The best 56 Holocaust books

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2006) is a best-selling historical novel. It’s the tale of the secret friendship between two nine-year-old boys, Bruno and Shmuel, who both live at Auschwitz, only on opposite sides of the fence.

The Upstairs Room is a memoir by Johanna Reiss that recounts her experiences as a Jewish girl in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Holland. Told from a child's perspective, the book offers a unique and poignant account of the hardships and fears faced by those living in secrecy during World War II. It is a powerful and moving story of resilience and survival.

Maus II is a graphic novel that continues the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, as told by his son, Art. Through powerful illustrations and storytelling, the book delves into the complexities of their relationship and the lasting impact of the Holocaust on their lives. It is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of history, memory, and the human spirit.

The Painted Bird is a haunting and powerful novel that follows a young boy's journey through war-torn Eastern Europe during World War II. As he struggles to survive and find his way home, he encounters cruelty, violence, and betrayal. This gripping and thought-provoking book explores themes of identity, resilience, and the impact of war on the human spirit.

The Cage is a memoir that tells the story of Ruth Minsky Sender's experiences during the Holocaust. It chronicles her time in the Jewish ghetto, her deportation to a series of concentration camps, and her eventual liberation. Through her powerful and heartbreaking account, Sender sheds light on the atrocities of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.

Under a Cruel Star is a memoir by Heda Margolius Kovály that recounts her experiences as a Jewish woman living in Czechoslovakia during the Nazi occupation and later under communist rule. It is a powerful and heartbreaking account of survival, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable cruelty. Kovály's story serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war and the importance of never forgetting the past.

Hana's Suitcase is a true story that follows the journey of a suitcase found in a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. Through meticulous research and interviews, author Karen Levine uncovers the heartbreaking tale of Hana Brady, a young Jewish girl who perished in the Holocaust. The book intertwines Hana's story with the experiences of children in present-day Japan, creating a powerful narrative about the enduring impact of history.

This powerful collection of short stories offers a firsthand account of life in Auschwitz during World War II. Tadeusz Borowski, a Polish writer and Auschwitz survivor, provides a haunting and unflinching portrayal of the horrors and moral dilemmas faced by prisoners in the concentration camp. Through his stark and evocative prose, Borowski sheds light on the human capacity for both cruelty and resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering. This book serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of bearing witness to history.

The Hiding Place is a memoir by Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch woman who, along with her family, helped hide Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The book recounts their courageous acts of resistance and the harrowing experiences they faced in a concentration camp. It is a powerful story of faith, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

This memoir recounts the author's experiences as a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust. Livia Bitton-Jackson shares her harrowing journey through concentration camps and her ultimate survival, offering a firsthand account of the atrocities committed during this dark period in history. It is a powerful and moving story of resilience and the will to live.

Prisoner B-3087 is a gripping novel based on the true story of Jack Gruener, a Jewish boy who survives the horrors of the Holocaust. Written by Alan Gratz, the book chronicles Jack's experiences as he is taken from his home in Poland to various concentration camps, including Auschwitz. Despite the unimaginable hardships he faces, Jack's determination and resilience shine through as he fights for survival and ultimately, freedom. This powerful and heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the strength of the human spirit.

Milkweed is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a young boy named Misha who grows up in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Misha, who is a street urchin and a thief, becomes entangled in the horrors of the Holocaust. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. It is a poignant and thought-provoking read that sheds light on a dark chapter in history.

The Shawl is a haunting and powerful novella that tells the story of a Jewish mother and her two daughters during the Holocaust. Through beautiful prose and vivid imagery, Cynthia Ozick explores themes of survival, loss, and the enduring bond between family members. This gripping tale will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

"Erased" by Omer Bartov is a thought-provoking exploration of the mass killing of Jews in a small town in Eastern Europe during World War II. Through meticulous research and personal interviews, Bartov uncovers the tragic events that took place and examines the ways in which the memory of the victims has been erased from history. This powerful book sheds light on the importance of remembering and honoring the lives lost in the Holocaust.

