Discover the Captivating World of Alan Gratz Books for Kids
By Lily | Published 16 June 2023 | This post may contain affiliate links.
Are you on the lookout for engaging books that will transport young readers into exciting worlds filled with courageous characters and thrilling adventures? Look no further than the captivating works of Alan Gratz.
Alan Gratz is a master storyteller whose captivating books for kids and young adults have garnered widespread acclaim. With a knack for crafting thrilling historical adventures and engaging science fiction and fantasy tales, Gratz has become a favorite author among young readers. In this article, we will delve into the world of Alan Gratz books, exploring his background, popular works, and why his novels resonate with young audiences.
This is the best book I have read in a long time! Highly recommend for young and old adults alike! - Amazon review by Teresa
Why Alan Gratz Books Resonate with Young Readers
Courageous Characters and Teamwork
Gratz's novels emphasize the power of teamwork and the strength that can be found in unity. In "Code of Honor," young readers are introduced to Kamran Smith, a high school student who must navigate the competitive world of a boarding school while also unraveling a conspiracy that threatens his family's safety. Through Kamran's journey, Gratz explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
In "Projekt 1065," readers join Michael O'Shaunessey, a young Irish boy living in Nazi Germany. Michael is a member of the Hitler Youth, but he secretly works as a spy for the Allies. This thrilling tale of espionage and bravery showcases the power of one individual's actions in the face of tyranny. Gratz’s approach fosters a greater understanding of the world and cultivates empathy among young readers.
2. Diverse Themes and Settings
Gratz's books also encompass a wide range of themes and settings, ensuring that young readers are exposed to different cultures, historical periods, and perspectives. From the Japanese army in "Samurai Shortstop" to the Ghost Army in "Code of Honor," the author's meticulous research and attention to detail bring each setting to life. This approach fosters a greater understanding of the world and cultivates empathy among young readers.
3. From Historical Fiction to Science Fiction
While Gratz is renowned for his historical fiction, he has also ventured into the realm of science fiction. In "The League of Seven," readers are transported to an alternate version of 1875 America, where monstrous creatures threaten to unleash chaos upon the world. This thrilling steampunk adventure follows Archie Dent, a young sidekick, as he joins forces with a secret society to save humanity from impending doom.
In "Ban This Book," Gratz explores the power of literature and the importance of standing up against censorship. The story revolves around Amy Anne, a middle school student whose favorite book gets banned from her school library. Determined to fight for her right to read, Amy Anne embarks on a quest to protect the freedom of expression.
Alan Gratz Books for Kids: Captivating Reads for Young Readers
1. Samurai Shortstop
“I loved this book! The setting, Japan around 1890, was fascinating. The author made the city and the boys' boarding school come alive with selected details. I loved the character of Toyo, a boy who is coming of age at a time when the world is changing drastically. Toyo is under pressure from his father to reject the new ways (baseball, for one, introduced by the Americans) and respect and live up to the old ways of the samurai), even though the old ways are dead or dying away. In addition to the stress of which path to choose, which kind of person to be, Toyo has to contend with his classmates in the boarding school -- and each and every one of us who has gone through school knows that this is not only not easy, it is often the most important conflict a young person faces before he or she leaves school and enters the larger world. Definitely worth reading!” – Amazon review by Ohioan
Goodreads: 3.94 avg rating — 986 ratings
Reading Ages: 12 years and up
Published: May 2006
2. Something Rotten, A Horatio Wilkes Mystery
Denmark, Tennessee, stinks. The smell hits Horatio Wilkes the moment he pulls into town to visit his best friend, Hamilton Prince. And it's not just the paper plant and the polluted river that's stinking up Denmark: Hamilton's father has been poisoned and the killer is still at large. Why? Because nobody believes that Rex Prince was murdered. Nobody except Horatio and Hamilton. Now they need to find the killer, but it won't be easy. It seems like everyone in Denmark is a suspect. Motive, means, opportunity--they all have them. But who among them has committed murder most foul? “I bought this book as required reading for my son and decided to read it because it looked interesting...I loved the funny, sarcastic style of Horatio Wilkes and combine that with the mystery = great book! I'm going to look for more Horatio Wilkes mysteries to read!” – Amazon review by Jan B.
Goodreads: 3.62 avg rating — 777 ratings
Reading Ages: 12 years and up
Published: October 2007
3. Something Wicked, A Horatio Wilkes Mystery
“I loved this book! It's a modern YA retelling of MacBeth twisted into a mystery story. I think its really cool how Alan Gratz turned the story of MacBeth into a mystery/whodunit novel. I know what MacBeth is about and this books follows the orginal story pretty great. The stories are just about parallel. I loved the romance between Horatio and his girlfriend but it was also a real shocker what happened to her. I liked how you can see the transformation of Mac's character throughtout the book. I loved the mystery/detective aspect of the novel. This is a really great book!” – Amazon review by Books Ahoy
Goodreads: 3.95 avg rating — 283 ratings
Reading Ages: 12 years and up
Published: October 2008
4. The Brooklyn Nine
“This book is rich, especially for a "young adult" novel. It is well-written grammatically. I like the author's style. I read reviews and understood the "baseball" theme, including 9 chapters/innings, 3 sections/outs per chapter/inning, etc. The 9 chapters progress in chronological order, being true to baseball and baseball's evolution, and following a family through time. There is also an heirloom that unites the generations. What I didn't expect was the introduction of "controversial" current topics in every chapter: child labor, immigration, alcohol and drug abuse, betrayal, women's rights, prejudice, ... It would be a superb book for, say, 7th graders to read and discuss in class. I recommend it for adult readers as well as young adults, male and female.” – Amazon review by Letter-Bug
Goodreads: 3.96 avg rating — 2,142 ratings
Reading Ages: 8 to 12 years old
Published: March 2009
5. Fantasy Baseball
The Wizard of Oz meets America's favorite pastime! From beloved baseball author Alan Gratz comes a novel in which classic literary characters are baseball crazy, and one real-world boy must face his fears and discover the surprising truth about himself. “This book is fun! Very easy to read with a unique look at an everyday sport. Kids and adults will enjoy the wacky characters! I've read other books by this author and found that you certainly don't have to be a child to enjoy them. This one is fun to read to the kids. A homerun!” – Amazon review by Dee in North Carolina
Goodreads: 3.71 avg rating — 155 ratings
Reading Ages: 8 - 12 years
Published: March 2011
6. The Assassination Game (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Book 4)
“This was another one of my favorite books because not only was the story line great. But I just love the bill-up of the Spock, Uhura relationship this is one of best relationship ever because they are two different people from two different planets but able to make this relationship work mainly because of the special person that Uhura is even though they almost broke up in the end. I hope there is another book on the way.” – Amazon review by Mary Horne
Goodreads: 3.85 avg rating — 337 ratings
Reading Age: 12 years old and up
Published: June 2012
7. Prisoner B-3807
This wrenching novel about one boy's struggle to survive ten concentration camps during the Holocaust. Based on the inspiring true life story of Jack Gruener. Can Yanek make it through the terror without losing his hope, his will -- and, most of all, his sense of who he really is inside? Based on an astonishing true story. “A truly amazing story. The author does a fantastic job of bringing you in and making you really connect with the main character so what they feel you will also feel. I cried when they were liberated! A great story to read with a middle school aged child because some of the parts are a little disturbing.” – Amazon review by K.D.
