For 11th - 12th grade historical fiction, 'All the Light We Cannot See' is an excellent choice. It tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II. 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a unique take on the Underground Railroad in the antebellum South. It combines historical facts with elements of magical realism. And 'The Kite Runner' gives insights into Afghan history and culture through a powerful story of friendship and betrayal.
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.
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.
One great 4th grade historical fiction book is 'The Sign of the Beaver'. It tells the story of a boy's friendship with a Native American during colonial times. Another is 'Sarah, Plain and Tall', which is set in the pioneer days. 'Number the Stars' is also a wonderful choice as it deals with the events of the Holocaust in a way that 4th graders can understand.
I'd recommend 'Bud, Not Buddy' by Christopher Paul Curtis. It's about a young African - American boy's journey during the Great Depression as he searches for his father. It's full of adventure and historical details. 'Lyddie' is also great. It's set in the 19th - century New England mills and shows the life of a young girl working in the mills. 'Esperanza Rising' is set during the Mexican Revolution and tells the story of a girl who has to flee her home and start a new life in California.
A good 5th grade historical fiction book is 'The Birchbark House' by Louise Erdrich. It gives a look into the life of an Ojibwa girl in the 1800s. 'Catherine, Called Birdy' by Karen Cushman is also a great choice. It's about a girl in medieval England and her daily life and struggles. And don't forget 'Bud, Not Buddy' by Christopher Paul Curtis, which follows a young boy's journey during the Great Depression.
They typically have a strong sense of time and place. Take 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond'. You can really feel what it was like to be in colonial America, with its strict social rules and religious beliefs. They also often deal with themes that are relevant to 7th graders, like growing up and finding one's identity. In 'Johnny Tremain', Johnny has to grow up quickly during the American Revolution. And they usually have a story that can be easily followed. 'A Long Way from Chicago' has a simple yet engaging story that 7th graders can enjoy.
Well, 'The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had' is a wonderful historical fiction for 4th graders. It deals with themes of friendship and racial equality in a historical setting. Then there's 'A Long Walk to Water' which is based on real - life events in Sudan and is both educational and engaging. And 'Number the Stars' is a classic that tells a story about the Holocaust in a way that 4th graders can understand.
Some 6th grade historical fiction books are really interesting. For example, 'Esperanza Rising' by Pam Muñoz Ryan. This book is about a girl named Esperanza whose life changes drastically when she has to move from a wealthy life in Mexico to a life of a migrant worker in the United States during the Great Depression. Also, 'The Birchbark House' by Louise Erdrich is set in the 1840s and follows the life of an Ojibwa girl, which gives insights into Native American culture at that time.