Another good choice is 'Code Name Verity' by Elizabeth Wein. It's about female spies during World War II. The friendship between the two main characters is beautifully portrayed and it's full of suspense.
I also recommend 'I am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai. It tells her own story of fighting for girls' education in Pakistan. It's a very inspiring historical fiction for teens as it shows how one person can make a difference.
The best teen historical fiction books are numerous. 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank is a very important one. It gives a firsthand account of a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II. 'The War That Saved My Life' by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is set during World War II as well. It's about a young girl with a clubfoot who is evacuated from London and finds a new life in the countryside. Also, 'Esperanza Rising' by Pam Muñoz Ryan is set during the Great Depression and tells the story of a Mexican - American girl and her family's journey to find a better life.
One of the best features is that they bring history to life. For example, in 'The Book Thief', you can really feel the atmosphere of World War II Germany through the vivid narration. Another feature is that they often have relatable characters. In 'Code Name Verity', the two main characters are strong - willed young women that teens can look up to. Also, they can educate teens about different historical periods in an engaging way, like 'Out of the Dust' does with the Dust Bowl era.
Another good one is 'Le Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. It was one of the first to compile the Arthurian stories comprehensively, and it gives a very in - depth look at the characters and the world of Camelot.
I would recommend 'Gone with the Wind' as well. It's a classic historical fiction paperback that takes you through the American Civil War and Reconstruction era from the perspective of Scarlett O'Hara. It's full of drama, love, and the struggle for survival in a changing world.
Another is 'Salt to the Sea' by Ruta Sepetys. This book is based on the real - life event of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II. It tells the stories of four different young people whose lives are intertwined during this tragic time, and it does an excellent job of bringing history to life for teen readers.
A really good one is 'A Wrinkle in Time'. It combines elements of science - fiction with historical themes and is centered around a teen girl's journey through different dimensions to save her father. 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' is set in the Deep South during the 1930s and shows the harsh reality of racial discrimination through the eyes of a young African - American girl. 'Johnny Tremain' is also popular. It's about a young apprentice in the days leading up to the American Revolution and gives a vivid picture of that historical period.
If you want to start with a classic, go for 'The Scarlet Letter'. It's relatively short and gives a great introduction to American historical fiction with its exploration of Puritan values. It's a story that has endured for a long time and is easy to understand.
Well, start by thinking about a relatable main character that teens can identify with. Maybe give them a problem or a goal to strive for.
'The Midwife's Apprentice' by Karen Cushman. It's set in medieval England and follows the story of a girl who becomes a midwife's apprentice. It gives a great look into that time period.
A really well - known teen historical fiction is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It takes place in the American South during the 1930s and deals with themes like racism and justice. 'I am Malala' can also be considered in a way. It tells the true story of Malala Yousafzai's fight for girls' education in Pakistan, which has historical significance. And 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' gives a different view of the Holocaust from a child's perspective.