Book Lists

Family read-aloud times are so special. It’s a time when Mom (or Dad!) can sit down, relax, and share stories that both expand our worldview and provide good role models to follow. For years, Mom has read aloud to us, taking us around the globe into many different homes, helping us love and understand different cultures in new ways. Some books are funny, others are sad, some were read purely for the fun of good literature, others for the morals taught in the stories. Together, we siblings have had many adventures, and been able to learn to enjoy working while listening to constructive stories. Here are some of our favorite family read-alouds.

1. Twenty and Ten  |  Best for: Ages 5 – 10

Sister Gabriel is caring for twenty children, sheltering them outside a remote village until the war is over. Then she receives a note saying that ten Jewish children need a safe place to hide, and together she and the children decide it is their duty to stretch their food rations and take the risk of protecting Jews. One day, while on a food and news-gathering trip, Sister Gabriel does not return at the expected time. Then the children spot two Nazi soldiers biking up the path. Can they hide the Jewish children in time? Will their secret be found out? This is a fascinating story about World War II, perfect for introducing the war to children, or simply to be enjoyed as a well-written, gripping tale of courage.

One of Dad’s coworkers—a family friend—has told a fascinating story about his family. His family lived in Holland when the Nazis took over, and his grandfather helped to hide Jews. Along with some of the family, I believe, his grandfather was arrested—and eventually died in concentration camp. Some of his family still has a hard time talking about the Germans.

While a tragic tale, it is something that seems to be very common from places affected by the Nazis. World War II stories come up frequently—especially ones coming from an Allied viewpoint. Have you ever noticed before how few books there are that show the war from the Axis point of view? Today’s collection has a few different books in it—several sharing what it was like to live under the dictatorship of the Nazis, one about the Communists, and several others about people generally affected by the war.

All of the titles below are great as read-alouds.

1. Twenty and Ten  |  Best for: Ages 5 – 12

Sister Gabriel is caring for twenty children in a house close to a remote village, where they hope to be safe until the war is over. Then a request comes to hide ten Jewish children for a while. Even though it could be extremely dangerous if they were caught, both the children and Sister Gabriel feel like it is their responsibility to try to protect these children. Then, one day, instead of seeing Sister Gabriel coming home with food from the village, the children spot two German soldiers on the road. They must hide the Jewish children, but where? And will they have enough food to last until Sister Gabriel gets back—or the soldiers leave?