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.
One of the best is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's set during World War II and told from the perspective of Death. It gives a unique view of the era, with a focus on a young girl's love for books and how it sustains her through difficult times.
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.
Well, start by doing lots of research about the historical period you want to write about. Know the details of daily life, important events, and the people of that time. Also, create interesting characters and a compelling plot.
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 great work is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It's set in Afghanistan and delves into themes like friendship, betrayal, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. Another is 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' also by Hosseini, which focuses on the lives of women in Afghan history.
Look for books that are based on real historical events that you're interested in. For instance, if you like the Middle Ages, search for historical fiction set in that period. Then, read the first few pages or the synopsis online to see if the writing style appeals to you. You can also join a book club or reading group for middle school students. There, you'll get to hear about different historical fiction books from other readers and might discover some new favorites.
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.