Historical Fiction

Nothing gets kids excited about history like a gripping story. Times, people, and places that might seem dull or far away in a textbook come to living, breathing life in historical novels like the ones on this list. From the Middle Ages to the American Revolution, the World Wars to the Cold War, the 9/11 attacks to the start of the civil war in Syria, these diverse selections offer action, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. For more great reads, check out Books About the U.S. Civil War and World War II Books for Kids.

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The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True Poster Image
BOOK

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True

age 6+

Perfect "knightly" read-aloud for younger children.

By: Gerald Morris (2011)
I Survived Series Poster Image
BOOK

I Survived Series

age 7+

Riveting, emotional historical fiction for young readers.

By: Lauren Tarshis (2010)
Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Skunked!: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, Book 1

age 7+

Laughs, science in new Callie series for younger readers.

By: Jacqueline Kelly (2016)
Barefoot Dreams cover
BOOK

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, Book 1

age 8+

Uplifting tale of survival during Mexican Revolution.

By: Alda P. Dobbs (2021)
Escape from Aleppo Poster Image
BOOK

Escape from Aleppo

age 8+

Gripping, moving tale of Syrian teen fleeing war-torn city.

By: N.H. Senzai (2018)
Full of Beans Poster Image
BOOK

Full of Beans

age 8+

Plucky boy finds conscience, hope amid Great Depression.

By: Jennifer L. Holm (2016)
A brown-haired white girl in a white dress with large shoulder bag stands in front of the "Titanic," which looms over her.
BOOK

Iceberg

age 8+

Tension, suspense build as intrepid tween faces disaster.

By: Jennifer A. Nielsen (2023)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret Poster Image
BOOK

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

age 8+

Spectacular cinematic book has lots of heart.

By: Brian Selznick (2007)
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BOOK

Little House Series

age 8+

Engrossing frontier tales but they include racist attitudes.

May B. Poster Image
BOOK

May B.

age 8+

Riveting and moving account of girl's struggle for survival.

By: Caroline Starr Rose (2012)
The Secret of Nightingale Wood Poster Image
BOOK

The Secret of Nightingale Wood

age 8+

Suspenseful WWI family drama has feel of a classic.

By: Lucy Strange (2017)
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BOOK

Singing with Elephants

age 8+

Tween finds belonging in lyrical novel in verse.

By: Margarita Engle (2022)
Wheels of Change Poster Image
BOOK

Wheels of Change

age 8+

Plucky heroine faces turbulent times in engaging tale.

Anne of Green Gables Poster Image
BOOK

Anne of Green Gables

age 9+

Beloved classic features lovable, imaginative heroine.

By: L.M. Montgomery (1908)
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BOOK

Arcady's Goal

age 9+

Understated, affecting glimpse of child's life under Stalin.

By: Eugene Yelchin (2014)
The Beatryce Prophecy Poster Image
BOOK

The Beatryce Prophecy

age 9+

Lively fable celebrates friendship, girl (and goat) power.

By: Kate DiCamillo (2021)
Freewater Poster Image
BOOK

Freewater

age 9+

Siblings escape slavery, find a home in awe-inspiring tale.

By: Amina Luqman-Dawson (2022)
The Great Chicago Fire: Rising from the Ashes: History Comics, Book 2 Poster Image
BOOK

The Great Chicago Fire: Rising from the Ashes: History Comics, Book 2

age 9+

Kids face deadly fire in vivid, informative graphic novel.

By: Kate Hannigan (2020)
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy Poster Image
BOOK

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

age 9+

A preacher's son stands up to a racist town.

By: Gary D. Schmidt (2005)
The Mighty Miss Malone Poster Image
BOOK

The Mighty Miss Malone

age 9+

Unforgettable 12-year-old girl battles the Great Depression.