Well, 'Catherine, Called Birdy' by Karen Cushman is a wonderful 5th grade historical fiction book. It gives a glimpse into the life of a girl in medieval England. 'The Midwife's Apprentice' by Karen Cushman is also great. It shows the life of a poor girl in the Middle Ages who becomes a midwife's apprentice. And don't forget 'Bud, Not Buddy' by Christopher Paul Curtis. It's set during the Great Depression and follows an orphan's search for his father.
For 11th - 12th grade historical fiction, 'All the Light We Cannot See' is an excellent choice. It tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a unique take on the Underground Railroad in the antebellum South. It combines historical facts with elements of magical realism. And 'The Kite Runner' gives insights into Afghan history and culture through a powerful story of friendship and betrayal.
One characteristic is complex characters. In these books, characters often face moral dilemmas related to the historical context. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Atticus Finch has to deal with the racial prejudice in the South while trying to uphold justice. Another characteristic is detailed historical settings. In 'The Book Thief', the description of Nazi - occupied Germany is vivid. It makes the readers feel like they are there.
One characteristic is that they often have relatable young protagonists. For example, in 'Number the Stars', the main character is a girl around that age group. They also simplify complex historical events. So in 'The Sign of the Beaver', it makes the relationship between settlers and Native Americans understandable for young readers. Another aspect is that they usually have engaging storylines to keep kids interested, like in 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' where the family's struggles are told in a captivating way.
Some great 7th - grade historical fiction books include 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It presents a dystopian society which makes students think about the importance of memories and individuality. Another one is 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor, which shows the harsh realities of African - American life in the South during the Great Depression.
You can't go wrong with 'A Long Walk to Water' by Linda Sue Park. It tells two stories, one set in the 1980s during the Sudanese civil war and another in modern - day Sudan. It's a very moving and educational read. Another good one is 'The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' by John Boyne. It gives a unique perspective on the Holocaust from the point of view of a young German boy.
A third option could be 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor. It's about a black family in Mississippi in the 1930s. It shows the hardships they face due to racism and poverty. The characters are well - developed, and it really makes you understand what life was like for African - Americans during that time.
9th grade historical fiction books often have complex characters. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Scout is a complex character who grows and learns about the world around her. They also deal with important historical events. Like 'The Book Thief' which shows the horror of World War II. And they usually have a strong narrative voice to draw the reader in.
7th grade historical fiction books often have relatable young protagonists. For example, in 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963', the main character is a boy from a family, and readers can easily identify with his experiences. They also tend to focus on important historical events like wars or social movements. These books usually have a good balance between historical facts and fictional elements to make the story engaging.
These books typically aim to educate as well as entertain. They might include detailed descriptions of the time period. For instance, 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' gives a lot of details about life in the South during the Great Depression, from the racial discrimination to the economic hardships. Also, they often have themes that are relevant to the age group, like growing up and finding one's identity within a historical context.
Some popular 5th grade historical fiction books include 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. It tells a story set during the Holocaust. Another one is 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' by Christopher Paul Curtis which is about an African - American family's experiences during a significant time in American history.