Children’s Books Set In Europe

by Frank Viva

Setting: ITALY

Join a young explorer and his best friend, Mouse, as they travel to Italy to climb one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna.

Recommended for ages 3-6

by Ian Falconer

Setting: ITALY

Join everyone's favorite pig, Olivia, as she takes her discerning eye for style to beautiful Venice on a family vacation that involves dodging pigeons in the Piazza San Marco, gorging on gelato, and barely staying afloat in a gondola.

Recommended for ages 3-6

by Munro Leaf

Setting: SPAIN

Ferdinand is the world's most peaceful--and--beloved little bull. While all of the other bulls snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand is content to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite tree. 

Recommended for ages 3-5

by Tania McCartney

Setting: ENGLAND

Join Aman, Victoria, Amelia, Tandi, and George for a year in the life of English kids, from celebrations to everyday activities, and from modern-day culture and lifestyle to historical traditions. these are the things that make childhood in England so memorable.

Recommended for ages 4-7

by Salvatore Rubbino

Setting: FRANCE

Join a girl and her grandfather on a walking tour through Paris. Follow them as they climb to the top of Notre Dame—formidable!—sample tasty treats at bistros and pâtisseries—délicieux!—and take in a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower—magnifique!

Kids will also enjoy A Walk in London!

Recommended for ages 5-8

by Yevgenia Nayberg

Setting: RUSSIA

In Russia, everyone is expected to be right-handed. Hiding her left-handedness from her family, teachers, and neighbors, Anya imagines a secret society of famous left-handed artists drawing alongside her.

Recommended for ages 4-7

by Ran Ju Kim

Setting: GERMANY

Hans and his family live in Germany, where they've been making and selling sausages for generations. But now business is slow, and his Grandpa thinks they may have to close the store. His father is too busy with meetings in the city to manage the farm or the store. Can young Hans save his family’s business? In this vibrant story, readers will recognize the importance of family while learning about German culture.

Recommended for ages 3-5

The Adventures of Bella & Harry is a picture book series that chronicles the escapades of a pup named Bella, her little brother Harry and their family, who travel the world exploring the sights and sounds of new cities.

Recommended for ages 4-7

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Prague
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: PRAGUE

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Prague.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Istanbul
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Istanbul, TURKEY

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Istanbul, Turkey (a city that straddles both Europe and Asia).

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Malta
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: MALTA

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Malta in the Mediterranean Sea.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Saint Petersburg
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Saint Petersburg, RUSSIA

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Berlin
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Berlin, GERMANY

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Berlin, German.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Barcelona
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Barcelona, SPAIN

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Barcelona, Spain.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit London
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: London, ENGLAND

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to London, England.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Edinburgh
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Edinburgh, SCOTLAND

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Athens
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Athens, GREECE

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Athens, Greece.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Florence
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Florence, ITALY

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Florence, Italy.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Venice
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Venice, ITALY

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Venice, Italy.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Rome
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Rome, ITALY

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Rome, Italy.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Paris
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Paris, FRANCE

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Paris, France.

Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let's Visit Dublin
by Lisa Manzione
Setting: Dublin, IRELAND

Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Dublin, Ireland.

by Candace Fleming

Setting: ITALY

In the streets and canals of Venice, Gabriella can hear nothing but sweet music. The drying laundry goes slap-slap, the church bells go ting-aling-ling, and the lire go jing-aling-ling. Soon, Gabriella is humming her way through town -- and everyone hears her song!

Recommended for ages 4-7

by Christina Bjork

Setting: FRANCE

Linnea has been to Paris and visited Claude Monet's garden! She knows about his life in the pink house where he lived with his eight children. She even stood on the same little Japanese bridge that Monet painted so often in his pictures. In Paris, Linnea got to see many of the real paintings, and now she can understand what it means to be called an Impressionist.

Recommended for ages 4-8

by Karlin Gray

Setting: ROMANIA

Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see in this first-ever illustrated picture book about Nadia’s journey to Olympic gold, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments.

