What are the best middle school historical fiction novels?

Some of the best historical fiction books for middle school are 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell. It's based on the true story of a girl left alone on an island for years. 'A Single Shard' by Linda Sue Park is set in 12th - century Korea and tells about an orphan boy's journey to become a potter. 'Esperanza Rising' by Pam Muñoz Ryan is about a wealthy Mexican girl who has to flee to California during the Great Depression and face the hardships of migrant work.

'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic. It's set in England and features the transformation of a young girl as she discovers a hidden garden. It gives a sense of the time period and the social attitudes.

I would recommend 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. This book is set during the American Revolution and follows the life of a young apprentice who gets caught up in the events of the revolution. It's a great way to learn about that period of history. 'Catherine, Called Birdy' by Karen Cushman is also a wonderful middle school historical fiction. It's set in medieval England and shows the life of a girl in that time, with all the social norms and family dynamics. And 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' by Elizabeth George Speare is good. It's about a young girl in colonial Connecticut and her experiences, including the witch trials.

These novels tend to have a strong sense of place. If it's a historical fiction novel about ancient Rome, it will describe the city, the Colosseum, the markets, etc. They also explore themes relevant to the historical period such as freedom, equality, or war. The language used can sometimes be period - appropriate, which can introduce new vocabulary to young readers. Moreover, they can give a different view of historical events than what is typically presented in textbooks, making history more complex and interesting.

Another good one is 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond'. It's set in colonial America and follows a young girl who is wrongly accused of being a witch. The novel gives a great picture of the Puritan society and the struggles of a young woman trying to fit in.

One of the best is 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It presents a dystopian society where a young boy named Jonas discovers the truth about his world. Another great one is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It follows Ender, a child prodigy trained in military strategy in a future where Earth is threatened by an alien race. 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle is also a classic. It tells the story of Meg, her brother, and their friend as they travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father.

Well, 'I Am Malala' is a fantastic choice. It tells the inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai's fight for education. Another good one is 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' which shows determination and innovation. 'Wonder' is also popular, teaching empathy and kindness.

It helps students understand history better. For example, historical fictions often have detailed descriptions of the settings and events, which are more vivid than dry textbooks. Reading them can make students feel as if they are in that historical period.

Middle school European historical fiction often has relatable characters. For example, in 'Catherine, Called Birdy', Birdy is a young girl with typical adolescent problems, but set in a medieval English context. It also simplifies complex historical events. 'The Book Thief' simplifies the horror of Nazi Germany enough for middle schoolers to understand. Another characteristic is the vivid description of the setting. In 'I, Claudius', the Roman court and its intrigues are vividly depicted.

One characteristic is its focus on making history accessible to middle school students. It often uses engaging language and relatable characters. For example, it might tell the story of a young person during a historical event, which helps students better understand the context and significance of that era.