A great beginner - friendly historical fiction is 'I, Claudius'. It offers a fascinating look into the early Roman Empire. The political intrigue and the complex characters, like Claudius himself, are really interesting to read about.
One of the best historical fictions is 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War. The story of Scarlett O'Hara is both captivating and complex, showing the struggle and changes of that era.
A good starting point could be 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. It's set during the American Revolution and is easy to understand. Another one is 'The Sign of the Beaver' which gives a good look at the relationship between a white boy and Native Americans in colonial times.
For beginners, 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a great start. It's easy to understand and very engaging. It gives a clear picture of the horror of war. Another good one could be 'The Reader'. It has a relatively straightforward narrative and explores important historical and moral issues in post - war Germany.
A good starting point could be 'Captain Blood' as it has a straightforward story of a man's transformation into a pirate. It has all the action and adventure you'd expect from a pirate story. 'On Stranger Tides' is also accessible for beginners. It has an interesting mix of historical elements and fictional magic that makes it a captivating read.
If you're just starting with historical fiction, 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' is a good pick. It's about an African - American family in the South during the Great Depression. The story is well - told and helps new readers get into the genre. 'The Bronze Bow' is also a great beginner's historical fiction novel. It's set in the time of Jesus and shows the life and struggles of the people back then. 'Little House on the Prairie' series is also very beginner - friendly as it tells the story of a pioneer family in the American Midwest.
For beginners, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a great choice. It's easy to follow and the language, while of its time, is not overly difficult. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is very engaging. Another good one is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It gives a sense of the American Civil War in a way that's accessible to new readers of historical fiction.
For beginners, 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini is a good start. It gives a view into Afghan history and culture. The story of friendship and betrayal is easy to follow.
For beginners, 'The Thieves of Ostia' by Caroline Lawrence is a great choice. It's a children's book but it gives a really accessible introduction to Roman life. It has engaging characters and simple yet interesting plots that can introduce readers to the basic elements of Roman society like the baths, the forum, etc.
I would recommend 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' by John Boyne. It's a relatively easy read that tells a heart - wrenching story about a friendship between a German boy and a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. It's a great starting point to understand the basic atrocities of WW2.
For beginners, 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry is a great start. It's a dystopian historical fiction that is easy to understand and has a thought - provoking story. Another good one is 'Johnny Tremain' which is set during the American Revolution and is full of adventure. 'Number the Stars' is also suitable. It's about a girl in Nazi - occupied Denmark and is a simple yet engaging read.