriate books that help children understand what happened and why we remember this day. Picture books and illustrated nonfiction titles can open the door to meaningful conversations about bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. Below is a list of books that introduce Pearl Harbor and the story of the USS Arizona in ways young readers can understand.
Elementary-Level & Illustrated Nonfiction Books
- Pearl Harbor — Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Larry Day – https://amzn.to/3M4yu5a – A Ready-to-Read Level 3 book that brings the dramatic events of December 7, 1941, to life in simple, clear language—perfect for children ages 6–9. It discusses the political climate before and after the attack and how it changed the country’s course. Illustrated with accessible visuals and structured for emerging readers.
- Voices of Pearl Harbor — Sherry Garland, illustrated by Layne Johnson – https://amzn.to/44tK3Jt – Telling the story through the perspectives of both real and imagined voices—like the mother of a Japanese pilot, officials, and a veteran’s grandchild—this book uses powerful imagery and narrative to capture the emotional impact of the attack.
- Beneath Pearl Harbor — Naomi Blinick – https://amzn.to/48ACGSR – Aimed at ages 3–12, it invites readers to explore the USS Arizona underwater alongside National Park Service scuba divers. The narrative and striking photographs offer a unique, immersive perspective on this historic shipwreck.
- Surprise Attack! Nickolas Flux and the Attack on Pearl Harbor — Terry Lee Collins, illustrated by Amerigo Pinelli – https://amzn.to/4p3ByNv – A time-travel adventure where a teen history buff finds himself on December 7, 1941. Through fictional storytelling and illustrations, it vividly portrays the bombing and its chaos while educating young readers.
- Blast Back!: Pearl Harbor — Nancy Ohlin, illustrated by Roger Simó – https://amzn.to/48p2qjX – Part of the Blast Back! series, this nonfiction picture-style book provides an engaging, illustrated look at Pearl Harbor—from the history of WWII to surprising facts—like the absence of certain carriers during the attack, or the still-leaking fuel from a ship.
NonFiction Titles
- USS Arizona (BB-39): From Keel Laying to Pearl Harbor Memorial — David Doyle – https://amzn.to/4ixZuGn – A deeply visual pictorial history of the battleship from its construction through its sinking and into remembrance. Featuring over 300 photographs—and published February 2025—it’s rich in imagery, ideal for children and families who appreciate visual storytelling.
- USS Arizona: The Enduring Legacy of a Battleship — Ingo Bauernfeind – https://amzn.to/43UVLN4 – Lavishly illustrated, this book recounts the Arizona’s history through survivor interviews, archaeological findings, and memorial details. QR codes enhance the experience with video and oral histories. Suitable for visual learners seeking depth.
- Remembering Pearl Harbor: The Story of the USS Arizona Memorial — Michael Slackman – https://amzn.to/4iowRvi – A 1998 publication by the National Park Service, richly illustrated with vintage and contemporary color and black-and-white photographs. Traces the history from pre-attack through establishment of the memorial and includes underwater archaeology.
- The USS Arizona: The Ship, the Men, the Pearl Harbor Attack, and the Symbol That Aroused America — James P. Delgado, Jim Adams, Joy Waldron Jasper – https://amzn.to/48k7wy2 – A compelling nonfiction narrative with eyewitness interviews, archival photos, and a strong emotional narrative. While not a traditional picture book, its visuals and storytelling bring an impactful immediacy to the ship’s story—useful for older kids or as a read-aloud.
As we approach the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, these books offer powerful opportunities to learn, reflect, and remember. Whether you’re teaching a class, sharing stories at home, or guiding students through a history project, these titles help bring the events of December 7th to life with clarity and compassion. Taking time to read and discuss them ensures that the stories of those who served—and those who were affected—continue to be honored for generations to come.
I have not read these books, so please read them for yourself to m ake sure they are appropriate for your library.
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