Recommended for ages 5-8

This alphabet series is a wonderful way to introduce children to countries and cultures throughout Europe.

D is for Dala Horse: A Nordic Countries Alphabet
Setting: SWEDEN, NORWAY, FINLAND, DENMARK, ICELAND, GREENLAND

B is for Bagpipe: A Scotland Alphabet
Setting: SCOTLAND

C is for Ciao: An Italy Alphabet
Setting: ITALY

S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet
Setting: IRELAND

B is for Big Ben: An England Alpahabet
Setting: ENGLAND

E is for Eiffel Tower: A France Alphabet
Setting: ENGLAND

These books are all free on Kindle with Kindle Unlimited

by Sarah Heiman

Setting: GERMANY

An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of Germany

Recommended for ages 5-8

by Barbara Esbenesen

Setting: LATVIA

This award-winning poetry book uses traditional Latvian verse to tell the story of a mouse who delivers fantastic colorful dreams to sleeping children in Latvia.

Recommended for ages 5-8

by Chloe Perkins

Setting: ITALY

Meet Pia, a kid living in Italy - a country filled with ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and delicious food!

Each book in the The Living In... series is filled with fresh, modern illustrations as well as loads of history, geography, and cultural details. Join kids from all over the world on a globe-trotting adventure.

Also check out Living in Russia

Grade Level: K-2

Kids are sure to enjoy the hilarious adventures in the Dodsworth books, and will be amused by the duck’s mischievous nature. Short sentences and easy-to-read chapters make it easy for newly independent readers to enjoy these journey.

Grade Level 1-3

Dodsworth in Rome
by Tim Egan
Setting: ITALY

Readers will enjoy scootering through Italy with Dodsworth and one very mischievous duck. The amusing antics include a pizza-throwing contest, “borrowing” coins from the world’s most famous fountain, and almost repainting the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel!

Dodsworth in Paris
by Tim Egan
Setting: FRANCE

Dodsworth and duck are ready to explore the City of Light! They see mimes and painters, and climb the Eiffel Tower. But trouble is never far behind for this misbehaving duck!

Dodswroth in London
by Tim Egan
Setting: ENGLAND

Dodsworth and duck have just arrived in London via a hot air balloon. They spot double-decker buses, palaces, and fog. A crowded bus stop leads to a hilarious case of mistaken identity, and a missing duck! Is it time to call Scotland Yard?

Written and illustrated by Czech-born Miroslav Sasek, and originally published between 1959 and 1974, these classic European children's books are filled with charming illustrations and information making them great for children in early elementary school. While remaining true to the author's original vision, the facts on the "This is ... Today" page have been updated for the 21st century.

Grade Level: 1-3

This is Munich
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: MUNICH, GERMANY

Visit the ancient Bavarian capital. Stops include the New Town Hall, the Frauenkirche cathedral, and Munich’s most famous beer hall. Discover all of the fascinating things to do and see in this German seat of culture.

This is Ireland
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: IRELAND

Visit the Emerald Isle to life, where the shamrock grows and a leprechaun stands at the end of every rainbow, guarding a crock of gold. There's Dublin with its bustling crowds, tall steeples, and Trinity College; there's Clonmacnois, the burial place of kings; there's the Blarney Stone to kiss for eloquence, and much, much more in this verdant, friendly land filled with enchanted lakes and mountains that fall steep to the sea.

This is Venice
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: VENICE, ITALY

Visit watery Venice, where under a brilliant blue sky the gondolier navigates the winding canals to visit such famous and glorious landmarks as the Palazzo Grassi, Piazza San Marco, Doges Palace, and the Accademia di Belle Arti.

This is Rome
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: ROME, ITALY

Visit Rome's busy, winding streets to visit such glorious historical landmarks as the statues of Michelangelo, Vatican City, the Pantheon, and the Fontana di Trevi-and to show us the eccentricities of modern Roman life, from its colorful trains, trams, and taxis to its chic espresso bars and pasta houses.

