Families who loved Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story by Ken Mochizuki often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts asking about the difference between following rules and doing what is right, or when they are ready to discuss the weight of historical injustice. It tells the true story of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania during WWII, who chose to defy his government to save thousands of Jewish refugees. Through the eyes of his young son, we see how one person can face fear with quiet, steadfast integrity. This is a foundational text for teaching empathy and moral courage. It is appropriate for elementary-aged children, providing a gentle yet honest entry point into the history of the Holocaust. By focusing on a family's shared decision to help others, it models how kindness often requires sacrifice and bravery, making it an essential read for families who value social justice and historical awareness.
