Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
Finding historical fiction books for middle school aged children can be a little more challenging than you think. Kids ages 10-13 are too old for most picture books and early reader books, but too young to read adult historical fiction books.
Jackie and I love historical fiction and made it a mission to find excellent historical fiction books for middle school aged kids. These are all books that our kids have also read and loved. Some of the best books I’ve read recently are middle grade books- historical fiction, but also fantasy books for tweens and mystery books for tweens.
Well written books for middle school aged kids are books that can be enjoyed by any age. The stories are emotional and well-plotted. The biggest difference between these books and adults books is the age of the characters. Don’t be afraid to embrace these books as an adult, even if you don’t know any middle school aged kids! And if you do have kids, these books are perfect to read together as a family and maybe start a family book club.
The Best Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Historical Fiction Book for Middle School
Not Nothing by Gayle Forman – Jump to Section
Best Historical Mystery Book for Middle School
Enola Homes by Nancy Springer – Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Book for Middle School About War
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley- Jump to Section
Best Fantasy Historical Fiction Book
The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz- Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction Book for Older Kids
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak- Jump to Section
Best Classic Historical Fiction Book for Middle School
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Historical Fiction books for Middle Grade
Plot
Alex is a twelve-year-old boy who did something very, very bad. When the judge sentences him to community service at a retirement home, he expects the worst. With Maya-Jade – the only other person his age who works there – hovering over his shoulder at all times, he fears that his secret will be revealed.
Alex eventually meets Josey who is a 107-year-old man who lived through the holocaust and hasn’t talked in many years. Josey entrusts his story to Alex, one of sadness, love, and death soon they form a close bond. But, secrets can’t be kept forever, and to do good, Alex has to confront what he has done.
Trigger Warnings
War, Antisemitism, Genocide
Why Jackie loves it
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s amazingly well-written, and one of the few books I have read to have made me cry.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Books about the Holocaust / Giftable Books / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Year: 2007
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Caldecott Medal Winner
Plot
This middle grade mystery is an amazing story of Hugo Cabret, an orphan in the Paris train station where he winds the clocks so that nobody will discover his secrets. Soon he discovers a drawing and a notebook that will lead him to the biggest adventure of his life.
Trigger Warnings
Grief, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Don’t let the length of this mystery book for kids deter you. Even though it’s long, there are gorgeous illustrations on every other page and the writing is only a paragraph at a time.
Find this book in: Best Books for 10-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Mystery Books for Tweens / Long Books
Stella and the Starlight
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
This historical fiction novel for 11-year-olds takes place during the Depression era. Stella lives in Bumblebee, North Carolina, in the segregated South, where the Klan still exists.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Hate Crimes
Why Jackie loves it
The book touches upon so many important concepts like the Depression, voting rights, racism, family, and finding your inner strength. This middle grade fiction has a realistic ending, not a happy one and that left my daughter begging to read more.
Find this book in: Realistic Fiction / Books for 12-year-olds / Middle Grade Fiction
My Side of the Mountain
Author: Jean Craighead George
Year: 1959
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Book, My Side of the Mountain #1
Plot
This story about a 12-year-old boy who ran away to live in the wilderness spoke to me during a time when I needed to imagine an escape. The thought of someone living off the land being able to survive and thrive captured my imagination. The sketches and notes about how he fashioned himself a home in a tree and a suit of deerskin only added to the allure of this story.
Why Kirsten loves it
Welcome to my favorite book of my childhood. It’s not one that anyone who knows me would pick as one of my favorite books, but maybe that’s why it’s so dear to my heart. It’s the first book in a trilogy, and while the other two are great, this book is forever my favorite of the bunch.
Find this book in: Best Books for 10-year-olds / Kirsten’s Favorite Books
Historical Mystery Books for Middle School
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess
Author: Nancy Springer
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Enola Holmes #1
Plot
Now a hit Netflix movie, Enola Holmes has taken the world by storm. She is the youngest Holmes child and she’s trying to come into her own as a detective in Victorian England. In this debut mystery book for kids, Enlola steps out of her brother’s shadow and solves some mysteries of her own.
Why Jackie loves it
If your children have watched the movie adaptations of this series, they must read the original source material! The movies are great but the book is so much better!
Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Sherlock Holmes Fiction Retellings / Mystery Books for Kids
The Night Raven
Author: Johan Rundberg
Year: 2023
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: The Moonwood Mysteries #1
Plot
In this tween book, a girl from an orphanage notices details that others can’t see. Soon, she’s called in to help a police officer solve a murder. Could the night raven serial killer still be on the loose?
