10+ Best Historical Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will whisk your 12-year-old away to another time and place? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of historical fiction books for 12-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that blend rich history with thrilling adventures. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to ignite a love of the past in young readers.

Fun Historical Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, this novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl born with a clubfoot, who escapes her abusive mother in London to evacuate to the countryside. There, Ada and her brother discover a new world of freedom and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of resilience and transformation that highlights the power of love and support. It also gives readers a glimpse into the challenges and changes during World War II.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy overcoming adversity stories and learning about historical events through personal narratives.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This gripping novel follows 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape from Copenhagen during the Nazi occupation of Denmark.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a moving and accessible introduction to the history of World War II and the Holocaust, told through the eyes of a courageous young girl. It teaches important values like bravery and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of heroism.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, 11-year-old Calpurnia Tate discovers her love for science and nature through explorations with her grandfather. This novel explores her struggles and growth as she tries to find her place in a society expecting her to fit traditional female roles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and scientific exploration while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of breaking societal norms.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and history buffs who appreciate strong, intelligent characters.

• The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in medieval France, this tale follows three children and a greyhound who go on a quest to save precious and holy texts from being burned. They face numerous obstacles, including encounters with knights, kings, and a dragon.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, adventurous story that also touches on themes of religious and cultural understanding. The illustrations add a charming touch to the historical setting.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love action-packed stories and learning about different cultures and times.

• Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the segregated South during the Great Depression, Stella and her community face racism and injustice with courage and determination. The story is inspired by the author's grandmother's journal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the struggles against racism and the strength of community bonds during challenging times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in social justice and stories about community strength and personal growth.

Educational Historical Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is set during the American Revolutionary War and follows Isabel, a thirteen-year-old enslaved girl fighting for her and her younger sister's freedom from a cruel Loyalist family in New York.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the American Revolutionary War, empathy, critical thinking about freedom and human rights
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping, personal perspective on the American Revolution, focusing on the often-overlooked experiences of enslaved African Americans.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in American history and stories of resilience and courage.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the Watson family, particularly the 10-year-old Kenny, as they travel from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama, and find themselves caught up in the tragic 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness of the Civil Rights Movement, racial issues, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and deep emotional impact to explore a pivotal moment in American history through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy family stories intertwined with significant historical events.

• Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book tells the story of Esperanza, a young girl from a wealthy family in Mexico who is forced to flee to California during the Great Depression and start over in a Mexican farm labor camp.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the Great Depression, Mexican culture, social class, and immigration
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a compelling tale of loss, adaptation, and growth that highlights the Mexican immigrant experience during the Great Depression.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories of cultural heritage and overcoming adversity.

• The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in medieval England, this novel follows a homeless girl known only as Brat, who becomes an apprentice to a sharp-tempered midwife and learns not only the midwifery trade but also gains the confidence to shape her own destiny.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of medieval society, personal growth and self-discovery
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a vivid portrayal of medieval life and a heartening character arc of a young girl finding her place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by medieval history and stories of personal development.

• Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this novel, Mattie Cook, a fourteen-year-old living in Philadelphia, must survive and fend for her family during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical health crises, resilience, and survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling and educational look at one of the most devastating outbreaks in American history, showing the impact of disease on society.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy survival stories and learning about historical medical challenges.

Challenging Historical Fiction Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as morality, death, and the power of words, all narrated by Death himself, offering a unique and profound perspective on war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, thought-provoking story that challenges readers to think about the impact of literature and the human condition during one of history's darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, reflective stories and those interested in the power of storytelling.

• Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During World War II, four teenagers from different backgrounds converge in East Prussia, all haunted by tragedy and the terrors of war, as they attempt to board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship promised for safety.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is presented through multiple points of view, requiring readers to piece together each character's story and their connections to historical events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, harrowing look at a lesser-known tragedy of World War II, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in complex narratives and historical events beyond the typical war stories.

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This intense novel follows a young British female spy who is captured in Nazi-occupied France during World War II and the friendship that strengthens her will to survive.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story's structure is intricate, involving unreliable narration and complex plot twists that challenge readers to think critically about truth and deception.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling blend of historical detail and suspense, providing insight into the roles of women in war.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love spy stories, strong female protagonists, and historical dramas that challenge their perceptions.

• The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during the American Revolutionary War, this novel tells the story of Octavian, a young African American boy raised by a group of rational philosophers known as the Novanglian College of Lucidity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel uses 18th-century diction and syntax, and it explores complex themes of freedom, race, and science.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique and intellectually stimulating perspective on the American Revolution, focusing on issues of personal and political liberty.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate historical accuracy and philosophical inquiries into human rights and science.

• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina is taken from her home in Lithuania along with her mother and younger brother and sent to a Siberian work camp during Stalin's purges.
  • Why this book is challenging: It confronts the horrors of war and survival under extreme conditions, demanding emotional maturity and resilience from its readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on the often-overlooked horrors of Stalin's regime and the strength of the human spirit in the face of despair.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in untold stories of history and tales of survival against all odds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the rich and exciting world of historical fiction, it's not just about reading the stories but also about enhancing your reading experience. Here are some engaging exercises designed specifically for 12-year-olds to help develop good reading habits while enjoying historical fiction books. Let's make reading even more fun and rewarding!

• Create a Character Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that shows the relationships between different characters in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex character interactions and developments.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of relationships.

• Time Travel Diary
  • What it is: Write a diary entry as if you lived in the time period of the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the historical context and empathizes with the characters.
  • Tips: Include details from the book to make your diary entry as authentic as possible.

• Plot Prediction Chart
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, predict what will happen next and chart predictions against actual outcomes.
  • How it helps: Develops analytical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Update your predictions as you read more of the book.

• Theme Investigation
  • What it is: Identify and write about a central theme or message of the book.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and ability to interpret underlying messages.
  • Tips: Look for recurring symbols or dialogues that might hint at deeper themes.

• Historical Fact Check
  • What it is: Research to confirm whether the historical details in the book are accurate.
  • How it helps: Encourages research skills and a deeper understanding of the historical period.
  • Tips: Use reputable sources and take notes on what you find.

• Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a book club or discussion group with friends who are reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through discussion and different perspectives.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions about the book to discuss in your group.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you're not just reading a book; you're actively engaging with it, understanding its depths, and enhancing your comprehension skills. So grab your historical fiction pick, and let's get started on this exciting journey through time!