Historical fiction is a great way to bring the past to life for fifth graders. These books are entertaining and packed with facts, making them a great choice for fifth graders looking to learn more about history. From ancient civilizations to the Industrial Revolution, there is historical fiction for every period and interest. Here is a list of some of the best historical fiction books for fifth graders.
Best Historical Fiction Books For 5th Graders
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Towers Falling
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Wonder
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Summer of the Monkeys
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Number the Stars
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
The Secret Lake: A children’s mystery adventure
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Eleven
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Beyond the Bright Sea
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
I Survived: Ten Thrilling Books (Boxed Set)
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
|
7. 2
|
1. Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit is an incredible story of Emma Edmonds, a brave woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Civil War. The book follows Emmas journey as she goes from being a young Canadian girl to a Union spy in the Confederate Army. Emma faces danger and hardship, but still manages to be resourceful and brave. She even saves the life of a Union officer, which leads to her being awarded a Medal of Honor. The story is inspiring and tells an important part of history that is rarely discussed. I would highly recommend Behind Rebel Lines to anyone who is interested in a captivating and inspiring story about one of the unsung heroes of the Civil War.
- The incredible story of Emma Edmonds, a real-life American spy during the Civil War
- A captivating narrative full of suspense and intrigue
- Explores the daring risks taken by Edmonds in her mission behind enemy lines
- Provides a unique insight into the United States most turbulent era
- A powerful tale of resilience and strength, showcasing Edmonds unwavering courage
2. Towers Falling
I recently read the book, Towers Falling, by Jewell Parker Rhodes, and it was an incredible read. The story follows four students living in New York City in the years after September 11th and their journey of coming of age. The characters are diverse and all have their individual stories and perspectives to bring to the mix. The way the author handled delicate themes such as racism and PTSD was done with such grace and care. I was impressed by the way she was able to intertwine the story with history while still maintaining the focus on the characters. It’s a beautiful story that really brings to light how different people can come together and learn from one another. Towers Falling is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone looking to read a powerful story.
- An intense and thrilling adventure novel set in a futuristic world
- Explores the themes of power, identity and the consequences of hidden knowledge
- Fast-paced plot filled with plot twists and unexpected turns
- Characters are complex and multi-dimensional
- Richly detailed and vividly described settings
- Themes of morality, truth, and friendship are examined
- A captivating story that will keep readers hooked from start to finish
3. Wonder
I recently saw Wonder, and it was such a heart warming movie. It stars Jacob Tremblay as August Pullman, a boy born with a facial disfigurement who enters the 5th grade in a mainstream school. The movie is about how August navigates the struggles of being accepted by his new classmates and the courage it takes for him to embrace his differences. The movie is filled with powerful moments that make you both laugh and cry. It’s a beautiful story about understanding, acceptance, and the power of kindness. I highly recommend this movie – it’s a must see.
- All-natural, vegan-friendly ingredients
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- Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails
- Excellent source of antioxidants and essential vitamins
- Boosts energy and mental clarity
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free
4. Summer of the Monkeys
Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls is a great adventure story for children of all ages. It’s about a young man named Jay Berry Lee who finds a family of monkeys on his grandpa’s farm. He sets out to catch them and return them to their rightful home. Along the way, Jay Berry learns valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and family. The characters are charming, the plot is full of unexpected twists, and the writing is warm and inviting. Summer of the Monkeys is an enjoyable read that will keep readers engaged and entertained. Highly recommended!
- Set in turn-of-the-century rural Mississippi
- Tells the story of Jay Berry Lee and his adventures with a family of monkeys
- Explores themes of family, friendship, understanding, and growth
- A Newbery Honor book
- Written by Wilson Rawls
5. Number the Stars
I recently read the book ‘Number the Stars’ by Lois Lowry and was thoroughly impressed. It follows a young girl, Annemarie, and her family as they struggle to survive during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. The story takes place in Copenhagen in 1943 and is told from the perspective of Annemarie, who is just 10 years old. The plot is unpredictable, emotionally charged, and the characters are engaging and sympathetic. I was pulled in right away and couldn’t put it down. I think this is a great book for all ages and a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful and thought-provoking story.
