kids historical fiction books

Top 10 Engaging Kids Historical Fiction Books for Curious Minds

If you're a parent looking for a way to ignite a passion for history in your child, historical fiction books can be a fantastic tool. Combining imagination and real-life events, these books transport young readers to different eras, allowing them to experience history firsthand. In this article, we will explore ten captivating kids' historical fiction books that are both educational and entertaining.

1. "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry's Newbery Medal-winning book tells the gripping story of a young Danish girl, Annemarie, during the Nazi occupation in Copenhagen. It offers a poignant perspective on courage, friendship, and the resistance movement during World War II.

2. "The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963" by Christopher Paul Curtis
Set in the civil rights era, this powerful novel follows the Watson family as they travel from Michigan to Alabama. Curtis artfully weaves historical events, such as the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, into this heartwarming tale of family and racial reconciliation.

3. "The War that Saved My Life" by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
A moving tale about a young girl named Ada who escapes her abusive home in London during World War II. Ada's resilience and courage, set against the backdrop of war, make this book a captivating read and an example of the strength of the human spirit.

4. "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick
Brian Selznick's unique blend of words and illustrations tells the story of Hugo, an orphan living in a Parisian train station in the 1930s. This historical fiction book is an homage to early cinema and offers a glimpse into an exciting era of innovation and adventure.

5. "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson's powerful novel introduces readers to Isabel, a young African American girl enslaved in New York City during the American Revolution. Through Isabel's eyes, readers gain insight into the complexities of freedom and the fight for equality during this pivotal moment in history.

6. "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Set in 1930s Mexico and California, this thought-provoking book tells the story of Esperanza, who is forced to flee her privileged life after the death of her father. It brings to light the challenges faced by Mexican farmworkers and explores themes of poverty, family, and resilience.

7. "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai
Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, this novel-in-verse follows ten-year-old Ha as she escapes war-torn Vietnam and adjusts to life as a refugee in Alabama. This poignant book explores themes of identity, culture shock, and the universal desire for home.

8. "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
This charming novel is set in Texas in 1899 and introduces readers to eleven-year-old Calpurnia Tate, a curious and independent-minded girl. Through Calpurnia's eyes, readers experience the wonders of scientific discovery and the challenges of gender expectations in a rapidly changing world.

9. "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia
Set during the summer of 1968 in Oakland, California, this award-winning book follows three sisters who visit their estranged mother and get involved in the Black Panther movement. It provides a compelling and age-appropriate introduction to the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on families.

10. "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" by John Boyne
Though intended for slightly older readers, this gripping and haunting novel sensitively explores the Holocaust through the eyes of two nine-year-old boys—one a Jewish prisoner and the other the son of a Nazi commandant. It offers a fresh perspective on this dark chapter of history.

To further enhance your child's historical reading journey, consider exploring online resources like TeachingBooks.net and Goodreads.com. These websites provide comprehensive lists of kids historical fiction books, author interviews, discussion questions, and book recommendations suitable for various age groups.

Remember, introducing your child to the world of historical fiction can inspire curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading. With these engaging books, your child can learn about different periods and cultures, all while being swept away by captivating stories and unforgettable characters.
The Shu Han Empire of the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Shu Han Empire of the Three Kingdoms.

The Three Kingdoms is a legendary period in Chinese history. It is filled with bold and flamboyant heroes, as well as a group of extraordinary intellectuals. It also embodies the spirit of the Jian'an era and the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove. The Shu Han Empire is a miracle in human history. Despite being secluded in a corner, it represents the orthodox state. Every time they raised the banner of righteousness to launch a northern expedition, it was not just to achieve success, but to ensure that the people in the Central Plains would not forget the great Han Empire.