This is Greece
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: GREECE

Visit the birthplace of Western civilization. There’s Athens, with its spectacular views of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, temples, theaters, and marketplaces; architecture-renowned Corinth; Mycenae, inhabited since 3000 B.C.; Olympia, home of the gods; Delphi, famous for its legendary oracle; and the beautiful isles. There’s also modern-day Greece, where life is lived on street corners, in squares, and at tables amid reminders of the past.

This is Paris
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: PARIS, FRANCE

Visit the famous buildings, its beautiful gardens, the museums, the sidewalk cafes of Paris, and the people who live there -- artists, the concierges, the flower girls, and even the thousands of cats. Take a tour along the banks of the Seine, or through the galleries of the Louvre, or to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

This is London
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: LONDON, ENGLAND

Visit London with its beautiful buildings, historic monuments, bridges, parks, shops and Piccadilly Circus, black cabs, Horse Guards, and famed Underground.

This is Britain
by Miroslav Sasek
Setting: ENGLAND, WALES, SCOTLAND

Visit the Britain with stops at Stonehenge, the monuments of the British Isles, the White Cliffs of Dover, Brighton’s Prince Regent’s Royal Pavilion, the castles and Tintern Abbey in Wales, and Scotland’s four Royal Palaces and long lochs.

Grade Level: 2-4

If I Were a Kid in Ancient Greece
Setting: GREECE

This fun book explores every aspect of life for Greek children “way back when,” from studying music to mock-battles and from the Olympic games. Vivid illustrations, detailed historical background, and a glossary bring this intriguing time to life for young readers.

If I Were a Kid in Ancient Rome
Setting: ITALY

This fun book explores every aspect of life for Roman children “way back when,” from monkeys as pets to public bath houses to the first malls. Vivid illustrations, detailed historical background, and a glossary bring this intriguing time to life for young readers.

by E.M. Finn

Magic Tree House meets Nancy Drew in this mystery series.

The Mozart Mystery
Setting: AUSTRIA

Oliver Parker and his identical twin sisters, Lottie and Lucy, are traveling with their dad to Mozart's birthplace in Austria. The kids are thrilled when they learn that a famous musician will be performing a concert on Mozart's childhood violin. But when Mozart's real violin is switched with a fake, can the kid detectives solve the case before it's too late?

The Paris Puzzler
Setting: FRANCE

Oliver Parker and his sisters are traveling with their dad to Paris, France! They're visiting the Louvre Art Museum, home to the Mona Lisa. But when a famous Picasso sketch worth over a million dollars is stolen from the museum, even the police can't figure out who took it.

Grade Level 2-5

Recommended for ages 6-10

Learn about each country's major cities, culture, way of life, food, language, and history. Find out about fashion, music, popular culture and sport, as well as quirky facts and bite-sized information on customs and everyday life.

Portugal Unpacked
by Susie Brooks

Poland Unpacked
by Clive Gifford

Germany Upacked
by Clive Gifford

France Unpacked
by Clive GIfford

Italy Unpacked
by Clive Gifford

Easy-to-read language and illustrations on most pages make this early chapter book series perfect for beginning readers.

Grade Level: 1-4

Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures #11: Framed in France
by Jeff Brown
Setting: FRANCE

Stanley is headed to France to the most famous museum in Paris—the Louvre. When one of the most famous paintings in history is stolen, Stanley is asked to help catch an art thief.

Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures #14: On a Mission for Her Majesty
by Jeff Brown
Setting: ENGLAND

Stanley has been invited to London to assist with a top-secret case. One of the crown jewels was stolen and the Queen hopes that Stanley can help catch the thief.

Easy-to-read language and illustrations on most pages make this book series perfect for beginning readers.

