Books About Historical Fiction · 2,167 titles considered

The Best Historical Fiction Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about historical fiction? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Historical Fiction

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Refugee

By Alan Gratz

Three children flee their war-torn homes, facing perilous journeys for a chance at refuge and hope.

338 pages· 65,632 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 86,160 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by time and place, yet united by their desperate quests for safety. Josef flees Nazi Germany, Isabel escapes Cuba's turmoil, and Mahmoud braves Syria's chaos. Each faces life-threatening challenges—drownings, bombings, betrayals—on their harrowing journeys. As they seek refuge, their stories intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing the enduring power of hope and survival. Will they find the sanctuary they seek, or will the dangers prove insurmountable? Discover the connections that bind their fates in this gripping tale of courage and resilience.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,590 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 962 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

A Place to Hang the Moon

By Kate Albus

Three siblings seek a forever home amidst wartime chaos and secrets.

320 pages· 62,475 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.6/5 Goodreads · 24,793 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1940, siblings William, Edmund, and Anna are evacuated from London, hoping to find a new family in the countryside. As they navigate foster homes and wartime challenges, they find solace in a village library and its kind librarian, Nora. But with the war's shadow looming and Nora's husband's mysterious absence, can they find the family they long for? Discover a tale of resilience and the search for belonging in a world turned upside down.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1932

Little House in the Big Woods

By Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Little House on the Prairie series

A young girl and her family live in a log cabin in the Big Woods of Wisconsin during the late 19th century.

238 pages· 33,170 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 290,632 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In 1871 Wisconsin, young Laura Ingalls and her family navigate the trials of pioneer life. Amidst harsh winters and self-sufficiency, they find joy in homemade Christmases, spring plantings, and Pa's soothing fiddle. As they prepare for their first trip to town, Laura's story unfolds, capturing the essence of frontier resilience and familial warmth. What adventures and challenges await in the Big Woods?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2020

Echo Mountain

By Lauren Wolk

In the wilderness, Ellie seeks healing secrets to save her comatose father.

368 pages· 78,125 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,438 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: During the Great Depression, Ellie’s family retreats to Echo Mountain after losing everything. When a tragic accident leaves her father in a coma, Ellie is unjustly blamed. Determined to save him, she ventures to find a mysterious healer known as 'the hag.' As Ellie climbs the mountain, she uncovers hidden stories and a chance for redemption. Will she find the cure her father needs, or will the mountain's secrets change her path forever? Discover resilience and self-discovery in this tale of healing and hope.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Story Collector

By Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Story Collector series

A library prank spirals into a quest to uncover a ghost and a missing stamp collection.

272 pages· 39,626 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,139 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Viviani Fedeler, raised in the New York Public Library, suspects it's haunted. A prank to spook new girl Merit Mubarak goes awry, leading Viviani and her friends on a thrilling quest. They must unravel the mystery of a possible ghost and a vanished stamp collection. Can they uncover the truth hidden within the library's walls?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

Newbery Medal (1990)

139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 633,364 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1958

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

By Elizabeth George Speare

A girl faces witchcraft accusations in colonial Connecticut, torn between belonging and truth.

Newbery Medal (1959)

249 pages· 59,817 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 162,039 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In 1687 Connecticut, Kit Tyler, a spirited girl from Barbados, battles suspicion and isolation. Her friendship with the mysterious Hannah, rumored to be a witch, challenges her loyalty and courage. As Kit navigates a world of prejudice, she must decide between following her heart or conforming to societal expectations. Will she find her place in this new world, or will the fear of witchcraft consume her? Discover Kit's journey of self-discovery and resilience in a time of fear and superstition.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

Horton Halfpott

By Tom Angleberger

A loosened corset leads to chaos and a missing heirloom. Who's to blame?

216 pages· 29,684 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,141 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: When M'Lady Luggertuck loosens her corset, chaos ensues at Smugwick Manor. The Luggertuck Lump, a peculiar family heirloom, vanishes, and suspicion falls on Horton Halfpott, the honest kitchen boy. As rules crumble, a colorful cast of characters emerges, each a potential suspect in this whimsical mystery. Can Horton clear his name and uncover the truth behind the Loosening? Dive into a world of absurdity and intrigue where nothing is as it seems, and every twist brings a new surprise.

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Browse by age

Historical Fiction Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about historical fiction for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$1499

Pride and Prejudice

Ages 3–6 · 2017

Discover love and wit in a classic tale with interactive fun.

Sale price

$1099

Leah's Pony

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A girl and her pony face a drought threatening their family farm.

Sale price

$995

War & Peace

Ages 2–5 · 2013

Discover classic tales through simple words and felted scenes.

Sale price

$995

Les Misérables

Ages 0–5 · 2013

Discover classic tales through simple words and felted scenes for young readers.

