Top Historical Fiction

What’s up guys? Today we are traveling back to the past, to a time of world wars and segregation. So sit back, hop in the time machine, and enjoy a flash to the past.

RECOMMENDED HISTORICAL BOOKS:

• Between Shades of Grey- This book takes place in the early 1900s. It’s about a teenage girl, Lina, who lives in Lithuania. One day Soviet officers barge into her home and she is uprooted from her house and life. With only her mother and brother by her side she is forced to work in harsh conditions under Stalin’s orders, with only her artwork to bring her hope. This book is a sad but true tale, and teaches about the history of the Soviet Union. There is another book by the author, Ruta Sepetys, called Salt to the Sea that is about Lina’s cousin Joana. It is just as good, if not better. Readers will enjoy both.

• Anything written by Alan Gratz- Alan Gratz has so many great historical fiction books. Some titles include: Refugee, Prisoner B-3087, Projekt 1065, Code of Honor, Grenade, and Allies. I love these books because they tell me so much about history. Basically all that I know about World Wars are from his books, which mostly are around the 1940s. These books will bring you joy and sadness but they really are great for middle schoolers and above.

• Wolf Hollow- This is one of my favorite books. Maybe because of the ending, which was heart wrenching but good, or maybe because the author, Lauren Wolk’s style of writing is amazing. Either way, you will love this story about Annabelle and her struggle to do what’s right during a time when everything goes wrong. It takes place in the little town called Wolf Hollow during the 1940’s. Annabelle goes to school every day. She comes home every day. Her life is the same until the day Betty shows up. Betty is a bully. She torments her fellow schoolmates and lies to the adults. One day Betty finds another victim, World War One veteran Toby, and it’s up to Annabelle to stop her before she takes it too far and find the courage to stand alone as a voice of justice.

• I survived- Chances are, you’ve probably heard about this series by Lauren Tarshis. It has been the best historical fiction series for kids since 2010! These books are for younger kids and middle schoolers. There are so many topics Tarshis covers, like the Titanic, bombing of twin towers, hurricanes, world wars, and more. 

• Hidden Figures- This book was made before the movie was released. The movie was a big hit, and so was the book. It is by Margot Lee Shetterly, and it’s about NASA’s African American female mathematicians. If you thought being an African American and getting a job at NASA was hard work in the 60’s, try being a female as well. These women rewrote history, and that wasn’t an easy feat. They faced discrimination on the daily. Their story is truly inspiring. Read the story to learn more about the movement.

• Making Bombs for Hitler- This is another story centered around World War II. It’s by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, who tells the tale of a girl named Lida who is taken from her family and forced to work with other Ukrainian children doing back breaking labor, even though she is not Jewish. Lida soon makes friends at the work camp, though when they are assigned to make bombs for Hilter, Lida cannot stand the thought of working for the enemy. But, what if… she didn’t? This is and engaging and pulse- pounding novel that will keep readers captivated until the last page.

• 42 is not just a Number- Contrary to many previous recommendations, this book is actually nonfiction. In fact, so is Hidden Figures. Also, it is not about wars or the 1940s. Instead, it is about Jackie Robinson, and his climb to fame. Being a Dodger’s fan, I felt connected to this book and therefore loved it. Robinson had to work for what he had, and he is known as one of the best baseball players of all time. Everyone will love this book and piece of history.

• Number the Stars- I don’t remember much about this book, because I read it in 4th grade. This is proof that even grade schoolers will love this inspiring story. It’s by Lois Lowry (who wrote The Giver, which I included in my Dystopian post that you should go check out.) This book could be considered a classic, and maybe it is, because it’s that good. It’s about ten year old Annemarie Johansen, and her best friend Ellen Rosen. When Nazi soldiers start to move into town, Ellen, who is Jewish, moves in with the Johansen’s and pretends to be part of the family. Soon Annemarie must go on a dangerous mission in order to save Ellen’s life. This book is a story that will teach about life in the 1940s and keep readers engaged.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post and these recommendations! I spent a lot of time picking out my favorites, which was actually really hard to do because there are so many! If you like historical fiction, definitely go check out some more books because there are so many more out there. I know they have A LOT at my local library. This was one of my favorite posts so far, so I hope you guys liked it as much as I did! Most of these books are perfect for third grade and above as well as middle schoolers. That’s all for today, and I’ll see you guys tomorrow! Bye!