historical fiction short stories for elementary

Historical Fiction Short Stories for Elementary Students: Exploring the Past in Engaging Tales

Introducing young readers to historical fiction can be an exciting and enriching experience. Through captivating stories set in the past, children have the opportunity to explore different time periods, cultures, and historical events. In this article, we will recommend some fantastic historical fiction short stories that are perfect for elementary students, along with authors and websites where you can find more of these literary gems.

1. "The Matchbox Diary" by Paul Fleischman
This heartwarming tale tells the story of a young girl named Fiona who discovers her great-grandfather's matchbox diary. As she opens each matchbox, she learns about his journey from Italy to America and the challenges he faced as an immigrant. This touching story beautifully captures the immigrant experience and provides valuable lessons about family history and heritage.

2. "The Flag Maker" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Set during the American Revolution, this story follows a young girl named Rebecca who sews a special flag for her father, who is fighting in the war. Through Rebecca's determination and creative thinking, she becomes an integral part of the revolution. This inspiring tale celebrates the contributions of ordinary individuals during extraordinary times.

3. "Follow the Drinking Gourd" by Jeanette Winter
Based on the African American spiritual song, this story follows a young girl named Peg Leg Joe who helps guide runaway slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. By using coded messages and the North Star as their guide, readers learn about the bravery and resilience of those seeking freedom during the dark period of American slavery.

4. "The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes" by Duncan Tonatiuh
Taking inspiration from ancient Mexican legends, this story weaves a tale of love between Princess Izta and Warrior Popoca set against the backdrop of two volcanoes. Tonatiuh's unique art style and engaging storytelling introduce young readers to Mexican history, culture, and mythology.

5. "Courage to Fly" by Wendy Hartmann
Based on the true story of Bessie Coleman, the first African American female pilot, this story follows young Bessie's determination to achieve her dreams despite the racial and gender barriers of the early 20th century. Through Bessie's courage and persistence, children learn about the importance of perseverance and breaking societal norms.

To explore more historical fiction short stories for elementary students, several websites provide excellent resources:

1. Scholastic: The Scholastic website offers a vast selection of historical fiction short stories for various age groups. Their interactive platform provides engaging activities and discussion prompts to enhance students' reading experience.

2. Epic! Books: Epic! is a digital library that offers a wide range of historical fiction short stories suitable for elementary students. With a subscription, children can access an extensive collection of high-quality literature with the added benefit of read-aloud options.

3. Reading Rockets: The Reading Rockets website provides curated booklists and recommendations for teachers, parents, and children. Their historical fiction section showcases stories that transport young readers to different time periods and cultures.

In conclusion, historical fiction short stories provide a fantastic opportunity for elementary students to delve into the past and ignite their imagination. By reading captivating tales like "The Matchbox Diary," "The Flag Maker," "Follow the Drinking Gourd," "The Princess and the Warrior," and "Courage to Fly," children can develop a deeper understanding of history while enjoying the power of storytelling. As they journey through these time-traveling adventures, young readers will not only gain knowledge but also empathy and appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them.
The Ultimate Foolish Emperor's Way Fiction
The Ultimate Foolish Emperor's Way

Have we become emperors now? Zheng Fei happily wondered, "Come, initiate the selection plan tomorrow. I want to enrich the harem a bit." "Send someone to draft an edict. I want to search for the secret techniques of dual cultivation throughout the world!" "Bring him here! Execute this traitor who seeks to usurp the throne!" "I will personally lead the imperial army to the north and teach those wolf cubs a lesson!" "Prepare to set sail! I am going to lead the troops and subdue those disobedient Eastern devils!" "Who

220.17 Million words | 2022-09-08 15:25Update

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Iron Soft Fiction
Iron Soft

Wen Ruixiu watched as his future father-in-law waved his hand and summoned three handsome young men in front of him. He was told that his fiancée was among them. Tian Rou had always believed that what she managed to snatch was hers, little did she know that the jade pendant she had taken from her elder brother was actually a token of betrothal. She roughly pulled off the jade pendant that she had been wearing for over ten years and threw it to Wen Ruixiu, stuttering, "Sister-in-law! I didn't know you had this kind of relationship with my elder brother!" Wen Ruixiu: "..." Wen Ruixiu had been well-educated since childhood, and even in his youth, he had yearned for the heroic aspirations depicted in the frontier poems, sacrificing oneself for the nation

486.79 Million words | 2022-02-22 14:20Update

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Ambitious in a foreign land Fiction
Ambitious in a foreign land

A candidate who had just finished the college entrance examination was transported to a strange planet through a crash accident. When he woke up, he discovered that he had gained an additional soul chip in his brain. In order to return home, he fought for supremacy on the continent, climbed the technological tree, embraced the beauty of the world, and used his soul chip and knowledge from Earth to accumulate wealth, develop his power. Let's see how he eventually manages to return to his home - Earth.