445.85 Million words | 2022-01-27 19:46Update

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Rebirth of the Enchanting Beauty Fiction
Rebirth of the Enchanting Beauty

Love, love, love, how can we bear the past life's karma? Debt, debt, debt, in this life I repay my debts with honesty. Those who possess the world always long for their wives by the warm hearth; the penniless dare to challenge the world's heroes. Such is an era of short-lived heroism and deep-seated love. A despicable time traveler arrives in the era of the Jin dynasty, causing countless women in their boudoirs to experience a mix of love and hate, and infuriating many powerful warlords who reject the world. With an air of arrogance, yet still showing the qualities of a true man, he appears simple-minded but also displays a hint of wisdom. Such is the tale waiting for you to read.

262.44 Million words | 2022-10-27 08:48Update

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The Concubine's Scheme Fiction
The Concubine's Scheme

In the blink of an eye, the protagonist, a student at Beijing Film Academy, travels through time. Surprisingly, the souls of both the modern and ancient worlds belong to one person. Is it an unexpected twist in their previous life's mission, or a fated opportunity? What harm is there in traversing through ancient times?

46.15 Million words | 2023-03-08 06:24Update

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Qin dominates the world. Fiction
Qin dominates the world.

The new book "Campus Sorcerer" by Zhong Limai has been released. Please give it your support. Why did the mighty Qin Dynasty collapse within three years? Are Xiang Yu and Han Xin truly invincible? Traveling back to the time of Qin Emperor II, amidst a sea of flowers, enjoying all the glorious fortunes of the world. In the court, Zhao Gao fell victim to a hidden scheme. On the battlements of Wu Pass, Liu Bang was struck down. With its mighty national strength, the Qin Dynasty reestablished its dominance over the six states, crushing the rising Xiongnu Empire with unstoppable force, leaving them powerless to retaliate-

247.57 Million words | 2023-04-08 01:25Update

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The Chaos of Special Forces in the Qin and Han Dynasties Fiction
The Chaos of Special Forces in the Qin and Han Dynasties

The wind and clouds are stirring in the Warring States era, as various heroes rise up. In the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty, chaos surges in this magnificent era of the Chinese nation. A special forces soldier named Cheng Wenlong emerges and plunges into this era. He seizes territories, recruits fierce warriors, becoming an extraordinary existence. This is a chaotic time and a turbulent era! Countless heroes from all directions make their appearances, and beautiful women emerge one after another. Witness how Cheng Wenlong embraces them all! And how he reaches the pinnacle of power in this chaotic era of a distorted space! Beautiful women, passion, imagination, war, not a single one can be missed! This is the era of men, the era of masculinity! A new book has been uploaded: http://www.k.com/book/.html "Super Mercenary". Brothers, go and take a

461.91 Million words | 2022-01-05 22:30Update

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Technological Datang Fiction
Technological Datang

The book took three months and finally hit the shelves. whether Zhangsun Tan's reclamation in Shuofang will succeed or not, and what will Wang Xuance bring back from Jingzhou? What will happen between the protagonist and the Zhangsun family? Who will be the female lead of this book? The story becomes more exciting after being published. Stay tuned and join the readers' group.

543.12 Million words | 2021-06-10 20:48Update

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Special Forces: Infinite Lottery System Fiction
Special Forces: Infinite Lottery System

Lin Mu traversed into the world of special forces and obtained a lottery system. Lottery: Obtained the perfect stealth skill. Lottery: Obtained the danger perception skill. Lottery: Obtained the hundred-percent accuracy skill. With the assistance of the system, Lin Mu gradually became an all-around soldier king.

134.10 Million words | 2020-08-05 19:06Update

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Transmigrated to a different time and became a prince. Fiction
Transmigrated to a different time and became a prince.