Grade Level: 1-4

Greetings From Somewhere #2: The Mystery of the Mosaic
by Harper Paris
Setting: ITALY

When twins Ethan and Ella first land in Venice, they are in awe of all the canals and tiny little streets. They’re especially excited to look for a five-hundred-year-old-mosaic near Calle Farnese that Grandpa Harry tells them about.

Greetings From Somewhere #3: The Mystery of the Stolen Painting
by Harper Paris
Setting: FRANCE

Ethan and Ella receive an email from their beloved Grandpa Harry telling them that there’s a secret bakery near the Louvre museum—so secret, in fact, that you need a password to get inside. While visiting the famous art museum, alarms suddenly go off, the building is evacuated, and tons of police show up outside. A painting has been stolen! And Ethan and Ella are on the case! Can they manage to find the stolen painting and the secret bakery?

Greetings From Somewhere #10: The Mystery of the Secret Society
by Harper Paris
Setting: GREECE

Ethan and Ella are excited to follow in their Grandpa Harry’s footsteps and explore the ruins. While they’re exploring the crumbling buildings and ancient sculptures, they stumble upon a mysterious painting on an underground wall. Have they discovered a secret society in Greece?

The Magic Tree House and Merlin Missions book series follow a young brother and sister, Jack and Annie, on their adventures around the world and throughout history. And the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker books provide additional factual information to help kids learn more about the topics they discovered in the Magic Tree House adventure books.

Magic Tree House books are recommended for readers in grades 1-4, and the Merlin Mission books and Fact Trackers are recommended for grades 2-5.

Geography Note: Quite a few books in this series are set in Camelot. Since Camelot is a fictional location in the United Kingdom, we have not included those titles on this list.

Magic Tree House #13: Vacation Under the Volcano
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: POMPEII, ITALY

The magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie back to the days of the Roman Empire. They arrive in Pompeii and soon discover that it is the very day the city will be destroyed by a volcano.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Ancient Rome & Pompeii
by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce
Setting: ITALY

How did ancient Rome become an emipre? Where did ancient Romans go for fun? What happened to the Roman town of Pompeii? What have we learned from it? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

Magic Tree House #15: Viking Ships at Sunrise
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: IRELAND

Jack and Annie travel back to ancient Ireland, where they land on a misty cliff. It will take a Viking invasion, the help of a jolly monk, and a lot of courage for Jack and Annie to succeed and make it home safely.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Vikings
by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce
Setting: NORTHERN EUROPE

Why did Vikings go on raids? Did they really wear horned helmets? What were Viking ships like? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts about Vikings.

Magic Tree House #16: Hour of the Olympics
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: GREECE

The kids have landed in ancient Greece, but they learn that girls are not allowed at the Olympic Games. When Annie tells jack to go to the games without her, he knows she's up to something. Will Annie find a way to see the games?

Magic Treehouse Face Tracker: Ancient Greece and the Olympics
by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce
Setting: GREECE

What did the ancient Greeks wear? What did they do for fun? Where were the very first Olympics held? How are our modern Olympics similar to the ancient Olympics? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

Magic Tree House #25: Stage Fright on a Summer Night
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: ENGLAND

The show must go on! That's what Jack and Annie learn when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to Elizabethan England. There they meet William Shakespeare himself—one of the greatest writers of all time! But Mr. Shakespeare's having a hard time with some of the actors in his latest show. Are Jack and Annie ready to make a big entrance? Or will it be curtains for Shakespeare?

Magic Tree House #31: Warriors in Winter
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: ANCIENT ROME, ITALY

When the tree house whisks Jack and Annie back to the early 100s AD, Jack and Annie meet the most fearsome warriors of all : Roman soldiers. Their mission is to be like a warrior, but that's easier said than done. Then a mysterious man riding a black horse gives Jack and Annie some advice to help them on their way.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Warriors
by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce
Setting: ANCIENT EUROPE

What kinds of weapons did the ancient Greeks use? How did Roman soldiers fight? Why did knights have tournaments? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts about ancient warriors.

Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #5: Carnival at Candlelight
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: VENICE, ITALY

Jack and Annie head back in time to Venice, Italy in the 1700s. With the help of a research book, a book of magic rhymes, and a set of mysterious instructions from Merlin, the heroes will save the beautiful city from a flood!

Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #7: Night of the New Magicians
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: PARIS, FRANCE

Merlin sends Jack and Annie on a mysterious mission to Paris, France, over a 100 years ago, where they make their way to the 1889 World’s Fair in search of four magicians. Below the Eiffel Tower, built especially for the fair, there are thousands of exhibits from all over the world - how will Jack and Annie find the magicians in the crowds of people?

Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #10: Monday with a Mad Genius
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: FLORENCE, ITALY

Jack and Annie travel back in the magic tree house to the period known as the Renaissance. This time, Jack and Annie will need help from one of the greatest minds of all time. What will they learn from Leonardo da Vinci?

Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #13: Moonlight on the Magic Flute
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: AUSTRIA

Jack and Annie head to 18th-century Austria, where they must find and help a musician by the name of Mozart.

Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #15: Leprechaun in Late Winter
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: IRELAND

The magic tree house transports Jack and Annie to Ireland where they meet an Irish girl and go on a magical adventure that changes her life. The girl they inspire grows up to be Lady Gregory, who helped bring back the Irish legends, started a theater, and helped the Irish people regain both their heritage and their pride.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Leprechauns and Irish Folklore
by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce
Setting: IRELAND

What are leprechauns? How do we know many of the old Irish stories? How do fairies spend their time? Who speaks the Irish language? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #18: Dogs in the Dead of Night
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: SWISS ALPS

When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie back in time to the highest pass in the Swiss Alps, they discover an ancient monastery filled with monks and Saint Bernard dogs. Annie can’t resist offering to train a wild young dog named Barry, but he is quite the handful! 

Magic Tree House Merlin Missions #21: Stallion by Starlight
by Mary Pope Osborne
Setting: MACEDONIA

Jack and Annie travel back in time to meet Alexander the Great. They assume he'll know all about greatness... but it turns out that young Alexander is bossy, vain, and not great at all! So what can they learn from him?

by Joana Costa Knufinke

Setting: EUROPE

Part of Scholastic's The Seven Continents series, this book will help readers get to know all about Europe's geography, history, wildlife, and the people that live there today. This book is filled with curriculum-relevant subjects and includes resource sections that encourage kids to learn more.

Grade Level 3-5

There are many books in the Where Is... What Was... series that will help kids learn more about Europe. This series is recommended for grade levels 3-7 and titles include:

Where is the Kremlin?
by Deborah Hopkinson
Setting: MOSCOW, RUSSIA

Lined by nineteen beautiful towers, the high walls of the Kremlin enclose colorful domed cathedrals, treasure-filled museums, and the Russian capitol. But this Moscow fortress has had its share of dark days. Read tales of spying, murder, missing children, and lost treasure that are part of this landmark's long history.

What Was the Berlin Wall?
by Nico Medina
Setting: BERLIN, GERMANY

In 1961, overnight a concrete border went up, dividing the city of Berlin into two parts - East and West. The wall meant that no one from Communist East Berlin could travel to West Berlin, a free, democratic area. Of course that didn't stop thousands from trying to breech the wall. The Berlin Wall finally came down in 1989, but this book explains to young readers the fascinating story of a city divided.

Where is the Parthenon?
by Roberta Edwards
Setting: ATHENS, GREECE

Athens, Greece, is best known for the Parthenon, the ruins of an ancient temple completed in 438 BC to honor the goddess Athena. When an enemy army fired hundreds of cannon balls at the Acropolis, one directly hit the Parthenon. Much of the sculpture was destroyed. Today, visitors continue to flock to this world famous landmark, which has become a symbol for Ancient Greece, democracy, and modern civilization.

