a list of historical fiction middle school books

Many of them are likely to have relatable characters. For example, characters that middle school students can see themselves in, like kids dealing with friendship issues or family problems.

I think 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' is very popular. It has been widely read for its powerful portrayal of the African - American experience. 'Johnny Tremain' is also popular as it gives a good look at the American Revolution for young readers. The story is exciting and educational at the same time.

Some of the best historical fiction books for middle school are 'Island of the Blue Dolphins' by Scott O'Dell. It's based on the true story of a girl left alone on an island for years. 'A Single Shard' by Linda Sue Park is set in 12th - century Korea and tells about an orphan boy's journey to become a potter. 'Esperanza Rising' by Pam Muñoz Ryan is about a wealthy Mexican girl who has to flee to California during the Great Depression and face the hardships of migrant work.

'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic. It's set in England and features the transformation of a young girl as she discovers a hidden garden. It gives a sense of the time period and the social attitudes.

Sure. 'The Giver' is a great one. It's set in a seemingly utopian society where everything is controlled. It makes you think about freedom, choice, and the importance of memories. Another is 'Number the Stars' which tells a story about the Holocaust from a child's perspective. It's both educational and moving.

There is also 'Ghost' by Jason Reynolds. It's about a boy named Castle Cranshaw who has a talent for running. The book delves into his past, his family situation, and how running becomes a way for him to deal with his problems and find his place in the world.

I would recommend 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes. This book is set during the American Revolution and follows the life of a young apprentice who gets caught up in the events of the revolution. It's a great way to learn about that period of history. 'Catherine, Called Birdy' by Karen Cushman is also a wonderful middle school historical fiction. It's set in medieval England and shows the life of a girl in that time, with all the social norms and family dynamics. And 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' by Elizabeth George Speare is good. It's about a young girl in colonial Connecticut and her experiences, including the witch trials.

Accuracy in historical details is crucial. In 'The Birchbark House' which is about the Ojibwa people in the 19th century, the author does a great job of depicting their culture, traditions, and daily life. This helps students learn about a different time and culture while enjoying the story. Also, a good plot is essential. It should be engaging and keep the readers interested from start to finish, like in 'Catherine, Called Birdy' where the feisty main character's adventures in medieval England are both fun and educational.

Middle school level historical fiction books often have engaging characters. For example, in 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963', the Watson family members are very vivid. They are relatable for middle school students. Another characteristic is that they usually simplify complex historical events. So, in 'Number the Stars', the story of World War II is told in a way that is easy for middle - schoolers to understand. And they often have a strong moral or theme, like friendship and courage in 'Johnny Tremain'.

One popular one is 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank. It gives a real - life account of a young girl's experiences during the Holocaust.