10 Reviews: Best Historical Fiction for Middle School (Apr 2024)

Li Jing, a young girl twelve years old, lives in China during the Middle Ages. Her father is a poor tea planter. As a result of an especially poor crop, her family is forced to sell her off as a bride in order to ensure their continued survival. Li Jing manages to escape with the assistance of a spider and a nightingale after she is subjected to cruel treatment by her new family and then sold into an even more deplorable circumstance.

"I loved so many things about this book. The characters were interesting and addictive, the cultural information was fascinating and the magic was intriguing and seamlessly woven into the story. ..."

by Kimberly Sabatini

Many people are familiar with the story of Moses, a Jewish kid who was born into slavery and later adopted by an Egyptian princess. Almah’s voyage is unfamiliar to him. As Almah makes sacrifice after sacrifice to keep her newborn brother safe, she grows closer to the Egyptian gods than she does to the Hebrew ones. Ancient Egypt comes to life in this middle-grade tale, which is told from two different perspectives.

"Great book! I used for my M.S. English class. The kids loved. It's easy to read and understand. Great historical fiction."

by Holajac

The process by which enslaved children learn to suppress their thoughts and inquiries is alluded to in the title of this story. Summer, an eleven-year-old girl, has a lot of concerns about everything from her father’s identity to why her mother is often so down. Roscoe, her older brother, is hiding his own set of doubts and concerns. In the midst of the American Civil War, both of these siblings are steadfast in their quest to better their lives.

"Interesting, page-turning novel about the lives of a slave family at the brink of the civil war. Fascinating detail of emotions and anxieties experienced by those seeking freedom."

by Satisfied Mom

The story takes place against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War. Nathan, a young boy of fourteen, collaborates with his elder cousin David Bushnell to design and build the first submarine. But if Nathan truly wants to assist his people in winning their independence, he will have to get over his fear of water and look into his suspicions that some of his neighbors are spies for the Tory government.

"This historical fiction story details the events of the making of the first submarine ever used in battle! I highly recommend this book for 5th graders, learning about this time period. But if you love learning about history, you’ll enjoy this story."

by JC

For the noticeable scar on her face, Micay, 12, is despised by the other residents of an Incan community in the fifteenth century. She gains confidence, though, when a stranger presents her with a newborn Macaw to take care of. On her way to becoming a shaman in Machu Picchu’s Sun City, she is inspired by her new sense of self-worth and sets out to help alleviate the terrible drought there.

"Great book for teens to read who have experienced trauma or suffer from an imperfection. With all the bullying now days it may help them get thepugh"

by Cindy

Louise Erdrich’s writings about Omakayas, a seven-year-old Ojibwa girl, stand in stark contrast to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books about pioneering life. Only Omakayas, who survived a smallpox pandemic on her island, was reared by the Madeline Island Ojibwa people. From tanning, moose hides to encountering bear cubs, Omakayas and her adoptive family experience the daily life of the four seasons.

"My daughter loved this book. As a native American it helps her learn about our culture."

by Kittenchu

As a small child, Anaxandra is removed from her house and placed with Princess Callisto, the daughter of King Nicander, in order to act as her companion during the events leading up to the Trojan War. However, Anaxandra pretends to be the princess and is taken in by Menelaus, the king of Sparta, and his wife, the lovely Helen, when her new island is attacked by pirates and she is the sole survivor.

"My 10 year old daughter had to read for English class on green subject matter. I read it also and we both loved it!"

by dstar

Three pilgrims meet in 1241 France and begin to recount the intertwining stories of three youngsters on a quest with their holy greyhound in a novel reminiscent of The Canterbury Tales. As a monk, William is on a mission. Jewish boy Jacob is fleeing persecution. When it comes to Jeanne, she has to keep her prophetic visions a secret. They will work together to rescue a sacred book from being destroyed.

"I got this for my 12-year old to read with a friend. They both loved it and could not put it down. Now it's being re-read multiple times."

by Jessica G.

Knights attack Drest’s father’s castle in Medieval Scotland, changing her life forever. They have her entire family in their sights. It’s just Drest that’s left when they’re done. But now it’s up to Drest to defend her family, which includes her famed warrior father and her five older brothers. When she befriends a wounded invader and hears of the atrocities her brothers did, her loyalty is tested.

"Good book with lots of action. I will use it with my 6th grade students. I think even my non-readers will enjoy the action and fast pace of the story."

by Kathleen Moseley

This historical fiction is taking set in Abraham Lincoln’s presidential period. When Abraham Lincoln is arrested, Callie Wilcomb, a 12-year-old slave, is present with her family. Because of Virginia’s contraband statute, her family will not be returned to their masters if they successfully leave the union and make it to Fort Monroe. Even though Callie has been rescued from slavery, she still has to deal with hardships and the lasting pain from her time in captivity.

"I chose this rating because of it's unique way it's written. I like how they had different people telling the story each in there own way."

by Marc Thibault