10+ Best Historical Fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce your 8-year-old to the wonders of the past? Look no further! Our guide to historical fiction books for 8-year-olds is packed with captivating stories that bring history to life. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming friendships, each book promises to transport young readers to a different time and place. Keep reading to discover our top picks and find the perfect historical escape for your little reader!

Fun Historical Fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds
  • Illustrator: Paul Lantz
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1756 New York, young Edward must protect his family with an old Spanish matchlock gun when his father is called away to fight the French.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling, fast-paced story that introduces young readers to colonial American history through the eyes of a child their own age.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love adventure stories and learning about American history.

• Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton, who comes from Maine to the prairie to answer a widower's advertisement for a wife and mother.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle, heartwarming story that explores themes of family, adaptation, and the vast American landscape.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy quiet, thoughtful stories about family life and historical settings.

• The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
  • Illustrator: Peter Sis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A bratty prince and his whipping boy inadvertently swap roles and embark on an adventure that teaches them both a great deal about bravery and friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, engaging tale that offers humor and excitement while subtly teaching about loyalty, courage, and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy lively tales filled with adventure and humor.

• I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Nathaniel Fox runs away from his uncle's farm and finds himself in the middle of the Battle of Brooklyn during the American Revolution.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides an exciting, action-packed glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history, making it relatable and accessible to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by history and love stories of survival and resilience.

• Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
  • Illustrator: Marcia Sewall
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Willy enters a dog sled race in order to win enough money to save his grandfather's farm from tax collectors.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an exciting race with a touching family story, all set against the backdrop of a historical American setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy thrilling races and heartwarming family stories.

Educational Historical Fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos by Robert Lawson
  • Illustrator: Robert Lawson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Amos, a mouse, claims to be the brains behind Benjamin Franklin's inventions and successes in this charmingly whimsical tale.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical figures and inventions, reading comprehension, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous and inventive look at American history through the eyes of a tiny, yet clever, protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a mix of history and humor, and those curious about inventions.

• The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Ann Hamilton, a pioneer girl in western Pennsylvania, feels lonely and out of place, but her life changes when she meets a man who turns out to be George Washington.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of pioneer life
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that brings the past to life with vivid detail and historical figures.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in pioneer life and stories about meeting historical figures.

• The Borrowers by Mary Norton
  • Illustrator: Beth Krush, Joe Krush
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The Clock family, tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house, borrow items from humans to survive.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, resourcefulness, understanding different perspectives
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends historical settings with imaginative storytelling, creating a captivating world that sparks curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy mixed with historical elements and inventive tales.

• Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
  • Illustrator: Trina Schart Hyman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the adventurous life of 11-year-old Caddie Woodlawn, a spirited pioneer girl growing up in Wisconsin during the 1860s.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: American history, bravery, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: Caddie's spirited adventures provide both entertainment and insights into American history through a child's eyes.
  • Perfect for: Kids who admire strong, adventurous characters and are interested in American history.

• The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Illustrator: Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Laura and her family face the challenges and adventures of life on the American frontier during the late 1800s.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of American frontier life, family values, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless series that offers a detailed, personal look at life on the frontier, filled with lessons about hardship and joy.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about family and historical adventures.

Challenging Historical Fiction Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
  • Illustrator: Lynd Ward
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Revolutionary Boston, the novel follows Johnny Tremain, a young apprentice silversmith who is drawn into the struggle for American independence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of freedom, war, and personal growth, and uses period-appropriate language that can be challenging for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an immersive historical experience that enhances understanding of the American Revolution, fostering a deeper appreciation for history and its impacts.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers interested in American history and tales of personal development.

• The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young orphan, Widge, is tasked with stealing Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" but becomes captivated by the world of Elizabethan theater.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces Elizabethan language and customs, which are complex, and it involves intricate plot twists that require careful reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also educates about Shakespeare and the Elizabethan era, encouraging interest in classic literature and historical contexts.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love drama, mystery, and history, particularly the Shakespearean era.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During World War II in Copenhagen, 10-year-old Annemarie learns about bravery and sacrifice as she helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazis.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the serious and complex issues of war, persecution, and resistance movements.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story provides a compelling look at the heroism and human spirit during one of history's darkest times, teaching valuable lessons about courage and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical events, particularly World War II, and stories of courage and friendship under difficult circumstances.

• The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In medieval England, a homeless girl becomes an apprentice to a tough midwife and learns not only the midwifery trade but also valuable lessons about self-worth.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features archaic language and explores mature themes like poverty, identity, and survival in a historical context.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gritty, realistic portrayal of medieval life that also offers a story of personal growth and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical realism and stories of overcoming adversity.

• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The diary of Catherine, a spirited 14-year-old girl in medieval England, who resists societal expectations and her father’s plans to marry her off.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style, medieval setting, and historical language provide a complex reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous yet poignant look at the life of a young girl in the Middle Ages, promoting themes of independence and self-determination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate strong female characters and historical settings, particularly the medieval period.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of historical fiction with your 8-year-old, you're in for a treat! Historical fiction can transport young readers back in time, offering them a glimpse into different eras and cultures. To make the most out of this reading adventure, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits and deepen their understanding of the books. These are not only fun but also educational!

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline to map out the historical events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the sequence of events and the historical context.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different events or periods to make it more engaging and easier to understand.

• Character Dress-Up
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper connection with the characters and stimulates imagination.
  • Tips: Try to recreate the costume using items you already have at home to make it a creative and fun activity.

• Story Mapping
  • What it is: Create a map based on the settings described in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps in visualizing the geographical layout of the story.
  • Tips: Include landmarks, character routes, and key locations mentioned in the book.

• Role-Play Interview
  • What it is: Pretend to interview a character from the book.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of the character's motives and actions.
  • Tips: Come up with questions that will reveal more about the character’s personality and choices.

• Book Club Discussions
  • What it is: Organize regular book discussions with friends or family who are reading the same book.
  • How it helps: Enhances analytical thinking and perspective-taking through shared insights and opinions.
  • Tips: Prepare a list of discussion questions that everyone can talk about.

These exercises are great ways to make reading historical fiction an active, engaging, and enriching experience for young readers. Not only will these activities help them grasp complex concepts and historical contexts, but they'll also spark a love for reading that could last a lifetime. So, grab those books, get creative, and let the historical journeys begin!