Attack on Pearl Harbor

A parent might reach for this book when their child begins asking complex questions about war, history, and why major conflicts happen. Kate Messner's "Attack on Pearl Harbor" provides a clear, factual, and sensitive account of the historic 1941 attack, explaining the events leading up to it, the attack itself, and its immediate aftermath. It handles themes of fear, bravery, and national grief in an age-appropriate way. For kids aged 9-12, this book is an excellent choice because it uses a narrative nonfiction style, incorporating personal accounts to make a massive historical event feel human and understandable, without being overly graphic or sensational.