Must Read Historical Fiction: What Are Some Great Titles?

Some popular historical fiction books include 'The Kite Runner' which takes place in Afghanistan and shows the country's history through the eyes of a young boy. 'I, Claudius' is another one that dives into the history of the Roman Empire. It gives a detailed look at the lives of the Roman emperors. 'The Name of the Rose' is set in a medieval Italian monastery and is full of mystery and historical detail.

Definitely 'Romeo and Juliet' by Shakespeare. Although it's a tragedy, it's also a great historical romance. Set in Verona, Italy, it shows the intense and doomed love between the two young lovers. 'The Duchess War' by Courtney Milan is also a great historical romance. It has a great story set in the Victorian era, with strong characters and a captivating love story. 'A Knight in Shining Armor' by Jude Deveraux is another popular one, with a time - travel aspect that takes the reader to different historical periods in the name of love.

I would recommend 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. This novel tells the passionate and often tragic love story between Heathcliff and Catherine. It's set in the Yorkshire moors in the 19th century. The wild and desolate landscape serves as a perfect backdrop for their intense and unruly love. Also, 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon is a popular choice. It combines time - travel and historical romance, with the story of Claire Randall who travels back in time to 18th - century Scotland and falls in love with Jamie Fraser.

One of the top must - read medieval historical fictions is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a richly detailed setting. Another great one is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. It takes place during the time of Richard the Lionheart and features knights, tournaments, and political intrigue. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also highly regarded. It combines a murder mystery with the atmosphere of a 14th - century Italian abbey.

One of the great ones is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts life in 12th - century England, from the building of a cathedral to the power struggles among the nobility and the common folk. Another is 'I, Claudius' which gives a fascinating look into the Roman Empire during a time that was still very much influenced by medieval - like power structures and values. And 'A Knight's Tale' is also a wonderful read, full of adventure and a great portrayal of knightly life in the Middle Ages.

One must - read young adult fiction book is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a dystopian world where teens are forced to fight to the death in an arena. Another is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling. It follows the magical adventures of Harry and his friends at Hogwarts. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, though not strictly young adult, is also highly recommended as it deals with important themes like racism through the eyes of a young girl.

I really like 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. Although it's more modern history, it's set in Afghanistan and shows the country's transformation over time. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a great historical mystery set in a medieval monastery. And 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett gives an eye - opening view of the racial situation in 1960s Mississippi.

I also recommend 'The Gilded Wolves' by Roshani Chokshi. It's set in a richly detailed historical Paris and has a diverse cast of characters. The plot involves a heist and a lot of political intrigue, all while exploring the social hierarchies and cultures of the time.

I'd recommend 'Johnny Tremain'. It's set in the time leading up to the American Revolution and follows the journey of a young apprentice. 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' is also excellent. It's about a young girl in Puritan New England and her interactions with the local community during a time of religious strictness. These historical fictions are great for middle school students as they combine interesting stories with important historical contexts.

One great title is 'The Little House on the Prairie' series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It gives a vivid picture of pioneer life in the 19th and early 20th century United States. Another is 'Johnny Tremain' which is set during the American Revolution, showing the political and social upheaval of that time. 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' is also a notable one, dealing with racial issues in the South during the 1930s.