- Based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Lois Lowry
- Interactive story experience that immerses players in the world of World War II-era Denmark
- Explore beautiful hand-drawn locations and meet memorable characters
- Make meaningful choices that will shape the story
- Help 10-year-old Annemarie rescue her family and friends from the Nazis
- Make choices that will determine her fate and the fate of her loved ones
6. The Secret Lake: A children’s mystery adventure
I recently read “The Secret Lake: A Children’s Mystery Adventure” by Karen Inglis and it was absolutely fantastic! The story follows Tommy and his best friend Tina who uncovered a mysterious lake hidden in an old abandoned park. As they explore the lake, they uncover a decades-old mystery that threatens to unravel their tight-knit community. I loved the suspenseful atmosphere and the unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing. The characters are incredibly endearing, and the setting is so vivid. I think this book is a great read for any age, but I especially recommend it for children who love a good mystery with a bit of adventure. Highly recommended!
- An exciting mystery adventure for children
- A unique story set in a hidden lake
- Action-packed plot with unexpected twists and turns
- Realistic characters and lively dialogue
- Beautifully illustrated, full-color pages
- Educational content incorporated into the story
7. Eleven
7-Eleven is a great place to shop. They have a wide variety of items, from snacks and drinks to health and beauty products. The staff is friendly and helpful and the store is always clean. Prices are reasonable and the store often has special promotions and discounts. Their rewards program is also great for saving money. Overall, 7-Eleven is a great place to shop for convenience.
- 24-hour convenience store
- Wide range of products, including snacks, drinks, health and beauty items, fresh food, and grocery items
- Mobile app for ordering and order pick-up
- Gasoline service
- ATM services
- Online ordering and delivery
- Rewards program
8. Beyond the Bright Sea
Beyond the Bright Sea is a captivating story about a young girl named Crow who is determined to uncover her mysterious past. She lives with her adoptive father on an island off the coast of Massachusetts, and her life is filled with adventure and wonder. Crow struggles with feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and loneliness as she searches for the truth about her parents. With the help of a friendly cast of characters, Crow embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both heart-warming and inspiring. The book is beautifully written with rich descriptions and vivid imagery that bring the island and its inhabitants to life. The characters are vivid and relatable and the story is full of unpredictable twists and turns. Overall, Beyond the Bright Sea is an incredible adventure that is sure to delight readers of all ages.
- Set in a small island off the coast of Massachusetts
- A story of friendship, family, and discovery
- Adventure and suspense
- Beautiful, original illustrations throughout
- Age appropriate for children from 8-12 years old
- A Newbery Honor winning book
- Written by Lauren Wolk
- Published by Penguin Young Readers Group
9. I Survived: Ten Thrilling Books (Boxed Set)
I Survived: Ten Thrilling Books (Boxed Set) was an amazing collection of books to read! The stories were incredibly well-written and kept me engaged throughout. The writing was very descriptive, making it easy to imagine the scenes and settings in my head. The characters were interesting and the plot lines were exciting. I especially enjoyed the plot twists and the surprises that were sprinkled throughout the stories. I would definitely recommend this boxed set to anyone looking for an enthralling read!
- This boxed set includes ten thrilling books: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912; I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916; I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941; I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005; I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906; I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001; I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863; I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011; I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871; and I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980.
- Each book in the set follows a different survivor as they face and overcome a frightening historical event.
- Each book contains interesting facts about the event, maps, and timelines to help readers understand the events.
- The books are written in an engaging and easy to understand way, so even younger readers can understand them.
- This boxed set is perfect for readers who are interested in history and want to learn about some of the most memorable events from American and World history.
10. Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
Ten, Nine: A September 11 Story is an incredibly moving and powerful story about the events of September 11, 2001. It is told from the perspective of four children living through the tragedy. Through their eyes, we get to see the strong sense of community and resilience that rose in the wake of the attacks. The story is emotionally resonant, showing the depth of the tragedy that befell our nation. The story is ultimately uplifting, though, as it shows how our country united to overcome the tragedy. It’s a powerful reminder of what it means to be an American. This story will stay with you long after you finish it.
- A one-hour documentary about the 10th anniversary of 9/11
- Features interviews with survivors, families, first responders and more
- Explores the immediate aftermath of the attacks and the lasting effects on our nation
- Includes archival footage and powerful stories of courage and resilience
- Narrated by Tom Hanks
- Available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats
- Presented in 5.1 surround sound
- Bonus features include deleted scenes, featurettes, and more
- Official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival
- Winner of the 2013 Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary