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Child abuse, Death
Why Jackie loves it
This was a great historical mystery for fans of Sherlock Holmes. While the mystery was solved in this story, it looks like it will be the first in a new series. I can’t wait to revisit Mika and her friends.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Books for 12-year-olds
The Parker Inheritance
Author: Varian Johnson
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Coretta Scott King Author Honor Winner
Plot
Two new friends, both overcoming personal struggles, end up on a hunt to find a hidden fortune in the town of Lambert, South Carolina. Along the way, they encounter the racist past of the city and learn how the deep-rooted racism impacted Lambert long-term.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
The Parker Inheritance was such a fun listen! It reminded me of The Westing Game, which it references frequently and was clearly a source of inspiration in the best way. I loved the modern twist and more thought-provoking spin on the classic puzzle mystery book. It’s a must-listen and one of my favorite audiobooks for tweens!
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Historical Fiction Books for Tweens About War
The War That Saved My Life
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 9+
More info: The War That Saved My Life #1, Newbery Honor Book, Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Plot
Ada is a 10-year-old girl who lives in a one-room world gazing at the world from one window. She was born with a club foot and teaches herself to walk in secret. When the children who lived in London were evacuated to the country at the start of WW2, Ada escapes her abusive mother and leaves London with her little brother.
Ada thrives in the countryside on Susan’s farm and watching her grow is a pleasure. As Susan bonds with Ada and her brother, she starts to wonder what will happen when she returns to London.
Trigger Warnings
War, Child Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I read this realistic fiction book in a few hours and immediately ordered the sequel The War I Finally Won. It is a story of love and survival in the face of overwhelming obstacles that is emotionally crafted and brilliantly written.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Newbery Award Winners
The Bletchley Riddle
Author: Ruth Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10+
Plot
In 1940, Jakob and his sister Lizzie have always loved riddles and puzzles. Now, after becoming orphaned during the Nazi invasion of Poland, they live at Bletchley Park for the start of WWII. There, Jakob is working to crack the Nazi code while Lizzie is trying to find their missing mother, who she believes didn’t die in Poland.
As the siblings struggle to adjust to their new surroundings and the many secrets they need to keep, they also need to learn to trust one another and fix their broken bond. Along the way, an interesting cast of characters help them solve the puzzle of their missing mom.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could see this turning into a series of stories because the story has a somewhat open-ended conclusion. I really enjoyed this story with precocious Lizzie being one of my favorite characters of Sepetys’ to date. I’d love to see more of this dynamic duo and their quirky group of friends at Bletchley!
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Giftable Books / Best New Children’s Books of 2024 / Books for 12-year-olds
Refugee
Author: Alan Gratz
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10+
More info: New York Times Bestsellers
Plot
Three tales in one, this realistic fiction story is told in alternating chapters by three narrators.  The stories feature Josef, a Jewish refugee fleeing WWII Germany, Isabel a Cuban girl on her way to Miami in 1994, and Mahmoud a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in Germany in 2015. The chapters rotate between the three characters and their stories do connect at the end in a meaningful and moving way.
Trigger Warnings
War, Child Death
Why Kirsten loves it
The characters are all about 13 years old but shoulder burdens that would be hard for an adult to handle. Gratz accurately portrays each child’s struggle with both grace and clarity – not shying away from difficult emotions and even death.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Realistic Fiction Books for Kids / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Audiobooks of All Time / Best Books of 2017 / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / WWII Books for KidsÂ
Winnie’s Great War
Author: Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
This book is based on the real story of the world’s most famous bear, Winnie the Pooh. From his beginnings in the forests of Canada to the London Zoo where he met the real Christopher Robin, this book mixes one part imagination and one part history to create Winnie’s first big adventure.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s the perfect chapter book for older readers, particularly those who love the Caldecott medal winner, Finding Winnie.
Find this book in: Animal Books / Books for 9-year-olds
Fantasy Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog
Author: Adam Gidwitz
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: A New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Honor Book
Plot
In 13th century France, three children set out on a quest with their dog. Each of the children and the dog have a magical gift. Together, they survive a kidnapping, help defeat a dragon, and save the kingdom. Come read the tale of these unlikely friends – I promise, you won’t be able to put it down!
Why Jackie loves it
All of my kids have read this book and they all loved it- devoured it in a day. Somehow this book can combine historical characters and mythical tales of the 13th century with morals and lessons that are completely relevant today.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Dragon Books for Tweens / Newbery Award Winners
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
More info: Miss Peregruine’s Peculiar Children book 1 of 6
Age Range: 9+
Plot
When Jacob experiences a family tragedy, he finds himself on a remote island off the coast of Whales. He Discovers a crumbling ruin that was once Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
As Jacob explores the ruins, he finds clues that lead him to believe these children might be alive even though it seems impossible.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is full of magic and mystery. The amazing combination of fiction with antique photographs leads to a truly unique story that brings the characters to life.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy / Halloween Chapter Books / Time Loop Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds
Echo
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller, Children’s Literature Legacy Award Winner
Plot
The story is three tales woven together in one with a magical harmonica at the center. The story follows a harmonica as it lands in the hands of Freidrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California.
