Historical fiction books can offer a unique view of the past, allowing readers to explore different time periods and cultures through interesting and often thrilling stories. Middle school readers can learn a great deal while being entertained by these books, and there are plenty of great titles to choose from. From classic stories to modern favorites, here are some of the best historical fiction books for middle school students.
Best Historical Fiction Books For Middle School
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition: A Man, a Dog, and Their Incredible True Story of Friendship and Survival in World War II
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
The Book Thief
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Eleven
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
The Year of Miss Agnes (Aladdin Historical Fiction)
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Indian No More
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War (Sagebrush Publishing)
|
7. 2
|
1. No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition: A Man, a Dog, and Their Incredible True Story of Friendship and Survival in World War II
No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition: A Man, a Dog, and Their Incredible True Story of Friendship and Survival in World War II is an extraordinary tale of friendship and courage in the midst of war. The story follows Stanley and Rags, an unlikely pair of friends who team up to survive during the war. Stanley is a brave British soldier, and Rags is a brave and loyal German Shepherd. Together, they face the perils of the battlefield and discover a bond that will last a lifetime. The book is beautifully written and captures the courage and loyalty of this amazing friendship. The story is inspiring, and the illustrations are vivid and captivating. This is a must-read for young readers, as it teaches them valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Highly recommended!
- Explores the inspiring true story of a man and his dog’s friendship and survival during World War II.
- Written in an accessible style that makes it perfect for a young audience.
- Features exclusive photos and illustrations that bring the story to life.
- Highlights an uplifting tale of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Includes an afterword about animal rescue during wartime.
2. The Book Thief
The Book Thief is an inspiring novel written by Markus Zusak. The story follows the journey of its protagonist, nine year old Liesel Meminger, who is sent to live with foster parents in Molching, Germany during the time of World War II. The narrative is narrated by Death, who paints a vivid and heart-wrenching picture of the Holocaust and its devastating impact on the people of Germany. Liesel is a brave and determined character who faces the challenges of life during the war with resilience, courage and kindness. The novel is beautifully written and Zusak’s use of symbolism and imagery helps to bring the story to life. The Book Thief is a powerful and moving novel that will leave readers with a deep appreciation for life and a newfound respect for those who suffered during the Holocaust. Highly recommended.
- A novel by Markus Zusak, set in Nazi Germany
- The story follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger and her foster family as they struggle with life in a war-torn country
- Captivating storytelling and unique narrative style
- Explores themes of love and morality, death, and the power of words
- Nominated for numerous awards, including the Premier’s Literary Award and the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award
- Ranked number one on the New York Times Bestseller list
3. Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive
Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive is a powerful and inspiring book. It follows the life of the real-life Olympian Louis Zamperini, who went from a young boy running away from his troubled home, to an Airman during World War II, to a castaway lost at sea, to a prisoner of war in Japan. His story is full of courage, resilience, and faith. The way the author tells the story is captivating, and he brings out the humanity, bravery, and perseverance of Louis Zamperini. The book is well-written and the reader is able to experience the journey that Zamperini goes through in a very vivid way. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the stories of heroes and their inspiring journeys. It is a great read for young adults and adults alike, as it showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith. Highly recommend it!
, some emphasis
Features of Unbroken (The Young Adult Adaptation): An Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive:
- True story: Unbroken is based on the true story of Louis Zamperini, a World War II veteran and Olympic athlete who survived a plane crash and 47 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean.
- Adapted for young adults: The Young Adult Adaptation of Unbroken is an accessible version of the New York Times bestselling biography of Louis Zamperini, adapted for a younger audience.
- Inspiring narrative: Unbroken offers an inspiring narrative about survival in the face of adversity, highlighting the remarkable strength of the human spirit.
- Illustrated: The book is illustrated with historical photographs, maps, and illustrations to bring the story of Louis Zamperini to life.
4. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is an incredibly powerful, emotional, and moving book about two nine-year-old boys, Bruno and Shmuel, who become friends in spite of their circumstances during WWII. Despite the fact that Bruno is from a wealthy family and lives in a luxurious home, and Shmuel is a Jewish prisoner in a concentration camp, the boys are able to form a bond due to their shared youth and innocence. The book is narrated from the perspective of Bruno, and the innocence of his voice creates a heartbreaking juxtaposition against the horrors of the camp. Through Bruno’s eyes, we see the tragedy of the Holocaust and the profound effects it had on those who experienced it. This is a powerful story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Highly recommended.
- Based on the 2006 novel of the same name by John Boyne
- Directed by Mark Herman and starring Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon
- Set during World War II, the story follows the forbidden friendship of 8-year-old Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish inmate in a concentration camp
- Explores the innocence of youth and the dangers of prejudice and bigotry
- Features an Academy Award-nominated soundtrack
5. Eleven
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Eleven, and it was an amazing experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was perfect, as it had a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. The food was delicious, with a variety of options to choose from. The wait staff was friendly and helpful, ensuring a great experience for all. The prices were also quite reasonable, making it a great value for the quality of food and the wonderful atmosphere. Overall, I would highly recommend Eleven to anyone looking for a great dining experience in a casual atmosphere.
1. 11 USB ports – allows for simultaneous connection of multiple devices for efficient data transfer.
2. Surge protection – protects your devices from power spikes and surges.
3. Overload protection – prevents damage to your devices due to over-current or over-voltage.
4. Compatible with virtually any USB device – connects to smartphones, tablets, printers, scanners, digital cameras and more.