Set in post-World War II Brooklyn, Sophie's Choice tells the story of a young writer who befriends a Polish immigrant named Sophie. As their friendship deepens, Sophie reveals a heartbreaking secret from her past that forces her to make an impossible decision. This powerful novel explores themes of love, guilt, and the devastating impact of war.

Aftermath is a powerful memoir by Annette Libeskind Berkovits that chronicles her family's journey through the Holocaust and their struggle to rebuild their lives in the aftermath. Through vivid storytelling, Berkovits explores themes of resilience, survival, and the enduring impact of trauma. This book offers a deeply personal account of one family's experience, while also shedding light on the broader historical and human implications of the Holocaust.

In this gripping memoir, Irene Opdyke recounts her experiences as a young Polish woman who becomes a housekeeper for a high-ranking Nazi officer during World War II. Risking her own life, she uses her position to secretly aid Jewish prisoners, ultimately saving the lives of many. "In My Hands" is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary acts of bravery in the face of unimaginable evil.

Badenheim 1939 by Aharon Appelfeld is a haunting novel set in a fictional Austrian town on the eve of World War II. As the residents prepare for their annual music festival, they are unaware of the impending danger and the gradual imposition of anti-Semitic measures. The book offers a chilling portrayal of how normalcy can unravel in the face of impending catastrophe.

First One In, Last One Out is a gripping memoir by Marilyn Shimon that chronicles the incredible true story of her uncle, Murray Scheinberg, and his survival during the Holocaust. From his harrowing experiences in Auschwitz to his eventual liberation from Dachau, the book offers a firsthand account of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Everything Is Illuminated is a novel by Jonathan Safran Foer that weaves together the stories of a young man on a quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather during World War II, and the history of his own family. Through a mix of humor and heartbreak, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling.

Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris is a powerful historical fiction novel that tells the story of Cilka Klein, a young woman who is sent to Auschwitz and then to a Siberian prison camp during World War II. Based on a true story, the book explores Cilka's resilience and determination to survive in the face of unimaginable hardship, as well as her journey to find hope and love in the midst of darkness.

Clara's War is a powerful memoir by Clara Kramer that chronicles her experiences as a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, the book offers a firsthand account of the hardships, resilience, and ultimate survival of Clara and her family as they are forced into hiding in a cramped underground bunker. It is a poignant and inspiring tale of human endurance and the will to live in the face of unimaginable adversity.

I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree by Laura Hillman is a powerful memoir that tells the story of a young Jewish woman named Hannelore who survives the horrors of the Holocaust. While imprisoned in various concentration camps, Hannelore finds solace in her forbidden relationship with a fellow prisoner. Through unimaginable hardship and loss, the book ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson transports readers to 1930s Berlin, where a family becomes entangled in the web of Nazi Germany. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Larson paints a vivid picture of the political and social climate, offering a chilling account of the rise of Hitler and the world that allowed it to happen.

Ponary Diary, 1941-1943 is a haunting firsthand account of the atrocities committed by the Nazis in the Ponary forest near Vilnius, Lithuania. Written by Kazimierz Sakowicz, a Polish journalist and witness to the mass murders, the diary reveals the brutal reality of the Holocaust. Sakowicz documents the daily killings of tens of thousands of Jews, Poles, and Russians, offering a chilling reminder of the darkest chapter in human history.

Inside the Gas Chambers is a harrowing memoir by Shlomo Venezia, a survivor of Auschwitz. In this book, Venezia provides a firsthand account of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. He takes the reader inside the gas chambers and describes the unimaginable horrors that took place there. It is a powerful and important testimony that ensures we never forget the victims of the Holocaust.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay intertwines the stories of a young girl named Sarah in 1942 and a journalist named Julia in present-day Paris. Through Sarah's experience during the infamous Vel'd'Hiv roundup and Julia's research into the event, the novel reveals the dark secrets and untold truths of the past. It is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of history, memory, and the lasting impact of war.