Goodreads: 4.45 avg rating — 33,826 ratings
Reading Age: 10 years and Up
Published: March 2013
8. The League of Seven, Book 1 in The League of Seven
From fast fire trucks and out-of-control hoses to sliding down fire poles and saving the day, this exciting and funny Richard Scarry’s A Day at the Fire Station will have little ones asking to read it over and over again. “At first I didn’t like the book. I thought there was too much happening, but my 2.5 yrs little girl absolutely loved it. We have read it more than 100 times in the last month :).” – Amazon review by M. Mohan
Goodreads: 3.89 avg rating — 992 ratings
Reading Ages: 10 years and up
Published: June 2015
9. The Dragon Lantern, Book 2 in The League of Seven
“Our nine-year-old absolutely loved this (and so did I). It's speculative steampunk: re-imagining 19th century America as a union of First-Nation states, with a single 'Yankee' state living peacefully alongside them. Mythical creatures are stirring beneath the ground, and they can only be stopped by the League of Seven - a group of heroes who emerge only when these creatures threaten the world (as they have done through history) - which is when each new generation of humans discovers electricity! This is the first part of the trilogy, and is certainly the best of the three - although if you enjoy this one, you won't be able to stop yourself from reading the others to find out what happens.” – Amazon review by DT
Goodreads: 4.12 avg rating — 329 ratings
Reading Ages: 10 Years and Up
Published: June 2015
10. Code of Honor
Kamran Smith has it all. He's the star of the football team, dates the most popular girl in school, and can't wait to join the Army like his big brother, Darius. Although Kamran's family hails from Iran, Kamran has always felt 100% American. Accepted. And then everything implodes. In a race against time, Kamran must piece together a series of clues and codes that will lead him to Darius -- and the truth.But is it a truth Kamran is ready to face? And is he putting his own life at risk? “I I LOVE THIS BOOK! I had just read projekt 1065 before that that one is my all time favorite bu dang this one is definitely #2 I love the plot I love the characters I love the twists I do just wish they showed his first day back at school in the end though highly recommend to ages 9+ this book is amazing I also recommend PROJEKT 1065, ALLIES and Grenade!”– Amazon review by D.A. Smith
Goodreads: 4.32 avg rating — 7,717 ratings
Reading Age: 10 Years and Up
Published: August 2015
11. The Monster War, Book 3 in The League of Seven
The Monster War is the third book in the action-packed, steampunk League of Seven series by acclaimed author Alan Gratz. Having discovered the monstrous secret of his origins, Archie Dent is no longer certain that he is worthy to be a member of the League of Seven. But with new enemies to face, he realizes that he may not have the luxury of questioning his destiny. “I bought this series for my son (age 9). He loved them, I just wish there were more. He is a fan of science and loathes all things Harry Potter. What a nice change to find something up his alley!”– Amazon review by E. Tobin
Goodreads: 4.16 avg rating — 218 ratings
Reading Age: 9 years and Up
Published: July 2016
12. Projekt 1065, A Novel of World War II
“As a 13 year old who is writing a book on War (with 175 pages,) this book was a major help to the writing process. The book was interesting with its pacing, suspense, and action sequences, which gave me a lot of inspiration for War of Atticus (my book.) I liked the boo k so much that it changed my view of reading (I finished the book in ~1 week,) and I also decided to buy more of Alan Gratz’s books like Grenade and Prisoner B-3087. Overall, it’s an amazing book that I would recommend to anyone who likes World War II books.” – Amazon review by War of Atticus
Goodreads: 4.36 avg rating — 16,068 ratings
Reading Age: 3 - 5 years
Published: October 2016
13. Refugee
The award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling novel from Alan Gratz tells the timely--and timeless--story of three different kids seeking refuge. All three kids go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All will face unimaginable dangers -- from drownings to bombings to betrayals. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end. “My 9 year old son read this for his summer reading project. He absolutely loved it! I had to explain some of the historical aspects but the characters were great and it was important for him to understand.” - Amazon review by Jill
Goodreads: 4.40 avg rating — 62,185 ratings
Reading Age: 10 - 13 years
Published: July 2017
14. Ban This Book: A Novel
“Ban This Book” (2017) by Alan Gratz is about Amy Anne, a timid, quiet-as-a-mouse nine-year-old girl who goes to her elementary school library to check out her favorite book again and finds that it’s not on the shelf…not because someone else checked it out, but because it’s under consideration for being banned. The fictional story is about what she and her friends do because of several books being banned. Even though it is basically intended for young readers aged 8 to 12, this is a story for book lovers of any age! Very relevant today, I cannot recommend it enough!: - Amazon review by Guy G.
