I would think it's due to preferential interest in video games and easier access to information. Attention spans of teenagers (and some adults) 'instant gratification' needs get satisfied first. My own teenagers will read books that are movie or game related and peek into classics (Shakespeare) now and again.
I use to have my children read to me when they were younger, lol. :) hope that gives some food for thought.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.