10.42 Million words | 2023-03-20 05:30Update

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Great Country Thief Fiction
Great Country Thief

One day, he time-traveled and became a noble young master in ancient times. Not only did he have a beautiful maid by his side, but also a stunning and virtuous wife who had just entered the door and was still a virgin. Jiang Long believed that his future days would definitely be full of joy! However, before he could get intimate with his beloved, he found himself facing one crisis after another: poisoning, conspiracy, and assassination attempts. What surprised him even more was that the current administrator of the government affairs was a foreign beauty who spoke fluent Chinese...

52.03 Million words | 2021-09-13 10:33Update

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The First Husband in Time Travel Fiction
The First Husband in Time Travel

There is a saying in the martial arts world, 'Why bother with excuses, big or small cases are not a worry.' The story begins with this. Modern girl Yang Nianqing falls into water and accidentally travels to a dynasty similar to the Song Dynasty, getting involved in a series of serial murder cases. She meets the 'god' and the 'human' of the first rank, and together with them, they embark on a journey to solve the cases. As the investigation deepens, the love and hatred between Yun Biyue and the White Duo, the tragic love of Mr. and Mrs. Leng, the secrets of Tang Jingfeng and his wife, and the truth behind the massacre of the Tao family more than twenty years ago all come to light. The emotional entanglement of the main and supporting male characters comes to an end, and when the cruel truth is revealed, the friendship of the four good friends remains as beautiful as ever.

558.45 Million words | 2023-05-19 23:46Update

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Struggle for Supremacy Fiction
Struggle for Supremacy

Since more than two thousand years ago, after the unification of China by Qin Shihuang, the country has experienced cycles of division and reunification, peace and chaos. Through many dynasties, it was not until six hundred years ago that the Mongols rose to power from the north. The Mongols relied on their formidable military strength to invade China, using their steel swords to conquer the people, plunder the nation's wealth, and enslave the labor force. They indiscriminately slaughtered and indulged in greed, acting lawlessly. This regime built upon violence and slavery is like a thatched hut constructed on volcanic rock. Eventually, the scorching lava will erupt and devour everything. In the early fourteenth century, as history's pages continued

70.15 Million words | 2023-05-03 18:46Update

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The Biography of Chiang Kai-shek Fiction
The Biography of Chiang Kai-shek

Chiang Kai-shek is a crucial figure in modern Chinese history who profoundly influenced the course of China's recent history. The assessment of his achievements and faults has been subject to diverse views, and both Chinese and foreign historians have been enthusiastic about studying and exploring his life, personality, and thoughts. Written by renowned American biographer and historian Brian Crozier, 'The Biography of Chiang Kai-shek' offers an objective, cautious, and keen examination of Chiang Kai-shek's eventful life, transcending ideological differences between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Since its publication in the West, it has generated significant resonance and is hailed as the first authoritative biography that truly respects history and the person involved.

87.47 Million words | 2022-08-06 04:48Update

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The Boss of the Sui Dynasty Fiction
The Boss of the Sui Dynasty

A businessman, he achieves wealth through inferior goods, power through moderate means, and dominates the world! He is the ultimate boss.

419.32 Million words | 2021-04-15 12:12Update

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Bone Setting Fiction
Bone Setting

When the North Wind howls, he rides alone with a long sword, his red robe stained with blood, cutting down the enemy amidst thousands of troops and horses; Amidst the snowy desert, he stands tall with his sword, with 18,000 iron-clad warriors, leaving the Yang Pass and passing through prosperous lands. When the purple gas emerges from all directions, he indulges in endless drinking, painting and writing with a yellow flag, building a foundation for the ages through laughter and discussion within the palace...New book "Ten Emperors of the Ten Kingdoms" http://book.zongheng.com/book/.html

519.05 Million words | 2022-05-30 04:30Update

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Sky Official Fiction
Sky Official

In the 13th year of the Zhengde reign, Emperor Zhengde of the imperial Yanjing City led the border patrol. The Duke of Nanchang, Ning, plotted a rebellion, while the Duke of Anlu, Xing, became obsessed with alchemy. Outside the Anlu Prefecture in the western mountain temple, a young monk emerged. He returned to the ever-changing world and recited a fictional sutra. Amidst the turbulence of the mortal realm, who is the true performer on this stage? In short, it is the story of a young monk rising to the rank of high official... During the release of the new book, I am in urgent need of recommendations, views, and collections. (*^__^*) I sincerely ask for your generous support...

54.87 Million words | 2022-05-09 08:52Update

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The Story of Sui and Tang Dynasties Fiction
The Story of Sui and Tang Dynasties

"The Sui and Tang Dynasties: The Tale of Chu Renhuo" (Qing Dynasty)

62.20 Million words | 2023-02-23 07:32Update

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Han Ming Da Huang Pao Fiction
Han Ming Da Huang Pao

What can one person really change? Beneath the beauty of ideas and actions lies the cruel reality. I provided millions of bushels of grain in relief, yet farmers in Shaanxi still starved to death; I opened trade routes that stretched to the four seas, but the taxed silver still ended up in the officials' pockets. What use is this title to me? What meaning is there in trying to change the world? I want a just world under a clear sky; I want majestic mountains and rivers; I want the land to produce talented individuals for generations to come. Starting as a commoner, I achieved the rank of a count through one battle, but found it difficult to find peace in the

488.44 Million words | 2021-12-25 20:14Update

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Chaotic Ming Fiction
Chaotic Ming

New book released, titled "Eight Thousand Miles", book number: , mainly tells the story of the challenging industrialization in late Qing Dynasty. Your support is highly appreciated!

