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

Are you on the hunt for engaging historical books for 12-year-olds that will transport them back in time? You've landed in the right place! Whether your young reader is a budding historian or just curious about the past, we've compiled a variety of captivating reads that are perfect for their age group. Keep reading to discover our top picks of historical books for 12-year-olds that promise adventure, intrigue, and a dash of education, all rolled into one!

Fun Historical 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 inspiring story follows Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who is evacuated from London to the countryside. She discovers a new world of freedom and possibilities, overcoming her physical limitations and emotional scars.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's not only a tale of survival but also of transformation and resilience. The engaging narrative and well-developed characters make historical events accessible and relatable to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy overcoming adversity stories and learning about historical events through personal journeys.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Annemarie Johansen, a young Danish girl, during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in World War II. She becomes part of a daring mission to save her Jewish friend from being captured by the Nazis.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle introduction to the horrors of World War II without being too graphic. It highlights themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of standing against injustice.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of heroism and friendship during challenging times.

• Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: During the Great Depression, ten-year-old Bud Caldwell sets off on a journey to find the man he believes to be his father. His adventures are filled with humor and the harsh realities of the time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical context with a humorous and heartwarming adventure, making it an enjoyable read that also educates about the Depression-era America.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like adventures and are curious about American history, especially the Great Depression.

• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1899 Texas, Calpurnia Tate is a curious 11-year-old girl who navigates family expectations and her own scientific ambitions. As she explores the natural world, she forms a close bond with her scientifically inclined grandfather.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and scientific exploration, wrapped in a historical setting that offers insights into the turn of the 20th century in America.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and any reader who enjoys stories about breaking societal norms and pursuing one's passion.

• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of a young Native American girl stranded for years on an island off the California coast. It details her survival through ingenuity and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a survival story that also deeply explores themes of solitude, strength, and the connection between humans and nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love survival stories and learning about different cultures and histories.

Educational Historical Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel focuses on the Logan family in Mississippi during the Depression era, highlighting the racial injustices and financial hardships they face.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of racial issues, historical context of the American South, empathy, and critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and moving portrayal of African American life and struggles during the 1930s, providing both historical and emotional education.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history, social justice, and powerful storytelling.

• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The diary of Catherine, a spirited 14-year-old in medieval England, who resists societal expectations and her father's plans to marry her off for financial gain.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge of medieval life, gender studies, diary writing and personal expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's humorous and insightful, offering a vivid portrayal of the period with a relatable and strong female lead.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy historical settings with a touch of rebellion and humor.

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: After moving from Barbados to Connecticut in 1687, Kit Tyler is met with suspicion and disapproval from the Puritan community, leading to accusations of witchcraft.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Puritan society, colonial American history, themes of acceptance and injustice
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling look into the complexities of early American settlements and the fear of the unknown.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by American history and stories of misconceptions and overcoming adversity.

• The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a homeless, nameless girl in medieval England who becomes an apprentice to a tough midwife and learns about more than just delivering babies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Medieval history, understanding of historical medical practices, resilience and self-discovery
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of perseverance and finding one's place in a harsh world.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical roles and professions, personal growth stories, and medieval settings.

• Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young apprentice silversmith in Boston becomes involved in the American Revolution after a crippling injury ends his career.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: American Revolutionary War history, themes of bravery and personal transformation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical facts with the fictional personal growth of a young boy, making the American Revolution relatable to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in American history, stories of young protagonists facing and overcoming adversity.

Challenging Historical Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel depicts the life of 14-year-old Mattie Cook who faces the horrors of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as survival, loss, and resilience during one of the deadliest outbreaks in American history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping and emotional portrayal of a significant historical event through the eyes of a young protagonist, encouraging both historical empathy and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in medical history and stories of personal growth amidst adversity.

• Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during the American Revolutionary War, it follows the story of Isabel, a young enslaved girl who fights for her and her sister's freedom.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores the complex issues of slavery and freedom within the context of the American Revolution, a pivotal era often glorified for its ideals of liberty.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a nuanced view of American history, highlighting the contradictions between the nation's fight for freedom and the continued enslavement of people.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who are ready to explore deeper historical and ethical issues.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others.
  • Why this book is challenging: It employs a unique narrative perspective and tackles harsh realities of war, making it a profound read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written, thought-provoking book that explores the power of words and the human spirit in the face of devastating hardship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a unique narrative style and are interested in stories of resilience during World War II.

• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this novel alternates between two stories set in Sudan: one of Salva Dut, a Sudanese Lost Boy, and the other of Nya, a young girl who walks miles each day for water.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents dual narratives that span different times and intertwine, offering a complex view of Sudan's history and its impact on individuals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insight into the recent history of Sudan through personal stories of survival and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in African history and stories of survival against the odds.

• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Bruno, an eight-year-old boy in Nazi Germany, who befriends a Jewish boy named Shmuel, a prisoner in Auschwitz, through the fence of the concentration camp.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the horrors of the Holocaust from an innocent perspective, which can provoke deep questions and emotional responses.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that encourages readers to consider the impacts of prejudice and the importance of humanity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are ready to learn about the Holocaust in a way that is sensitive yet eye-opening.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the fascinating world of historical books, it's a great idea to develop some good reading habits along the way. Here are a few exercises designed specifically for 12-year-olds that can make reading more engaging and fruitful. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps create a consistent reading schedule and builds discipline.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Map It Out
  • What it is: Draw maps or diagrams to visualize the settings or events in the book.
  • How it helps: Makes the historical contexts clearer and more memorable.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important places or events.

• Character Charts
  • What it is: Create charts listing the traits, motivations, and relationships of characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of character development and historical figures.
  • Tips: Update the charts as you progress through the book.

• Time Travel Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries as if you were living in the time period of the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages empathy and a deeper connection to the historical period.
  • Tips: Include details from the book to make your entries more authentic.

• Question and Answer Sessions
  • What it is: After each reading session, write down questions and try to answer them.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Review these questions and answers after finishing the book to see how much you've learned.

By integrating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your historical books more, but you'll also retain more information and gain a deeper understanding of different eras. Happy reading!