Part fairy tale and part historical fiction, this is one story that is amazing for middle grade and adults alike. Each child has their own adventure but the end brings the three stories together in a beautiful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Antisemitism
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often that I find myself contemplating a middle grade story long after I have finished it, but I have thought of this one many times in the years since I read it. My children loved it just as much as I did when we listened to it during a road trip.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this feel-good book and it blew me away. The full-cast audiobook plays music so it is a full sensory experience. In our opinion, this story is best in audiobook format.
Find this book in: World War II Books for Kids / Books for 11-Year-Olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Novels About Music / Newbery Award Winners / Best Middle Grade Fiction / Family Audiobooks
Historical Fiction Books for Older Middle School Students
Plot
This magical realism book is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany in 1939. Liesel is living with her foster parents and learning to read from stolen books. She also shares these books with the Jewish man who is hiding in her basement.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a brilliant, powerful, poignant, and unforgettable look at Nazi Germany. It’s becoming part of many school curricula for good reason. I’ve never read a story that encapsulates life for ordinary children during this harrowing time in history.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / YA Historical Fiction Books / Books about the Holocaust / Coming-of-age Books for Teens
The Black Kids
Author: Christina Hammonds Reed
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This book is set in 1992, in LA, during the Rodney King riots. Ashley is an affluent black girl at a private school, who is forced to reckon with what her blackness means to herself, her friends, and her family.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Police Brutality
Why Kirsten loves it
To compare this book to The Hate U Give is doing it a disservice. The similarities exist in all the best ways, but I don’t want people to think they can read one or the other. This is a raw, authentic look at a very dark time in American history.
Find this book in: Black History Books / YA Historical Fiction / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fun Books for Teens
My Lady Jane
Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Year: 2016
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
More info: The Lady Janies #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
I listened to this young adult historical fiction book and it was such a unique twist on the historical tale of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 Days Queen. Instead of Catholics and Protestants, this book gave us people who could transform into animals and those who could not. It was ridiculous but funny and the authors cleverly wove in historical details and sayings attributing them to the characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
Ok, this story barely resembles the history it was inspired by, but it’s absolutely hysterical and incredibly fun! Part of the fun is knowing the history and spotting what was made different in the story, but an added element was the incredible voices done by the audiobook narrator. Make sure you read this before watching the adaptation!
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / YA Historical Fiction / Best Historical Fiction / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Best YA Romance Books
Classic Historical Fiction Books for Middle School Students
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne completely transfixed. I was so enamored, that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title / Fun Books for Teens / Classic Novels / Best Middle Grade Fiction
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Year: 1960
Genre: Classic Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 12+
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Plot
This coming-of-age novel is about Scout, a young girl whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer in her Southern town. As she grows, she realizes the prejudices within her town – culminating in her watching a trial as her father defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
This book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was also made into an Academy Award-winning movie. I still remember learning about this book in seventh-grade English. It’s a powerful novel everyone should read.
Why Jackie loves it
I cannot count the number of times I have read this book. It is a coming-of-age book that was ahead of its time and is even more relevant today.
Find this book in: Coming of Age Books for Teens / Realistic Fiction / Thought-Provoking Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
The House on Mango Street
Author: Sandra Cisneros
Year: 1984
Genre: YA Fiction
Age: 13+
More info: March 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Plot
This classic kid’s book is about a Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Widely studied (and banned) across the country, Esperanza Cordero’s coming-of-age story defines a generation.
Within its pages, Esperanza is struggling against stereotypes and the expectations of growing up on Mango Street. While she fights to leave her neighborhood behind, she realizes that she can’t outrun the impact the neighborhood had on shaping her.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Kirsten loves it
While Jenna recently picked the 25th-anniversary edition for her book club, I have loved this story since I read it in middle school. The way Cisneros writes paints the most vivid picture in my mind.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Read with Jenna / Books with Food in the Title / Best Read With Jenna Books / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2024
Expert Tip
Do you need help picking a historical fiction book? Here are some tips
- Have a look at the book descriptions and choose one that appeals to you. You cannot go wrong with any pick.
- Jackie recommends: Not Nothing, The War That Saved My Life, or Anne of Green Gables
- I (Kirsten) recommend: Refugee, The Book Thief, or My Lady Jane
- Our kids recommend: The Inquisitor’s Tale, or Echo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a historical book for middle school?
Middle school is typically sixth through ninth grade, but some middle schools start as early as fifth grade. These are historical fiction books for kids ages 10-14. There is a book on this list set in the 1980s. If you can believe it, that is considered a historical fiction!
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Epilogue
What is your favorite historical Fiction book for middle school