A bookworm and a librarian who only loves reading, transcends into a different time and space, possessing the body of a small-time hoodlum while retaining the memories and traits of both individuals. What kind of reactions will occur when a bookworm encounters a hoodlum? Is knowledge truly power? Or is the hoodlum better suited for survival? In an entirely unfamiliar world, with only knowledge of the era falling between the late Sui Dynasty and early Tang Dynasty, it is undoubtedly a chaotic era. Starting from rock bottom, rising to fame in the northern frontier, suppressing rebellion in the south, playing the savior behind enemy lines, conquering small nations, soaring to the pinnacle of life, only to be betrayed by others. Turning to writing, however, brings success and prosperity even in the barren wilderness. With powerful officials ruling the country and the nation in peril, at the critical moment, the tides of power change yet are still unable to escape the dart that pierces the darkness. Heaven lends its hand, a new Emperor is proclaimed. Serving as a close attendant to the Emperor, wielding great power, pacifying the Southern Barbarians, shattering the Turkic forces

260.90 Million words | 2021-11-15 22:15Update

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Wei Dynasty Rises, Shu Prevails in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Wei Dynasty Rises, Shu Prevails in the Three Kingdoms

Based on the Three Kingdoms' heroes, the imagination of coffee is unleashed. Thus, a humble warrior unexpectedly travels back in time to the household of Dian Wei during the late Han Dynasty, beginning his career of conquest. Playing with tactics, recruiting powerful allies, mocking the northern tribes, suppressing the Yellow Turbans, and taking control of the Sichuan and Shu regions. With his dominant posture, he establishes a base in Sichuan, continuously expanding his influence, and eventually replaces the triumphant Cao Wei of the Three Kingdoms era, achieving the dominance of Shu Han. This is a world where cheating is even more prevalent than cheating, deviating from history but still showing some regard for it. It is a world with endless possibilities, allowing you to witness the

249.90 Million words | 2021-03-08 13:21Update

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The Mightiest Warrior Fiction
The Mightiest Warrior

The bloody and savage Eastern conquest of the twelve major races. A journey of training in the vast grass sea of the wild East. The first human to practice the ancient shamanic martial arts. A radiant warrior clad in mysterious battle armor. The love and hatred, affection and enmity of the battlefield sons and daughters. The tears and war songs of iron-blooded brothers. I will plant my conquering flags throughout this land, and there shall be only one voice in this world. I am who I am, unbeatable in battle, invincible in attack, the mightiest warlord. ("Invincible War Criminal" renamed to "Mightiest Warlord." Thank you.)

121.76 Million words | 2022-07-22 22:10Update

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Usurpation of Qin Fiction
Usurpation of Qin

Yun Yue fell into a bottomless abyss and found herself in another world. Faced with the Warring States period from two thousand years ago, what will Yun Yue do? She feels lost... King Huiwen is a wise ruler, while General Lian Po is cunning. Crown Prince Dan is extremely weak, and Qin Shihuang is a completely deceitful man... The survival environment in the Warring States period is harsh, but Yun Yue manages to thrive. Han Xiong wrote too much darkness, while the Coup against Qin writes about much sunshine. Where there is light, there will also be shadows, and where there are shadows, there will inevitably be light.

205.82 Million words | 2020-11-09 03:05Update

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The Strongest Marksman of the Three Kingdoms. Fiction
The Strongest Marksman of the Three Kingdoms.

[The Magnificent Tang Dynasty in the Historical Genre of Creation - Participating Work] The Three Kingdoms is an era filled with passion and heroic figures. Eagles soar across the sky, soaring into the distance. Although he is just a minor character in the Three Kingdoms era, he established systems, pioneered industry, collected forces from across the land, launched a northern campaign against the Xiongnu, and fought against the Baiyue in the south, achieving unparalleled accomplishments.

381.98 Million words | 2022-05-05 08:32Update

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Legend of Earth's Black Technology Fiction
Legend of Earth's Black Technology

Advanced technology stands on the earth, sprawling mega cities cover Northeast Asia, the smiles of happy people inspire the world, the barrels of the Tank Swarm make our enemies tremble, floating battleships overlook the land, our gigantic aircraft carriers dominate the ocean, our army knows no bounds, shattering this decaying and corrupt old world to create a new one, singing the anthem of conquerors, the great flag will last forever, humanity will break free from the earth's atmosphere, the vast universe will be our new home.