585.23 Million words | 2022-07-30 18:55Update

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Misty promise of the towering mountains. Fiction
Misty promise of the towering mountains.

Sunuo is a know-it-all, funny girl, while Ji Yaoyi is a single-minded young man. Together, they experience unimaginable moments in life, where various cringeworthy plot twists unfold. From being a skilled martial artist, Sunuo turns into a helpless girl who can only run when in a fight. And Ji Yaoyi, who once possessed extraordinary talent, becomes a supporting character. Witness the unconventional love story and extraordinary lives of this small woman and the, the, the tofu-like man.

156.35 Million words | 2022-09-24 03:48Update

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The Magnificent Song of the Water Margin in China Fiction
The Magnificent Song of the Water Margin in China

This is not the real Water Margin world, but a vibrant and diverse world. Here, there are cultivators, practitioners, immortals, martial arts masters, and more. Not only are there the 108 heroes of Liangshan, but also some famous historical generals, such as Yue Fei, Zongze, Han Shizhong, and others. Their destinies will be rewritten, and history will be changed, no longer following its original course. How can the great nation tolerate others' bullying? Mighty China will make all corners of the world marvel! Witness how China rises!! Many thanks to the Reading Club for providing their support and book reviews.

158.46 Million words | 2023-02-23 18:18Update

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Gentlemen should also be cautious. Fiction
Gentlemen should also be cautious.

In the first year, when Princess Qian first met the "gentleman", he upheld justice with a resolute demeanor. She sneered, "A hypocrite." In the third year, during the struggle for succession to the throne, one wrong step resulted in complete defeat. She closed her eyes, wishing for death. The only person who came forward to protect her, at the risk of his own life, escorted her back to the capital. She scoffed lightly, "He could be considered a gentleman." In the fifth year, there was a coup d'état and the empress took the throne. She bestowed high positions, wealth, and beautiful women upon that person, but he declined everything. She furrowed her brows slightly, "Indeed, he is a gentleman." In the tenth year, she woke up in the morning, feeling sore all over her body. She gritted her teeth and cursed the person by her side, "Being a gentleman is futile!" "Three things can make an empire great again: the sword, loyal subjects, and scholars of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism," he said to the empress. ------------------------- [The author has already written a 2.4-million-word masterpiece called "I Have a Sword Immortal Wife" in the fantasy and martial arts genre. You can check it out if you are in need of a good read!

92.23 Million words | 2020-11-01 15:59Update

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Rebirth in America Fiction
Rebirth in America

Nickname as "Quick Shooter", a Chinese Special Forces instructor, accidentally travels to a parallel world where he finds himself in the American Old West, a world full of cowboys, lawlessness, and heroes... Here, you will witness fiery duels between Western cowboys, lightning-fast gun draws that leave you breathless, and the legends of fearless gunslingers roaming

284.33 Million words | 2021-06-17 01:16Update

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The Great Tang Divine Dynasty. Fiction
The Great Tang Divine Dynasty.

The Eighteen Heroes of Sui and Tang dynasties were all extraordinary. Qin Shuobao broke the river with a single halberd, Li Yuanba shattered the mountain with a hammer, and Yu Chi Gong marched fearlessly amidst ten thousand troops. As the protagonist, Liu Li was equally impressive, supporting the sky with a single pillar!

63.33 Million words | 2020-12-08 11:07Update

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The First-Class Prime Minister Fiction
The First-Class Prime Minister

Kings from various countries arrived at the imperial banquet, engaging in a battle of wits. In their hearts, they coveted the prosperity of the capital, Bianliang, and all harbored intentions to bully the weakened Great Song. After three rounds of wine, they all took turns to taunt the Emperor of Great Song: "Our country has a mighty cavalry, a million elite soldiers!" "I have Chen Siwei!" "Our country has a thousand renowned generals, capable of breaking the enemy's formation with a wave of the whip!" "I have Chen Siwei!" "Our country possesses mountains of silver and rivers of grains!" "I have Chen Siwei!"

212.79 Million words | 2021-07-20 11:44Update

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Bring a royal concubine back to modern times. Fiction
Bring a royal concubine back to modern times.

Zhang Han, a pitiful college student, unexpectedly traveled back in time to the Qing Dynasty, only to be exiled to the land of Japan, where he becomes a slave and makes the Japanese Queen fall in love with him. With his amazing popping street dance moves, he astounds the world. Later, he forms a special forces unit to bring peace to the martial arts world. In an unexpected turn of events, he marries a princess as a eunuch. But eventually, he accidentally returns to the modern world, bringing along his harem. It's going to be a lot of fun! Liu Xiuya says, "I will always be by your side." Wanfei says, "Bring that dead eunuch to me, I want to marry you." Zhang Han Yue says, "Wherever you both are, it is heaven."

481.38 Million words | 2023-01-06 13:46Update

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