Well, 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' is a fine historical fiction for 5th graders. It's about a girl in colonial Connecticut. Then there's 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor. This book deals with racial issues in the South during the Great Depression. And don't forget 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' which is based on the true story of a girl stranded on an island.
Some historical fiction books suitable for 8th graders include 'A Long Walk to Water' by Linda Sue Park. It's based on the real - life experiences of people in Sudan. 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' by John Boyne is a poignant story about a German boy and his friendship with a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. 'Out of the Dust' by Karen Hesse is set during the Dust Bowl era in the United States and is told in a unique verse format.
One great option is 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' by Christopher Paul Curtis. It tells a story about an African - American family's journey to the South during the Civil Rights era. Another is 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry, which is set during World War II and shows the courage of a young girl in Denmark. 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor is also excellent, dealing with racial discrimination in the 1930s Mississippi.
There are several excellent ones. 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' by Elizabeth George Speare is a historical fiction that also has elements of mystery as the main character faces accusations. 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman has a bit of mystery and is set in a very unique historical - like setting. Also, 'The Secret of the Old Clock' by Carolyn Keene, where the young detective Nancy Drew solves a mystery related to an old clock and family history.
I'd recommend 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' - it's a great story set in colonial times with interesting characters and adventures that 7th graders might enjoy.
I think 'The Magic Tree House' series is great. It takes kids on exciting historical adventures. Another one is 'Number the Stars' which gives a powerful look at a difficult time in history.
The book 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' is a great option. It is set in colonial America and has elements of mystery and friendship. It can help 7th graders understand the social and cultural aspects of that time.