Sale price

$899

Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs

Ages 0–4 · 1989

Journey back to a world where dinosaurs roamed, from towering giants to spiky beasts.

Sale price

$799

Bambino and Mr. Twain

Ages 5–8 · 2012

Mark Twain's solace vanishes when his daughter's cat disappears. Can he find peace again?

Sale price

$699

The First Thanksgiving

Ages 2–4 · 2010

Discover the first Thanksgiving's secrets in a playful lift-the-flap adventure.

Sale price

$1599

Dave's Rock

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Two cavemen compete to perfect their rocks, leading to an unexpected invention.

Sale price

$1299

Great Expectations

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Discover Pip's journey through family, fortune, and love in a classic tale for young readers.

Sale price

$1199

Persuasion

Ages 0–3 · 2024

Introduce toddlers to Jane Austen's world through colors.

Sale price

$599

Time for School!

Ages 2–5 · 2022

Join American Girl characters on school adventures across history.

Sale price

$795

Happy Birthday!

Ages 2–4 · 2003

Discover the magic of birthday celebrations in joyful rhyme.

View all historical fiction board books

Browse by age

Historical Fiction Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about historical fiction for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$2245

The Bravest Dog Ever

Ages 5–8

A sled dog races through Alaska to deliver life-saving medicine.

Sale price

$799

The Parker Inheritance

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A hidden letter reveals a mystery and a fortune. Can Candice and Brandon solve it before it's lost forever?

Sale price

$1799

We Dream of Space

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Three siblings face personal struggles as the Challenger launch looms, altering their lives forever.

Sale price

$1799

Diana's White House Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A young girl living in the White House during World War II wants to do her part to help with the war effort

Sale price

$1799

The Lady with the Books

2020

In post-war Germany, two children find hope in a hall of books, changing their lives forever.

Sale price

$1799

All Different Now

Ages 5–9 · 2013

A little girl witnesses the first Juneteenth, marking freedom's arrival.

Sale price

$1999

The Clown of God

Ages 4–8 · 1978

A juggler's last performance on Christmas Eve may lead to a miracle.

Sale price

$1699

The Matchbox Diary

Ages 6–10 · 2013

A girl uncovers her great-grandfather's immigration story through matchbox mementos.

Sale price

$1800

The Night of His Birth

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A mother marvels at her newborn, a divine gift to the world.

Sale price

$1799

Big Papa and the Time Machine

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy and his grandpa journey through time to discover the essence of bravery.

Sale price

$1895

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion

Ages 4–6 · 2009

A child's questions reveal a grandfather's wartime memories, blending imagination with somber reflection.

Sale price

$899

The Gardener

Ages 4–7 · 2007

A girl transforms a gray city with her secret rooftop garden.

View all historical fiction picture books

Browse by age

Historical Fiction Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about historical fiction for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$999

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Ages 10–13

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

Sale price

$795

The Count of Monte Cristo

1846

A sailor's quest for revenge after wrongful imprisonment leads to a treasure and a reckoning with fate.

Sale price

$1899

When the World Was Ours

Ages 10–13 · 2021

Three friends torn apart by war seek hope and reunion.

Sale price

$1899

The Fountains of Silence

Ages 12–18 · 2019

In 1957 Madrid, a young photographer uncovers dark secrets beneath a sunny facade, risking everything for truth and love.

Sale price

$1899

Between Shades of Gray

Ages 12–18 · 2011

A girl uses art to survive a Siberian work camp and reunite her family.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Catherine's War

Ages 7–12 · 2012

A young girl hides from the Nazis, capturing her journey through the lens of a camera.

Sale price

$1699

Red, White, and Whole

Ages 9–12 · 2021

An Indian American girl faces her mother's illness, torn between cultural worlds and expectations.

Sale price

$799

Cat Detective

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A royal cat and beetle sidekick hunt a thief in ancient Egypt.

Sale price

$899

Full Cicada Moon

Ages 8–12 · 2015

In 1969, Mimi battles prejudice and dreams of space in a new town.

Sale price

$1499

The Book Thief

Ages 12–18 · 2005

In Nazi Germany, a girl steals books to survive and share hope amidst war.

Sale price

$899

A Night Divided

Ages 9–13 · 2015

A girl risks everything to escape East Berlin and reunite her divided family.

Sale price

$1699

Rebound

Ages 10–12 · 2018

A summer with grandparents changes young Charlie's life through basketball and family secrets.

View all historical fiction chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about family life Books about immigration and emigration Books about prejudice and racism Books about refugees Books about solving crimes Books about survival stories Books about World War II Books about accidents

Our 10 Favorite Books About Historical Fiction

Great books, picked for their age.

Historical Fiction Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Historical Fiction Picture Books

Historical Fiction Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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