One great option is 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' by Christopher Paul Curtis. It tells a story of an African - American family's journey to the South during a crucial time in American history.
They make history more engaging. For example, instead of just reading dry facts about the Civil War, a historical fiction book might tell a story from the perspective of a young soldier or a slave. This makes the events more relatable.
I would recommend 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. It tells the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle to survive. '1984' by George Orwell, although more of a dystopian novel, has strong science - fiction elements. It shows a totalitarian future where the government controls every aspect of people's lives. And 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury is another great choice. It's about a future society where books are banned and a fireman's journey to question that.
Another is 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. This book is set during World War II and follows a girl's journey to help her Jewish friend. It shows the courage of ordinary people during that difficult time. The characters are well - developed and the story is both exciting and educational.
They often have relatable main characters. For example, in many grade 5 historical fiction books, the protagonists are kids or young teens. This makes it easier for fifth - graders to put themselves in the character's shoes.
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.
They often have simple language suitable for third graders. For example, the vocabulary is not too complex. The plots are usually straightforward but engaging, like a child's adventure in a historical setting.
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.
The books that the seventh grade must read were generally referred to as reading guides to famous works. These books were recommended by the school according to the age and reading comprehension ability of the seventh grade students. As the recommended books may vary from school to school and from region to region, I cannot give you specific recommendations.
However, reading guides to famous works was not a fixed concept. It could change according to different schools and regions. Some famous classics such as "Dream of the Red Chamber","Journey to the West","Water Margins","Romance of the Three Kingdoms", etc. are all must-read books for the seventh grade. However, due to the different recommendation standards of different schools and regions, the specific selection of these books will vary.
Therefore, it is recommended to ask the school or teacher for advice on the required books for the seventh grade to better understand the school and regional recommendations.