Books Like...

Stateless by Elizabeth E. Wein is a YA historical murder mystery set in Europe on the brink of WWII. The story follows Stella North, the only female pilot in a race for peace among young aviators from various European countries. As the competition progresses, mysterious accidents and sabotage put the pilots in danger, leading Stella and her fellow competitors to investigate the sinister occurrences.

The book captures the historical setting of pre-WWII Europe, showcasing the tensions and relationships between different countries through the lens of a thrilling aviation race. Elizabeth Wein's storytelling weaves a fast-paced plot with intriguing characters, emphasizing themes of courage, friendship, and determination in the face of adversity.

Front Lines by Michael Grant is an alternate history novel set during World War II, where women are allowed to serve in the US armed forces. The story follows three young women from different backgrounds who decide to join the war effort for various reasons. The book explores their experiences from training to facing combat in North Africa, highlighting the challenges they face due to prejudice and the camaraderie they develop along the way.

The narrative style of Front Lines is engaging, with multiple viewpoints providing a comprehensive look at the lives of the female soldiers. The author skillfully blends fact and fiction to create a gritty and believable alternative world, delving into themes of strength, perseverance, and the role of women in the military during wartime.

'The Light in Hidden Places' by Sharon Cameron is a powerful and moving story set during WWII in Poland. It follows the remarkable true story of Stefania Podgorska, a teenage Catholic girl who risks everything to hide and save 13 Jews from the Nazis. The plot revolves around the bravery, strength, and determination of Stefania and her younger sister Helena, showcasing acts of heroism and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. The narrative beautifully captures the harrowing experiences faced by the characters, while also emphasizing themes of hope, love, and triumph in the darkest of times.

In "Cilka's Journey" by Heather Morris, readers follow the harrowing tale of Cilka, a young woman who survives the horrors of Auschwitz only to face further injustices in a Siberian gulag. The book portrays Cilka's resilience, compassion, and sacrifices as she navigates through unimaginable hardships, abuse, and challenges in both the concentration camp and the labor camp. Morris weaves a heart-wrenching and compelling narrative that alternates between Cilka's time in the camps, showcasing her courage and perseverance under the most brutal circumstances.

The novel delves into the life of Cilka Klein, a real Czech woman who endured the atrocities of Auschwitz Birkenau and the Soviet gulag. Through Morris's poignant storytelling, readers witness Cilka's journey from a young girl facing unspeakable horrors to a woman who finds strength and purpose in helping others, despite the traumas she has endured. The book sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit, the power of compassion, and the enduring hope that can be found even in the darkest of times.

The Devil's Arithmetic follows the story of Hannah, a modern Jewish girl who is transported back in time to the Holocaust era, becoming Chaya, a young Jewish girl in 1942 Poland. Through this experience, Hannah learns about her family's past, the horrors of concentration camps, and the importance of remembering history. The book delves into themes of sacrifice, empathy, and the significance of cultural heritage, all narrated in a gripping and poignant style that captivates readers of all ages.

In Rebel Spy, Frannie Trasker finds a drowned girl and steals her identity to escape from her lecherous stepfather. She meets Asa Lane on the boat to America and he gives her tips on how to pass as a lady. Now an heiress, Frannie is being courted by a British officer, the perfect opportunity for her to pass on intelligence to the rebels under her code name 355. The book is a beautiful and inspiring YA standalone with a bit of romance swirled with intrigue, set during the Revolutionary War era. The plot unfolds in doses that build suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the historical accuracy and vibrant prose allow the past to leap off the page.

The Paper Girl of Paris is a dual timeline novel that follows the story of Alice, a young girl who inherits a secret apartment in Paris from her grandmother. The apartment reveals hidden treasures and family secrets from the WWII era, leading Alice to uncover her great aunt Adalyn's involvement in the French Resistance. Through Adalyn's journal, Alice delves into the past, exploring the sacrifices and bravery of her family members during the occupation of Paris. The book seamlessly weaves together historical events with contemporary themes of love, mystery, and self-discovery, providing a rich and immersive reading experience.

The narrative alternates between Alice's present-day journey of uncovering family mysteries and Adalyn's experiences during the Nazi occupation of Paris. The writing style is described as smooth, rich, suspenseful, and romantic, capturing the essence of both time periods and engaging readers with compelling characters and emotional depth. The book explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, family bonds, and the impact of wartime experiences on future generations, offering a poignant and captivating story that intertwines the past and present in a seamless manner.

'Salt to the Sea' by Ruta Sepetys is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the little-known tragedy of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. The story follows the journeys of four main characters - Emilia, Florian, Joana, and Alfred - as they navigate the dangers of war and come together as refugees fleeing the Soviet advance. The narrative is presented through short chapters from the perspectives of these characters, providing a multi-dimensional view of their struggles and the events leading up to the maritime disaster.

The novel expertly weaves together the individual stories of the characters, highlighting their fears, hopes, and secrets amidst the backdrop of wartime Europe. The alternating viewpoints offer a comprehensive portrayal of the harrowing experiences faced by refugees during WWII, culminating in the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff which becomes a focal point of the narrative, shedding light on a lesser-known historical event.

"Goodnight Mister Tom" is a heartwarming story set during World War II, focusing on the relationship between an abused evacuee named William and a reclusive old man named Mr. Tom. The book beautifully portrays the blossoming friendship between the two characters as they heal each other's wounds and find love and happiness in the English countryside. The writing style is poignant and emotionally charged, addressing difficult topics such as child abuse and wartime loss with a delicate touch that resonates with readers of all ages.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel that tells the harrowing story of a Lithuanian family, particularly focusing on teenage girl Lina, who are deported to forced labor camps in Siberia during World War II. The book explores the brutal conditions, struggles, and resilience of the characters as they endure unimaginable hardships under Stalin's reign.