10+ Best Historical Fiction Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that can transport your 13-year-old back in time? Look no further! Our curated selection of historical fiction books for 13-year-olds is packed with thrilling adventures and captivating stories that bring history to life. Whether it’s exploring ancient civilizations or experiencing pivotal moments in history through the eyes of relatable characters, these books promise to engage and educate. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to become new favorites!

Fun Historical Fiction Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, beautifully written tale that offers a unique perspective on the power of words and resilience during one of history's darkest times.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a poignant story and are interested in World War II.

• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story tells of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her efforts to save her Jewish friend from the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling and accessible introduction to the history of the Holocaust, emphasizing bravery, friendship, and survival.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a heroic and educational story.

• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This diary-format novel follows the adventures of Catherine, a spirited medieval girl who resists societal expectations and her father’s plans to marry her off.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with historical detail, providing an engaging and lively glimpse into medieval life.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy strong female characters and humorous stories.

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during WWII, this story explores the life of Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who leaves her abusive mother to evacuate London during the war, discovering a new world of freedom and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of transformation and resilience that highlights the impact of war on children.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like overcoming adversity tales and historical settings.

• Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Isabel, a young enslaved girl fighting for her and her sister's freedom during the American Revolution.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gripping look at the American Revolution from an often-overlooked perspective, filled with courage and the quest for freedom.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and those interested in stories of resilience and courage under difficult circumstances.

Educational Historical Fiction Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is set in Philadelphia during the infamous Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793. It follows the story of 14-year-old Mattie Cook, who must survive in a city gripped by fear and devastation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, empathy, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an intense, page-turning plot with rich historical details, providing both education and excitement.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in medical history and survival stories.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This story centers on the Watson family of Flint, Michigan, who travel to Birmingham, Alabama, during a pivotal time in the American civil rights movement.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural history, racial awareness, family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a blend of humor and profound social commentary, offering a unique look into the civil rights era through the eyes of a child.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical narratives mixed with humor and deep emotional impact.

• Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Esperanza Ortega, who is forced to flee her wealthy life in Mexico to work in the labor camps of California during the Great Depression.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of immigration, social class, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It tells a gripping tale of hardship and hope, providing a deep understanding of what many immigrants faced during the Great Depression.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in immigration stories and historical challenges.

• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Biographical
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this dual narrative follows two characters: Salva, a Sudanese boy displaced by war in 1985, and Nya, a girl who walks miles each day for water in 2008.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Global awareness, perseverance, survival skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling look at the struggles faced by young people in Sudan, highlighting the importance of water and the impact of war.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in real-world issues and inspiring true stories.

• 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 the pressures of society and family expectations while exploring the natural world with her grandfather.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, gender roles, family relations
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully portrays the struggles and triumphs of a young girl in a male-dominated society, encouraging curiosity and persistence.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and those interested in women’s history.

Challenging Historical Fiction Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel takes place during the American Revolutionary War and follows Octavian, a young African American boy raised in a strange and sinister household of philosophers and scientists, who begins to question his role as a subject in their experiments.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses sophisticated language and complex themes, including freedom, personhood, and the morality of scientific experimentation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique and intellectually provocative perspective on the American Revolution, challenging readers to think deeply about history, ethics, and their own perceptions of humanity.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers interested in a deeper, thought-provoking narrative that combines history with philosophical questions.

• The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Set in medieval Europe, this story follows Boy, a hunchbacked young servant who joins a pilgrim on a quest to gather various relics of Saint Peter. The journey is filled with adventure, challenges, and miraculous revelations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines complex historical and religious contexts with a fantastical storyline, presenting challenges in distinguishing historical facts from fiction.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a captivating blend of adventure and historical intrigue, offering insights into medieval society while exploring themes of acceptance and identity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love historical adventures with a touch of magic and mystery.

• 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, desperate to board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship promising safety and freedom. The story explores their secrets, struggles, and the tragic history of the ill-fated ship.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with multiple perspectives and the harsh realities of war, requiring readers to grapple with complex emotional and historical content.
  • Why we recommend this book: This gripping tale sheds light on one of the lesser-known tragedies of WWII, providing a poignant, human face to the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in WWII history and stories that explore deep emotional and historical complexities.

• The Golden Bull by Marjorie Cowley
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in ancient Mesopotamia, this novel follows the journey of two siblings, Jomar and Zefa, who must leave their village to apprentice in the city. They face challenges and adventures that teach them about their strengths and the complexities of their world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The setting in ancient Mesopotamia includes detailed cultural and historical contexts that are unfamiliar to most modern readers, requiring them to understand and visualize a vastly different world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-studied era of history, enriching the reader’s knowledge and appreciation of ancient civilizations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers fascinated by ancient history and those who enjoy stories about personal growth and adventure in historical settings.

• Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Ned Begay, a Navajo man who becomes a Marine and uses his native language to create and transmit unbreakable codes during World War II.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates complex historical details about WWII and the unique role of Navajo Code Talkers, combined with themes of identity and prejudice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights an important but often overlooked aspect of American history, celebrating the crucial contributions of Native Americans in the war effort.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in military history, cryptography, and Native American history.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into historical fiction can be a fantastic journey for 13-year-olds, opening windows to different times and cultures. To make the most of these reading adventures, here are some exercises designed to enhance the experience and develop good reading habits. These will not only make reading more enjoyable but also more enriching.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading habits and helps complete books in a timely manner.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Create a Timeline
  • What it is: Draw a timeline and add major events from the book as you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding the historical context and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use different colors for different types of events or characters to make the timeline more engaging and easier to understand.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it or have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and provides different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Try to cover both what you liked about the book and any questions or confusions you might have.

• Map it Out
  • What it is: Create maps based on the settings of the story.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story's setting and can enhance understanding of geographical and historical context.
  • Tips: You can draw by hand or use digital tools to create your map.

• Research the Era
  • What it is: Look up information about the time period in which the story is set.
  • How it helps: Provides deeper background that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the book.
  • Tips: Start with a quick internet search or visit your local library for books on the era.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict future events in the book based on what you've read so far.
  • How it helps: Engages critical thinking and makes reading more interactive.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you progress.

• Character Profiles
  • What it is: Write detailed profiles for the main characters including their traits, motivations, and growth throughout the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of characters and their decisions, enhancing emotional engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Refer back to the text to support your analysis with examples.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you’ll not only enjoy historical fiction more deeply but also improve your comprehension and analytical skills. So grab your favorite historical novel, pick an exercise, and start exploring the past in a whole new way. Happy reading!