Captivating Historical Fiction Books for Kids

Juan L.:  One of the best historical fiction books for middle schoolers, a young girl in World War II Germany tries to make the best of her bleak situation by cultivating a love of books and an optimistic outlook on life despite the destruction around her. Her family takes in a Jewish boy in hiding and their friendship becomes the stuff of legend.

Kelly R.:  A young boy devoted to Communism questions his sincerest beliefs as he witnesses the fear and suspicion of Stalin's Moscow. Kids can gain a better understanding of this period of history with this eye-opening story based on author Eugene Yelchin's own experiences. It is a quick read complemented by dramatic illustrations that come together to convey the story in a riveting way.

Kelly R.:  Eleven-year-old Turtle, a wonderfully strong female lead, is sent to live with her aunt and cousins in Depression-Era Key West in this story that fully immerses the reader into a different time and place. Jennifer L. Holm wrote this book inspired by stories of her own family's experience living in Key West during the Great Depression, and these details are explored within the Author's Note.

Kelly R.:  A tragedy in Esperanza's life causes her to flee from her upper class home in Mexico to a farm labor camp in California during the Great Depression. Pam Muñoz Ryan tells a captivating story that will inspire kids to think more deeply about human dignity, immigration, and the incredible challenges faced by families during this time in history.

Vanessa M.:  This award winner by Lois Lowry is a great book for middle schoolers, and brings the terror of the Holocaust in a way that is age appropriate and accessible for young readers. Ten-year-old Annemarie and her Danish family must hide her Jewish best friend, Ellen, and her family. When Annemarie learns that her parents are part of the Danish Resistance, she must overcome her fear to help in an important way. The story is exciting, easy to read, and the lesson of having the courage to do what is right stays with the reader long after the last page is read.

Kelly R.:  The I Survived books present fictional stories of kids who survive real disasters in history like the sinking of the Titanic, the Great Chicago Fire, and the September 11 attacks. These historical fiction books for kids are a big hit with my history-loving child. Difficult and historically-accurate details about the events are tempered by the inspiring messages of bravery and survival.