5. LED indication – the green LED indicates surge protection while the red LED indicates overload protection.
6. An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story
An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo is an inspiring story based on true events. It tells the story of a young German girl, Lizzie, who lives through World War II with her family in Dresden. When the city is destroyed by bombing, Lizzie and her mother take in an elephant from the local zoo, to keep it safe from the fighting.
The story is told from Lizzie’s point of view and the reader is taken through her journey of fear, hope and courage. The story is well-written and keeps the reader engaged with its exciting twists and turns. The characters are developed throughout and the author does a great job of making the reader connect with them on a personal level.
An Elephant in the Garden is a wonderful story of friendship, family and strength in the face of adversity. It is a perfect read for anyone who loves historical fiction and wishes to be inspired by a true story. Highly recommended!
- Based on a true story
- Explores the relationship between an elephant and a family
- Unique and imaginative illustrations
- Engaging narrative aimed at young readers
- Explores themes of family, friendship, and courage
- Hardcover binding with beautiful dust jacket
7. Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
Seven, Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story is a powerful and poignant novel about the events leading up to and following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Written by Nora Raleigh Baskin, the novel follows three middle school children, each of whom are affected by the tragedy in different ways. The characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the writing is powerful and heartfelt.
This novel is an excellent choice for children and young adults who want to learn more about the events of September 11 in an age-appropriate way. Baskin does an excellent job of weaving together the stories of the three protagonists and conveying the various emotions related to the tragedy without being too heavy-handed. The characters are relatable and the story is well-paced and highly engaging.
Overall, Seven, Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story is an excellent and moving novel about the September 11 attacks and the lasting impact they had on the lives of so many. It is a powerful and important book that will stay with readers long after they have finished it. Highly recommended.
- A documentary about the events of September 11, 2001 and its aftermath
- Feature interviews with survivors, first responders, families of victims, and others impacted by the tragedy
- Exploration of the historical, political, and cultural context of the attacks
- A look at how the events of 9/11 changed America and the world
- An examination of how the US government responded to 9/11
- Analysis of the legacy of 9/11 and its consequences
- Discussion of the resilience of the American people in the face of tragedy
- Insights from leading experts on terrorism and security
- Insightful commentary from those who lived through the attacks
8. The Year of Miss Agnes (Aladdin Historical Fiction)
The Year of Miss Agnes is a charming historical fiction novel by Kirkpatrick Hill. Set in Alaska in the 1940s, this heartwarming story follows the adventures of a young Native Alaskan girl, Frances, and her teacher, Miss Agnes. The book is narrated by Frances, who looks back on the year she spent under Miss Agnes’s tutelage and reflects on the lessons she learned about life and friendship. Throughout the story, Frances grows and learns more about herself and the world around her.
The Year of Miss Agnes is a captivating read, with vivid and detailed descriptions of the Alaskan landscape and the unique characters Frances meets along her journey. Hill’s writing is both humorous and moving, and she captures the joy of discovering something new and the feelings of love and friendship. The Year of Miss Agnes is a warm and delightful novel that readers of all ages can appreciate. Highly recommended!
- Based on the true story of Miss Agnes, a headmistress in the early 20th century
- Focused on the significant social changes in the early 20th century
- Explores themes such as gender roles, education and suffrage
- Inspiring and heartwarming tale of one womans determination in the face of adversity
- Richly detailed, historically accurate setting and characters
- A unique blend of fiction, non-fiction and historical fact
- Beautifully illustrated with evocative watercolor paintings
- Ideal for ages 8-11
9. Indian No More
…
Indian No More is a powerful and heartbreaking novel about the struggles of Native Americans in the United States. It follows Regina, a young girl who is forced to leave her home in Oregon when the government passes the Termination Act, leaving her family and community with no rights or resources. This book is incredibly powerful and thought-provoking, and it sheds light on a part of our history that often goes unnoticed. I highly recommend Indian No More to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Native American experience. It is an important and powerful testament to the resilience and strength of indigenous people in the United States.
- Written by Native-American author Charles Eastman
- Explores the history and experience of American Indian people
- Provides insight into the Native American experience
- Explores the balance between Native American and European American cultures
- Reflects on the struggles of Native Americans to retain their identity in a modern world
- Discusses the impact of Christianity and government policies on Native American communities
- Examines the impact of social reform movements on Native American life
- Explores the meaning of Native American identity in the modern world
- Illustrated with photos and artwork from the early twentieth century
10. Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War (Sagebrush Publishing)
10. Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War (Sagebrush Publishing) is a great book for younger readers interested in learning about the Revolutionary War. It tells the story of Susanna, a courageous teenage girl who rides her horse across the countryside to warn the American soldiers of the British attackers. The story is incredibly inspiring and shows the power of one person to make a difference. The narrative is full of suspense and action, as we follow Susanna on her daring mission. The book also provides insight into the history and culture of the Revolutionary War era, making it an informative and educational read. All in all, this is a great book for children who want to learn about the Revolutionary War and will inspire them to be brave and courageous. Highly recommended!
- Tells the story of Susanna, a young girl who won the Revolutionary War
- Written in an engaging and easy-to-read style
- Highlights the courage, bravery and determination of those that fought in the Revolutionary War
- Includes detailed illustrations of the characters and places in the story
- Teaches readers about the history of the Revolutionary War
- Provides an inspiring story for young readers
- Ages 8 and above
- Published by Sagebrush Publishing
- Available in paperback and Kindle formats
- Contains bonus activities for readers
