Alan Gratz Books in Order (Complete Series List)
By Lily | Published 16 June 2023 | This post may contain affiliate links.
If you’re a parent looking to inspire your child to read, you’ve probably heard of Alan Gratz. He’s a master storyteller who has captured the hearts of young readers and young adults alike with his thrilling historical adventures, unforgettable characters, and gripping World War II stories.
But with so many books to choose from, where do you start?
In this post, we’ll explore Alan Gratz’s books in order, offer tips for selecting the right ones for your child, and share why his stories are perfect for inspiring a love of reading.
Why Alan Gratz Books Are Perfect for Young Readers
Alan Gratz’s books are more than just stories—they’re gateways to history, empathy, and critical thinking. Here’s why they’re perfect for young readers:
Historical Fiction with Heart:
Gratz’s books often focus on pivotal moments in history, such as World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Japanese army’s invasion of China. Through the eyes of young protagonists like Yanek Gruener, a Jewish boy in Prisoner B-3087, or Kamran Smith, a young U.S. soldier in Code of Honor, readers experience the heart-pounding realities of these events.
Relatable Characters:
Gratz’s characters are ordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances. Whether it’s a young girl fleeing the threat of concentration camps in Refugee or a young sidekick navigating the competitive world of boarding school in The Assassination Game, readers see themselves in these characters.
Fast-Paced Plots:
Gratz’s books are page-turners. From the top-secret operation in The Ghost Army to the thrilling historical adventure in Allied Nations, his stories keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Themes of Courage and Resilience:
Gratz’s books often explore themes of courage, teamwork, and resilience. In Prisoner B-3087, for example, Yanek Gruener’s long trek through enemy lines is an unforgettable take on the human spirit’s ability to endure.
Alan Gratz Books In Order
1. Samurai Shortstop
Published: May 2006
Goodreads: 3.94 avg rating
Reading Ages: 12 years and up
Gratz’s first novel is set in 1890s Japan and follows a young boy named Toyo as he navigates the competitive world of boarding school and the clash between tradition and modernity.
“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. Definitely worth reading!” – Amazon review by Ohioan
2. Something Rotten, A Horatio Wilkes Mystery
Published: October 2007
Goodreads: 3.62 avg rating
Reading Ages: 12 years and up
A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this book features Horatio Wilkes, a young detective who uncovers a monstrous secret in the small town of Denmark, Tennessee.
“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.
3. Something Wicked, A Horatio Wilkes Mystery
Published: October 2008
Goodreads: 3.95 avg rating
Reading Ages: 12 years and up
The sequel to Something Rotten, this book follows Horatio Wilkes as he investigates a murder at a Scottish Highland festival.
“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 mystery/detective aspect of the novel. This is a really great book!” – Amazon review by Books Ahoy
4. The Brooklyn Nine
Published: March 2009
Goodreads: 3.96 avg rating
Reading Ages: 8 to 12 years old
This epic tale of teamwork follows nine generations of a family and their love for baseball, from the 1800s to the present day.
“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. 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
5. Fantasy Baseball
Published: March 2011
Goodreads: 3.71 avg rating
Reading Ages: 8 - 12 years
A young girl named Amy Anne discovers a magical baseball tournament where the players are characters from her favorite book.
“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
6. The Assassination Game (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Book 4)
Published: June 2012
Goodreads: 3.85 avg rating
Reading Age: 12 years old and up
Set in a competitive boarding school, this book follows a group of students as they play a deadly game of assassination.
“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. I hope there is another book on the way.” – Amazon review by Mary Horne
7. Prisoner B-3807
Published: March 2013
Goodreads: 4.45 avg rating
Reading Age: 10 years and Up
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?
“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.
