Ann Rinaldi writes historical fiction for teens, so keep those in mind for a few years from now.

Patricia Beatty has great historical fiction. Most of it is sadly out of print, but I recommend just about everything she has written.

Anonymous wrote:The War That Saved My Life is great -- it is set in England, though.

DD loved this book so much that she begged me to read it too when has was done. It is wonderful.

Anonymous wrote:I can't believe no one has suggested the Dear America series! I LOVED those books. There's one that takes place during the Revolutionary War.

Two of us PPs already suggested this wonderful series.

The War That Saved My Life is great -- it is set in England, though.

I can't believe no one has suggested the Dear America series! I LOVED those books. There's one that takes place during the Revolutionary War.

SO much amazing middle grade historical fiction out there!!!

Two authors I would highly recommend: Carolyn Reeder and Avi. Reeder's books are meticulously researched but perfectly centered in a middle grade mindset, with characters aged 10-14. Bonus if you live in Virginia, as almost all her books are set there. I especially love "Across the Lines" and "Shades of Grey", both with male protagonists set in Virginia during the Civil War. "Captain Kate" is wonderful, set on the C&O Canal. Basically anything she has worsen is phenomenal.

(BTW, I just Googled for one of her titles and I'm bereft to find that she died in 2012!)

"Rifles for Watie", also set during the Civil War, was a huge hit with my 7th graders when I used to teach. For the life of me I can't recall the author.

+1 to the Nathan Hale Hazardous Tales. My DS also likes the " you wouldn't want to be" series.

You probably aren't likely to get Hamilton tix, but this musical is pretty good for a movie night:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/1776

My son loved the graphic novel series Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales at that age. They are a quick read so maybe check for them at the library. Also, they do depict violence and disturbing events. If you or your child is sensitive to that you might want to preview.

Anonymous wrote:I loved the Witch on Blackbird Pond and Johnny Tremaine at that age! Those suggestions really brought me back.

Agree also with PP- the American Girls books are easier reads but also good. I'll try to think of more historical fiction I loved at that age...

Calico Captive was another I read over and over.

I loved the Witch on Blackbird Pond and Johnny Tremaine at that age! Those suggestions really brought me back.

Agree also with PP- the American Girls books are easier reads but also good. I'll try to think of more historical fiction I loved at that age...