Are you looking for historical fiction books for teens? You are at the right place.
Historical fiction for teens is rich in events, crucial moments, and societal aspects. It extends the understanding of their origin and their impact on people’s lives.
As a conscious reader, teacher, or parent, it is also an opportunity for you to connect more with your kids by providing your children with books based on true stories. Through historical fiction, you can teach them about values, moral lessons, and responsibility.
Here are 7 amazing historical fiction books for your teens.
1. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is an incredible and realistic fiction book for teens. With gripping storylines, complex characters, and a strong sense of the era, it provides a great starting point for young readers eager to explore the history of the mid-20th century.
The narrative follows the coming-of-age story of the protagonist, Liesel. Through her eyes, readers gain an intimate understanding of the struggles and soul-searching of the era. Themes of friendship, courage, survival, and endurance are explored with grace and wisdom.
Through this book, readers can learn about the complexities of past events while also being entertained.
2. “Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is a powerful and inspiring historical fiction novel for teens. It tells the story of two brave women, a young pilot named Verity and a young spy named Maddie. The novel celebrates both friendship and courage as Joyce and Maddie come to understand each other, all while facing incredible danger.
Through the narrative, young readers learn about courage, loyalty, and resilience. Most importantly, the novel serves to empower young minds about their capabilities, instilling a sense of resilience in the face of adversity. This inspiring novel is a must-read for teens in search of empowering and uplifting historical fiction.
3. “Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys is a powerful historical fiction book for teens that powerfully illustrates the hardship, fear, courage, and survival experienced by a group of refugees. Through her compelling characters, Sepetys effectively demonstrates how wars devastate generations, ultimately forcing people to question what it means to be alive during tragic circumstances.
The stories of the refugees intertwined with her expertly researched factual account of one of the war’s most overlooked tragedies will not only empower young minds. It also makes them more apt to consider the devastating effects of war, both for those who lived through them and as something that continues to have an impact on people today.
4. “The Light Between Us” by Andrew Fukuda
In this story, the protagonist, Alina, discovers herself between two cultures and periods – the Native American culture of the past and the modern-day world that she inhabits.
The struggle between how she fits in with both cultures is a powerful theme throughout, as is the exploration of identity and the differences between the two cultural contexts. Alina is also faced with issues of justice and inequality as she works to gain acceptance in both worlds.
5. “White Rose” by Kip Wilson
“White Rose” by Kip Wilson is a historical fiction book for teens that is sure to empower young minds. Set in Nazi Germany during WWII, a daring teen named Sophie faces extreme risk to stand up against the injustice of Hitler’s regime.
Alongside her friends Hans and Breitner, they form the White Rose, a secret resistance group dedicated to producing anonymous leaflets and graffiti that speak out against the Nazi’s brutality. Through this story, not only will teens learn about the historical events of World War II. They can also discover the profound power of courageous individuals to make an impact on the world.
This fast-paced page-turner will motivate youth to try hard to create positive change in their community, no matter how insignificant it may seem. “White Rose” will stir the hearts of young people about the power of moral courage and transform their outlook on life.
6. “We Are Not Free” by Traci Chee
This novel takes place during the Japanese internment. It was when Japanese-Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to detainment camps.
It follows the intertwined stories of 14 Japanese-American teens as they grapple with life under the rule of a foreign power while trying to maintain their own culture and traditions. We Are Not Free shows the impact of racism and injustice through the eyes of these young people.
It encourages empathy and understanding. The book is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, no matter the odds. It is an essential read for teens as it surely empowers young minds.
7. “All That Glitters” by Gita Trelease
All That Glitters by Gita Trelease is a historical fiction book for teens set in the French Revolution. The story follows the life of teenager Émilie Vallon as she navigates, thrives, and survives in the tumultuous environment of a country on the brink of revolution.
Émilie, who discovers that her true power lies in her words, uses her voice to fight injustice and spread messages of hope during these trying times. The story is a testament to how the resilience of the human spirit can empower others, even if it seems insurmountable.
Just like the rest of the books you can find featured by Insights on Innovation, the story beautifully portrays the power of educating one’s self and believing in one’s abilities. All That Glitters is an inspiring story that not only encourages young minds to stand up for justice. It also gives readers the courage to keep fighting for a better tomorrow.
Know the Top Picks of Historical Fiction for Teens
The books on historical fiction for teens mentioned in this article provide teens with an essential opportunity to explore the past through stories. It allows them to as well make connections between the past and present.
Young minds need to be empowered to learn about the past. They need to immerse themselves in different cultures through fiction. Search for these books and provide meaningful lessons in history to young minds!
