For historical fiction for 4th graders, 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry is a classic. It's set during World War II and follows a girl's experience in helping her Jewish friend. Then there's 'I Survived' series which has different historical events like the sinking of the Titanic. These books are engaging and easy for 4th graders to understand. Also, 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor is excellent as it shows the life of an African - American family in the South during the Great Depression.
One great book is 'The Sign of the Beaver' by Elizabeth George Speare. It tells the story of a boy left alone in the wilderness and his encounter with a Native American boy, showing the cultural exchange and survival during that historical time. Another is 'Sarah, Plain and Tall' by Patricia MacLachlan. It's about a mail - order bride in the late 19th century and how she fits into a new family. And 'Dear America: The Winter of Red Snow' by Kristiana Gregory gives a vivid picture of life during the American Revolution through the eyes of a young girl.
Some good 4th grade historical fiction books include 'A Long Walk to Water' by Linda Sue Park. It's about two Sudanese children in different time periods and their struggle for water. 'The Birchbark House' by Louise Erdrich is set in a Native American community in the 19th century, showing their way of life. 'Catherine, Called Birdy' by Karen Cushman is also a great choice. It's a diary - style book about a girl in medieval England, which gives a funny and interesting look at that time in history.
In the classroom, 5th grade historical fiction books are very useful. Teachers can pair students up to read different books and then have them do a compare - and - contrast activity. For example, comparing 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' and 'Lyddie' in terms of the characters' struggles. Another way is to use the books as a starting point for research projects. Students can research more about the historical period in which the book is set, like researching more about the Industrial Revolution after reading 'Lyddie'. This helps students connect literature with history in a meaningful way.
One great 4th grade historical fiction book is 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. It's about a girl in Denmark during World War II who helps her Jewish friend. Another is 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' by Christopher Paul Curtis which tells the story of an African - American family's journey to the South during a turbulent time. And 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor is also excellent. It shows the life of a black family in Mississippi in the 1930s.
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.
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.
One great 8th grade historical fiction book is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's set during World War II and tells the story from the perspective of Death. Another is 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' which deals with the racism and hardships in the South during the Great Depression. 'Number the Stars' is also a wonderful choice, as it focuses on the story of a girl in Nazi - occupied Denmark.
A good historical fiction book for 7th grade could be 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. It's set during the American Revolution and follows the story of a young apprentice silversmith. It gives a great view of the time period, the politics, and the people's struggles. Also, 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' by Elizabeth George Speare is a wonderful choice. It's about a girl in colonial Connecticut and the social and religious environment there.
One great book is 'Number the Stars' by Lois Lowry. It's set during World War II and tells the story of a girl in Denmark helping her Jewish friend. Another is 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' by Christopher Paul Curtis, which gives a look into the civil rights era. And 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor is also excellent, showing life in the South during the 1930s.