555.24 Million words | 2021-02-02 15:33Update

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Phoenix in the Nine Skies Fiction
Phoenix in the Nine Skies

Feng Ming, a powerless young boy from the countryside, accidentally enters the palace while searching for his relatives in the capital city. He is forced to get involved in the political scene of the West Lei Dynasty and meets the regent prince Rong Tian. After several encounters, they develop a deep bond. Rong Tian, ambitious and aspiring to revive the West Lei Dynasty, seeks to end the chaotic times. With the assistance of Feng Ming's wisdom and strategies, they stabilize the internal affairs, embark on diplomatic missions, and quell wars. Through various challenges, they experience the desires of the people to escape the turmoil and live in peace. Feng Ming, kind-hearted and brave, often displays his ingenious wit, while Rong Tian demonstrates his military and political acumen, caring for the people and solving numerous difficulties. Eventually, through their perfect cooperation, they unite various forces, defeat evil influences, repel enemies, uphold justice, and each achieves a legendary life.

329.82 Million words | 2021-06-02 23:03Update

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There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty. Fiction
There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty.

Crossing over to the Song Dynasty and finally finding love. My wife is sharp yet gentle, while my younger sister-in-law is blossoming with potential. A beautiful life awaits me... Wait a minute! The first year of Xuande? The emperor is Zhao Ji? The bandit, Wang Qing, is about to attack? I also have two edgy little cousins? And... my tank is out of fuel... ... Book club: If you follow me, if you follow me, I'll show you some... explicit content...

82.77 Million words | 2022-08-05 21:00Update

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Guardian on the blacklist. Fiction
Guardian on the blacklist.

Who can prevail in the battle between the special forces and the special police? When the older brother is a retired special forces soldier and the younger brother is an active duty special police officer, who will hesitate due to family ties? If he is not bribed, it means the price offered is not high enough! In the face of huge profits, who can still uphold their bottom line? For the sake of interests, the gangsters, drug enforcement, special police, loved ones, mistresses, and behind-the-scenes bosses all make their appearances, playing their respective roles in this extravagant feast. In the darkness, what will those silently guarding people gain?

192.22 Million words | 2022-02-03 18:51Update

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Chaotic times in the yellow sky. Fiction
Chaotic times in the yellow sky.

[【Entry for the Creation Historical Genre Writing Contest - Possession Genre】] A youth leaning on his sword, gazing at the sky from atop his horse; Twisting fate amidst the stars and moon, he looks back at the visage of a woman.

375.68 Million words | 2021-02-25 17:50Update

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Adorable Master is here: Rebel, don't mess around. Fiction
Adorable Master is here: Rebel, don't mess around.

Entering the cultivation novel, I definitely had to compete with the protagonist for opportunities! I couldn't be the male version of Long Aotian, so why not be the female version? Unfortunately, my wishful thinking was shattered when I was ultimately defeated by the male lead and became the boss! Luckily, I was reborn and went back to when the male lead was a child! Looking at the skinny little figure before me, with a hint of kingly aura shining through his brows, I had two options. Kill him and see how arrogant he'll be in the future! Nurture him and demand repayment openly and honestly in the future! Thinking about the treasures that only the male lead could unlock, my greed got the best of me and I ultimately chose to nurture him. Little did I know, with one wrong move, I turned the righteous and adorable little boy into a cunning and scheming wolf! When he grew up, he even used treasures to entice me! "Master, want it? If you do, then let's cultivate together?" Tears filled my master's face. If she had known that trading her looks for treasures would work, what would she have done as a boss in her previous life? Master and disciple, nurturing, V, a sweet and pampering story. Welcome to adopt! W

277.63 Million words | 2021-12-21 21:56Update

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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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Tang Dynasty Detective Fiction
Tang Dynasty Detective

A reincarnated criminal investigation expert in the Tang Dynasty, using his intelligence to solve a series of brutal crimes. Originally planning to live a peaceful life with his lovely young wife, he becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies. In an instant, the court and martial world are filled with hidden currents, as storms approach the Great Tang Empire. Witness how Li Canghai, with his meticulous mind and brilliant deduction skills, unravels one bizarre and incredulous case after another.

302.00 Million words | 2021-10-18 14:26Update

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