Where is Stonehenge?
by True Kelley
Setting: SOUTHERN ENGLAND

Questions about Stonehenge are not easy to answer... But what is the meaning of these strange circles of stones? Was Stonehenge a religious site to honor the dead? Or a sacred place of healing? Or perhaps an astrological calendar? In a format that's easy for kids to read, this book puts forth all theories about Stonehenge and the people who four thousand years ago managed to build this amazing monument.

Where is the Tower of London?
by Janet B. Pascal
Setting: LONDON, ENGLAND

Almost 1,000 years old and first built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower of London has been a fortress, a palace, a zoo, and an exhibit site for the amazing Crown Jewels. But the tower's reputation as a prison is probably what accounts for its popularity! 

Where is the Eiffel Tower?
by Dina Anastasio
Setting: PARIS, FRANCE

When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.

Where is the Colosseum?
by Jim O'Connor
Setting: ROME, ITALY

The Emperor Titus opened the enormous Colosseum in AD 80 to host 100 days of games, and it will astound readers to learn what the ancient Romans found entertaining. Over 50,000 screaming fans watched gladiators battling each other to the death, men fighting exotic wild beasts, and even mock sea battles with warships floating on an arena floor flooded with water. the ruins of the Colosseum remain a world-famous landmark of an unforgettable time.

What Was Pompeii?
by Jim O'Connor
Setting: POMPEII, ITALY

The morning of August 24, AD 79, seemed like any other in the Roman city of Pompeii. So no one was prepared when the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, spouting ash that buried the city and its inhabitants. The disaster left thousands dead, and Pompeii was no more than a memory for almost 1,700 years. In 1748, explorers rediscovered the port city with intact buildings and beautiful mosaics.

Where is the Vatican?
by Megan Stine
Setting: VATICAN CITY

Kids will be surprised to learn that the Vatican is a country - the smallest in the world! Read about the history of the headquarters of the Catholic Church, including the building of the Vatican, the creation of the Sistine Chapel, and the Secret Archives that hold papers the church has accumulated over the centuries.

by Johanna Spyri

Setting: SWITZERLAND

At the age of five, orphaned Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the Alps. Everyone in the village is afraid of him, but Heidi is fascinated by his long beard and bushy grey eyebrows. She loves her life in the mountains, playing in the sunshine and growing up amongst the goats and birds. But one day, Heidi's aunt arrives and takes her to live with a new family in town. Heidi can't bear to be away from her grandfather; can she find a way back up the mountain, where she belongs?

Grade Level: 3-6

by Astrid Lindgren

Setting: SWEDEN

Tommy and Annika have a new neighbor: red-haired, freckle-faced Pippi Longstocking, who has upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do. The three children have the most rollicking adventures on their own, with horses and monkeys, the circus, and more!

Grade Level: 3-6

by Joy McCullough

Setting: SCOTLAND

After a major friendship breakup in San Diego, moving overseas to Scotland gives her the perfect chance to reinvent herself. On top of that, she’s going to live in a real-life castle!

But as romantic as life in a castle sounds, the reality is a little less comfortable: it’s run-down, freezing, and crawling with critters. Plus, starting off on the wrong foot with the gardener’s granddaughter doesn’t help her nerves about making new friends. Inspired by a journal that she finds hidden in her bedroom, Callie decides to join a birding club.

Grade Level 5-6

by Anne Blankman

Setting: UKRAINE

This middle-grade historical fiction book begins when neighbors Valentina and Oksana wake up one morning in 1986 to an angry red sky. The nuclear power plant where their fathers work - Chernobyl - has exploded. The two girls have never gotten along, but they are suddenly forced to learn to trust one another when they are sent by train to Leningrad to stay with Valentia's estranged grandmother.

Grade Level: 4-7

by Lisa Schroeder

Setting: FRANCE

Nora has always wanted to see Paris, thanks to her Grandma Sylvia's stories. But when Sylvia suddenly passes away just months before their planned trip, Nora thinks she's lost everything.