Escape from Sobibor by Richard Rashke is a gripping account of the mass escape from the Sobibor extermination camp during World War II. Based on interviews with survivors, Rashke provides a detailed and harrowing portrayal of the prisoners' courageous uprising and their desperate bid for freedom. This book sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of the Holocaust and honors the bravery of those who fought for their lives.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of three women during World War II. Based on real events, it follows the lives of an American socialite, a Polish teenager, and a German doctor as their paths intersect at the Ravensbrück concentration camp. The book explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945 by Saul Friedlander is a comprehensive and meticulously researched account of the persecution and extermination of the Jews during the Holocaust. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including diaries, letters, and official documents, Friedlander examines the historical, political, and social factors that led to the implementation of the Final Solution. The book offers a chilling and thought-provoking analysis of this dark chapter in history.

Surviving Hitler by Andrea Warren is a gripping memoir that tells the extraordinary story of a Jewish boy named Jack Mandelbaum who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. From his early childhood in Poland to his time in Nazi concentration camps, Mandelbaum's resilience and determination to live against all odds is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. This book offers a firsthand account of one of the darkest periods in history and serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy is a memoir that tells the story of Syvia, a young Jewish girl living in Poland during World War II. Syvia and her family are forced to live in the Lodz ghetto, where they face unimaginable hardships and persecution. Despite the darkness of the Holocaust, the book also highlights moments of resilience and hope as Syvia and her family fight for survival.

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy is a gripping and haunting novel that reimagines the classic fairy tale. Set during World War II, it follows two Jewish children who escape from the Nazis and find refuge in the home of an old woman rumored to be a witch. With beautiful prose and a unique twist on the original story, this book explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

The Last Jew of Treblinka is a powerful and harrowing account of Chil Rajchman's experience as a Jewish prisoner in the Treblinka extermination camp during World War II. Rajchman provides a firsthand testimony of the atrocities committed in the camp, detailing the daily horrors and the struggle for survival. This book serves as an important reminder of the inhumanity of the Holocaust and the strength of the human spirit.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is a semi-autobiographical novel by Judith Kerr. It tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Anna who, along with her family, flees Germany in 1933 to escape the Nazis. The book chronicles their journey through Switzerland and France as refugees, highlighting the challenges they face and the importance of family and resilience during difficult times. It is a poignant and insightful account of a child's experience during the rise of the Third Reich.

Five Chimneys by Olga Lengyel is a powerful memoir that provides a firsthand account of the author's experiences in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Lengyel details the unimaginable horrors and atrocities she witnessed, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This book serves as a harrowing reminder of the importance of never forgetting the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Badenheim 1939 by Aharon Appelfeld is a haunting novel set in a fictional Austrian resort town. As the residents prepare for their annual music festival, they are unaware of the impending danger as the Nazis begin to tighten their grip on Europe. A chilling exploration of how quickly life can change in the face of totalitarianism.

Born Survivors by Wendy Holden tells the incredible true story of three pregnant women who, against all odds, managed to survive the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Through meticulous research and interviews with the survivors and their families, Holden brings to light the extraordinary resilience and determination of these women as they fought to protect their unborn children and ultimately, defy the odds and live to tell their tale.

Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris is a powerful novel that tells the story of Cilka Klein, a young Jewish woman who is sent to Auschwitz and then to a Siberian prison camp during World War II. Based on a true story, the book explores Cilka's incredible resilience and her journey to find hope and love in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Clara's War is a powerful memoir by Clara Kramer, recounting her experiences as a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, the book tells the story of how Clara and her family, along with a group of friends, lived in hiding in a cramped underground bunker for over a year. It is a tale of resilience, courage, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Escape from Sobibor is a gripping account of the mass escape from the Sobibor extermination camp in 1943. Based on interviews with survivors, Richard Rashke tells the story of how a group of prisoners, against all odds, managed to plan and execute a daring revolt. This book sheds light on an important but lesser-known event in Holocaust history.

Everything Is Illuminated is a novel by Jonathan Safran Foer that weaves together the stories of a young American man searching for information about his grandfather in Ukraine, and the history of a Jewish shtetl (small town) during World War II. Through its unique narrative style and rich characters, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling.