Goodreads: 3.86 avg rating — 154 ratings
Reading Ages: 9 Years and Up
Published: May 2018
15. Grenade
“Ok, I, a 13 year old LOVE THIS SERIES- this book especially is just amazing!! Alan is an amazing author and he knows how to tell stories of war without shoving it in your face or sugar coating it to much (referring to his other books as well) The characters in Grenade have amazing unique traits and their relationships! As a kid that’s glued to my devices, i have NEVER been so attached to a book, and author in general. It’s also great for all ages over 10 (in my opinion).” – Amazon review by Wolverine reaves
Goodreads: 4.18 avg rating — 9,098 ratings
Reading Ages: 10 years and up
Published: October 2018
16. Allies
“Bought this for my 12-year-old neighbor boy who doesn’t like to read. Have been having him read the book aloud to me and we have truly been enjoying it. It holds his attention very well. The author has developed the characters to make them relatable and has also given interesting historical details to portray an accurate view to actual significant places in this fictional but realistic account of events. The author is a good storyteller who seems to understand the age group of his audience. It is has been wonderful to hear my doorbell ring and see my young friend standing there with the book under his arm and WANTING to read!” – Amazon review by Glo S
Goodreads: 4.28 avg rating — 8,655 ratings
Reading Age: 9 years and up
Published: October 2019
17. Ground Zero, A Novel of 9/11
In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present. Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same. “My son loved this book, he was done it in 2 days, the only thing I would say is that he was confused if the story line in the book was a real story from a little boy and girl that dealt with this tragic even from that day. I have looked it up and no the story line in the book is not true, however the main event in it is obviously true.” – Amazon review by Katy M.
Goodreads: 4.02 avg rating — 321 ratings
Reading Age: 10 years and up
Published: February 2021
18. Two Degrees
Gratz is back, tackling the urgent topic of climate change in this breathtaking, action-packed novel that will keep readers turning pages while making their own plans to better the world. Fire. Ice. Flood. Three climate disasters. Four kids fighting for their lives. Gratz is keep on shining a light on our increasingly urgent climate crisis while spinning an action-packed story that will keep readers hooked--and inspire them to take action. “My 11 year son LOVES all of these books - most of them he reads in less than a few days! The stories are history based with a fictional twist on the characters, so they are learning a little about a historical moment and getting a great story. We have purchased and read them all! If your child loves to read and loves history - these books are for them!!!” – Amazon review by Krista P.
Goodreads: 4.19 avg rating — 3,608 ratings
Reading Ages: 8 years and up
Published: October 2022
Graphic Novel: Captain America: The Ghost Army
In this thrilling historical adventure set during World War II, Steve Rogers (AKA Captain America) and his young sidekick, Bucky Barnes, encounter threat like none they've ever seen -- a Ghost Army. The dead of this war and wars past are coming back to life, impervious to bullets, flames, or anything else the Allies can throw at them. The armies rise from the ground in the night and seem to disappear without a trace. How can Cap and Buck fight something that's already dead? “First of all, I am a HUGE fan of Alan Gratz. I have a hard time reading graphic novels, as the pictures get in my way. However, I read this one with my 2nd grade grandson, and he loved it! Is is also popular with my 6th and 7th grade students. They “fought” over who got to check it out first.” – Amazon review by Annette A.
Goodreads: 3.70 avg rating — 532 ratings
Reading Ages: 8 - 12 years old
Alan Gratz: A Passion for Writing and Education
Alan Gratz, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, developed a love for storytelling at a young age. After earning a master's degree in English education, he pursued a career as a high school teacher. Gratz's passion for writing and teaching eventually led him to become a full-time author, and he has since published a number of acclaimed books for young readers
With his first novel, "Samurai Shortstop," Gratz showcased his talent for weaving compelling stories that transport readers to different places and times. Since then, he has become the author of a number of books that have garnered critical acclaim and found their place on the New York Times bestseller list.
Conclusion
Alan Gratz is a master storyteller whose books have captivated young readers and garnered critical acclaim. From gripping historical adventures to thought-provoking science fiction, Gratz's novels offer a unique blend of excitement, diverse characters, and powerful themes.
Whether it's a heart-pounding journey through World War II or an unforgettable tale of teamwork and friendship, Alan Gratz's books for kids are sure to keep young readers engrossed from the first page to the last. So, grab a copy of one of his captivating novels and embark on an extraordinary reading adventure!