Nora still dreams of Paris--and when she finds her own name on a set of clues to a Parisian scavenger hunt packed away in her grandmother's room, along with plane tickets, Nora knows that Sylvia still wants her to go, too.

Grade Level: 3-7

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Setting: LITHUANIA

Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian -- they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous.

In June 1893, when Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. 

Grade Level: 4-7

by Marie McSwigan

Setting: NORWAY

In the summer of 1940, German troops parachuted into Peter's Norwegian village and held it captive. In order to defeat the enemy and save their country's treasure, Peter's Uncle Victor suggested a plan no one would suspect. Children slipped past the guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. Based on a true story.

Grade Level: 4-7

by Tanya Guerrero

Setting: SPAIN

Twelve-year-old Alba doesn't want to live with her estranged grandmother in Barcelona. But her mother needs her to be far, far away from their home in New York City so she can finally leave Alba's abusive father.

Alba is surprised to find that she loves Barcelona, forming a close relationship with her grandmother, meeting a supportive father figure, and making new friends. Most of all, she discovers a passion and talent for bread baking. When her beloved bakery is threatened with closure, Alba is determined to find a way to save it - and at the same time, she may just come up with a plan to make their family whole again.

Grade Level: 6-8

by Stuart Gibbs

Setting: BRITAIN

In this 7th book in the wildly popular Spy School series, thirteen-year-old Ben Ripley and his spy school friends have a new mission. They must go rogue from the CIA, join up with the British MI6 to bring down the evil organization once and for all. They'll have to deal with rival evil splinter factions, devious double-crosses, and learning to drive on the opposite side of the road. This is their last chance to crack the code on SPYDER.

Grade Level: 4-7

by Katherine Marsh

Setting: BELGIUM

Fourteen-year-old Ahmed is stuck in a city that wants nothing to do with him. Newly arrived in Brussels, Belgium, Ahmed fled a life of uncertainty and suffering in Aleppo, Syria, only to lose his father on the perilous journey to the shores of Europe. Now Ahmed’s struggling to get by on his own, but with no one left to trust and nowhere to go, he’s starting to lose hope.

Then he meets Max, a thirteen-year-old American boy from Washington, D.C. Lonely and homesick, Max is struggling at his new school and just can’t seem to do anything right. But with one startling discovery, Max and Ahmed’s lives collide and a friendship begins to grow.

Grade Level: 4-8

by Lois Lowry

Setting: DENMARK

Set in Copenhagen during WWII, this is the story of 10-year-old Annemarie and her best friend, Ellen. While they're attending school every day like normal, the country faces food shortages, and Nazi soldiers are all around town. As Hilter's regime gains power, the Jewish citizens of Denmark, including Ellen's family, are "relocated." Annemarie's family agrees to keep Ellen in their home, at significant risk to her and themselves. 

Grade Level: 5-8

by Elizabeth Alder

Setting: WALES

Evyn, a young Welsh serf, has dreamed all his life of becoming a storyteller. But in a cruel twist of fate, Evyn and his father suffer a brutal attack by a group of murderous ruffians. Evyn's tongue is cut off and his father is killed. Orphaned and unable to speak, Evyn assumes he is destined to a life of slavery. But Evyn is resilient and teaches himself to read and write. He is then appointed the personal companion to Earl Harold of Wessex, who later becomes the King of England. The two travel the countryside together, forming a close father-son bond. Evyn chronicles all of their exciting journeys, which culminate at the Battle of Hastings, where the future of the country is decided.

Grade Level: 7-9

by John Boyne

Setting: GERMANY

This often beloved book is told from the perspective of a 9-year-old German boy during the Holocaust.

It's important to keep in mind that the author has called this story a fable, so it may not reflect the experiences of survivors as closely as other historical fiction books about the Holocaust.

Grade Level: 6-10