First One In, Last One Out by Marilyn Shimon is a gripping memoir that chronicles the incredible true story of the author's uncle, Murray Scheinberg, and his survival in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. From his harrowing experiences in Auschwitz to his eventual liberation from Dachau, this book offers a firsthand account of resilience, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

I Will Plant You a Lilac Tree by Laura Hillman is a memoir that tells the incredible story of a young Jewish woman named Hannelore who survives the Holocaust. While imprisoned in various concentration camps, Hannelore finds love and hope in the most unlikely of places. Through her unwavering determination and the promise of a future together, she manages to hold on to her dreams and ultimately rebuild her life.

Inside the Gas Chambers by Shlomo Venezia provides a chilling firsthand account of the horrors that took place in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Through his detailed recollections, Venezia offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the gas chambers and the unimaginable suffering endured by countless victims. This powerful and important book serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed and the importance of bearing witness to history.

Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945 by Saul Friedlander is a comprehensive and meticulously researched account of the persecution and extermination of the Jewish population during the Holocaust. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including diaries, letters, and official documents, Friedlander examines the policies and actions of the Nazi regime, as well as the experiences of the victims. This profound and deeply moving book offers valuable insights into one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Ponary Diary, 1941-1943 is a harrowing firsthand account of the mass killings that took place in the Ponary forest near Vilnius during World War II. Written by Kazimierz Sakowicz, a Polish journalist and eyewitness to the atrocities, the diary provides a detailed and unflinching record of the executions of tens of thousands of Jews and other victims by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for cruelty and the importance of bearing witness to history.

Surviving Hitler by Andrea Warren tells the incredible true story of a young Jewish boy named Jack Mandelbaum who endured the horrors of the Holocaust. Through firsthand accounts and historical research, the book chronicles Jack's resilience and determination as he navigates life in Nazi-occupied Poland and ultimately survives the unimaginable.

The Last Jew of Treblinka is a haunting memoir by Chil Rajchman that recounts his harrowing experiences as a prisoner in the Treblinka extermination camp during the Holocaust. Through vivid and heartbreaking storytelling, Rajchman sheds light on the unimaginable atrocities committed by the Nazis and the unwavering will to survive against all odds.

The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman is a poignant tale of love, loss, and resilience set against the backdrop of World War II. The story follows the lives of a young couple, Lenka and Josef, who are torn apart by the war and forced to make impossible choices. Richman's beautiful prose and intricate storytelling will transport you to a time and place filled with heartache and hope.

The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff is a captivating novel set during World War II. It tells the story of two women, Noa and Astrid, who form an unlikely friendship in a traveling circus. As they navigate the dangers of war and their own personal struggles, they must rely on each other for survival. This book explores themes of friendship, love, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy is a gripping and haunting novel that reimagines the classic fairy tale. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, it tells the story of two Jewish children who escape into the forest and are taken in by a courageous woman. Filled with themes of survival, resilience, and the power of storytelling, this book offers a unique perspective on a familiar tale.

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman tells the extraordinary true story of Antonina Žabińska, who along with her husband Jan, saved the lives of over 300 Jews during World War II. Set in the Warsaw Zoo, this book provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust and celebrates the incredible bravery and compassion of its protagonists.

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum tells the gripping story of a German woman living in Nazi Germany and her daughter in present-day America. As the daughter uncovers her mother's hidden past, the novel explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the choices we make in the face of adversity.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is a semi-autobiographical novel by Judith Kerr. It tells the story of a Jewish family who flees Germany just before the start of World War II. The book follows young Anna as she grapples with the challenges of being a refugee and the loss of her home, friends, and beloved pink rabbit. It offers a unique perspective on the impact of the war on ordinary people and the resilience of the human spirit.

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy is a memoir that tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Syvia who lived in the Lodz ghetto during the Holocaust. Through Syvia's perspective, the book chronicles the hardships, resilience, and ultimately the survival of her family and the Jewish community in the face of unimaginable adversity.