Childrens Historical Fiction Books

Childrens historical fiction books introduce kids gently to famous people in history. Famous people in history come alive and events seem more real. Give your kids heroes by providing them with historical fiction for kids.

A good book of fiction using history, can bring details to life that a textbook never can. In fact, Charlotte Mason, a well known 19th century English educator felt that a well written book or "living book" was preferable to dry facts.

People love Charlotte Mason, and many use a lot of historical fiction and non-fiction in their homeschools. And children enjoy reading about the lives of famous men and women in a story format.

We've flown a kite with Ben Franklin, followed Paddle-to-the-Sea through the great lakes, learned to churn butter with Laura Ingalls, and "watched" George Washington tell the truth to his father about the famous cherry tree!

Most Popular Childrens Historical Fiction

These Happy Golden Years (Little House) by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Little House on the Prairie series is always a favorite—and good wholesome reading. This book was a 1944 Newbery Honor Book. Laura leaves home for the first time for a teaching position. She is terribly homesick but perserveres in order to help pay Mary's tuition at the school for the blind. One thing leads to another and Laura finds her true love, Almonzo. (ages 9-12)

The Sea Chest by Toni Buzzeo (illustrated by Mary GrandPre – illustrator of the Harry Potter books)
This charming story takes the reader back to the days of lighthouse keepers who lived in the lighthouse, on an island in Maine. A lonely little girl finds a sea chest, after a storm, that has a little abandoned baby in it. The family adopts the baby and the story continues as the little girl and her sister tell about the lighthouse life. A beautiful story about adoption and living by the sea. Mothers, teachers and children cry reading this incredibly sensitive book. (ages 4-8)

Leif the Lucky by Ingri Daulaire
Story about Leif Erikson. A great way to learn about the vikings and the age of exploration. Illustrations are exceptional, as well. The story talks about the adventures of Erikson as a young Viking explorer, his conversion to Christianity, and his colonization of North America. An Usborne book. (ages 4-8)

Mara, Daughter of the Nile (Puffin Story Books) by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
This book takes place in ancient Egypt during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. The main character is a brave 17 year old slave girl who risks her life for people that she loves—and becomes a hero. She is a fine role model for young girls.

A Voice in the Wind (Mark of the Lion #1) by Francine Rivers
This book revolves around the life of a Jewish Christian slave girl Hadassah, who lives in the first century in Rome. As you may recall, this was a time of turmoil, including the tossing of Christians to the lions. The story has great (and often exciting) details of the times, and you will find that you get a sense of how it was to live there. A very popular Christian historical fiction childrens book.

The High King (The Chronicles of Prydain) by Lord AlexanderThis childrens book is part of a series, and the last one in the series won the won the coveted Newbery Award. This book is very popular, but it is best to read The Book of Three first in order to understand who the characters in this book are, and the background of the story. One of those series like the Lord of the Rings—that you just can't put down... (ages 9-12)

All-of-a-kind Family by Sydney Taylor (ages 9-12)Winner of the Follett Publishing Company book award Takes place at the beginning of the 20th century in New York City. Five sisters from a poor immigrant family take you through the good times and the bad times they experienced on New York City's East Side. The book also gives children insight into Jewish holidays and growing up in the Jewish faith.

The Year of Miss Agnes (Aladdin Historical Fiction) by Kirkpatrick Hill
The setting is Alaska in the 1940s. A new teacher, Miss Agnes, comes to this small community and life for everyone is changed—for the better. Reading this delightful historical novel brings life on the American frontier to life! The book is very interesting, and takes children back to their great-great grandparents' day. (ages 4-8)

Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz
This is a great book that gives details of the time, the people and how the U.S.constitution came about. The actual constitution is at the back of the book, and many adults have learned from this interesting book. You will probably want to read this one to younger children. (ages 9-12)

This is just the tip of the iceburg. There are so many wonderful childrens historical fiction books! Many of these books are also a good way to get reluctant readers interested in reading.

Better Childrens Books HOME - from Childrens Historical Fiction