8. The League of Seven, Book 1 in The League of Seven
Published: June 2015
Goodreads: 3.89 avg rating
Reading Ages: 10 years and up
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
9. The Dragon Lantern, Book 2 in The League of Seven
Published: June 2015
Goodreads: 4.12 avg rating
Reading Ages: 10 Years and Up
“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
10. Code of Honor
Published: August 2015
Goodreads: 4.32 avg rating
Reading Age: 10 Years and Up
Kamran Smith, a young U.S. soldier, must clear his brother’s name after he’s accused of being a terrorist.
“I LOVE THIS BOOK! I had just read projekt 1065 before that. That one is my all time favorite but dang this one is definitely #2. I love the plot. I love the characters. I love the twists. I do just wish they showed this 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
11. The Monster War, Book 3 in The League of Seven
Published: July 2016
Goodreads: 4.16 avg rating
Reading Age: 9 years and Up
The Monster War is the third book in the action-packed, steampunk League of Seven series. 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
12. Projekt 1065, A Novel of World War II
Published: October 2016
Goodreads: 4.36 avg rating
Reading Age: 3 - 5 years
“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 book 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
13. Refugee
Published: July 2017
Goodreads: 4.40 avg rating
Reading Age: 10 - 13 years
This award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller tells the stories of three young refugees from different places and times: a Jewish boy in 1930s Nazi Germany, a Cuban girl in 1994, and a Syrian boy in 2015.
“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
14. Ban This Book: A Novel
Published: May 2018
Goodreads: 3.86 avg rating
Reading Ages: 9 Years and Up
“Ban This Book 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.
15. Grenade
Published: October 2018
Goodreads: 4.18 avg rating
Reading Ages: 10 years and up
Set during World War II, this book follows a young Japanese soldier and an American soldier as they face the horrors of war.
“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
16. Allies
Published: October 2019
Goodreads: 4.28 avg rating
Reading Age: 9 years and up
This gripping World War II story follows a young paratrooper named James as he participates in a top-secret operation on the French coast.
“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 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
17. Ground Zero, A Novel of 9/11
Published: February 2021
Goodreads: 4.02 avg rating
Reading Age: 10 years and up
In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, Alan Gratz 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.
18. Two Degrees
Published: October 2022
Goodreads: 4.19 avg rating
Reading Ages: 8 years and up
his hugely anticipated follow-up to Refugee explores the impact of climate change through the eyes of three young protagonists.
“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.
19. Graphic Novel: Captain America: The Ghost Army
Goodreads: 3.70 avg rating
Reading Ages: 8 - 12 years old
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.
Tips for Selecting the Right Alan Gratz Book for Your Child
With so many great books to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your child? Here are some tips:
Consider Their Interests: If your child loves baseball, start with The Brooklyn Nine or Fantasy Baseball. If they’re interested in World War II, Prisoner B-3087 or Grenade might be a good fit.
Start with a Favorite Book: If your child has a favorite book or genre, look for a Gratz book that aligns with it. For example, if they love graphic novels, they might enjoy Captain America: The Ghost Army.
Look for Relatable Characters: Choose a book with a protagonist your child can relate to. For example, if they’re dealing with bullying, The Assassination Game might resonate with them.
Read Together: Reading a Gratz book together can be a great way to bond with your child and discuss important themes like courage, resilience, and teamwork.
Check the Reading Level: While Gratz’s books are generally aimed at middle-grade readers, some, like Refugee and Prisoner B-3087, deal with heavier themes and may be better suited for older readers.
Final Thoughts
Alan Gratz’s books are more than just stories—they’re tools for inspiring young readers to explore history, develop empathy, and think critically about the world around them. Whether your child is a fan of historical fiction, science fiction, or graphic novels, there’s a Gratz book for them.
By introducing your child to Alan Gratz’s books, you’re not just encouraging them to read—you’re helping them discover the power of stories to change lives. And who knows? You might just find yourself hooked on his books too!
Who is Alan Gratz?
Alan Gratz is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he earned a master’s degree in English education. Before becoming a full-time author, he worked as a middle school teacher and a high school teacher, which gives him a unique understanding of what young readers enjoy.
His works have won numerous state awards, including the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Award, making him a favorite among parents and educators.