What are some good historical fiction books?

Question

I'm thirteen years old, but a fairly advanced reader for my age. I just finished Johnny Tremain (school project) and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Historical fiction is one of my very favorite genres. People have recommended 'My Brother Sam is Dead', so I might read that sometime soon. I tend to like historical fiction that is slightly more realistic than fictional, as well as exciting and page-turner worthy.

I have to say that my favorite books include the Twilight and Harry Potter series. Another story I like is 'Peter and the Starcatchers'.

Hopefully that gave you an idea of what kind of books I'm interested in. Recommendations and brief book summaries are appreciated. Also, please tell me what elements played into your enjoyment of reading the book/s.

~Kaitlin

Answer 1

I remember reading both 'My Brother Sam is Dead' and 'Johnny Tremain' in fifth grade; I actually enjoyed 'My Brother Sam...' much more. That same year, we read 'Across Five Aprils' by Irene Hunt (set during in the Civil War) and 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' (set in the 1680's colonial period). I remember them being quick but engaging reads. Between these and Scott O'Dell ('Island of the Blue Dolphins', etc.), I developed a life-long love of historical fiction.



When I was your age, I read 'The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle' by Avi, and loved it. The book is set at sea during the 1830's; not only is it incredibly detailed and well-researched, but I found the story fascinating.



I also second the above recommendation for Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'; wonderful, classic novel.





If you enjoy fantasy, I suggest the following:



* CS Lewis' 'Chronicle's of Narnia' and JRR Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings'. Must-reads for any fantasy fan.



* Lloyd Alexander's 'Chronicles of Prydain'. Fantasy inspired by Welsh mythology.



* Raymond E Feist's 'Magician: Apprentice' and sequels. High fantasy (magic, dragons, that sort of thing), but not as dense as, say, Tolkien or George RR Martin. The first 2 especially are a fun read.



* Neil Gaiman's 'Stardust' and 'Coraline'. Gaiman is a brilliant, creative author, and these two books are good for teenagers. 'Coraline' is delightfully creepy; 'Stardust' is a more whimsical tale, about a young man's quest through Faerie realms.



* Terry Pratchett, both the 'Discworld' series (funny, funny stuff!) and the 'Bromeliad' trilogy ('Truckers', 'Diggers', and 'Wings'--I *adored* this series).



* Terry Brooks' 'Magic Kingdom' series. I never got into his Shannara books, but these were favourites of mine for years.

Answer 2

Not too sure if you will like these as they may be a little old for you but

Bernard cornwell has a series of books called the "Sharpe" series. They are all based on actual events in European history. They are a good mix of historical facts and adventure. The series follows the adventures of Richard Sharpe and i'm pretty sure there are 21 books in the series so far.



There is also a tv series based on them starring Sean Bean.

Answer 3

If you like reading about London during the time of Charles II - which includes the great fire in London in 1666, you may really enjoy Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor. It was a really good story that has a lot of detail about the times, the court in the time of King Charles II, the London plague of 1665-66 and the great fire, among other things. You may also enjoy some books by Georgette Heyer, who wrote a lot of historical fiction in different eras. For instance Royal Escape is one that details Charles II and his escape from Cromwell's forces. You may also enjoy something like The Loves of Charles II: The Stuart Saga by Jean Plaidy (or others of hers) or Royal Harlot: A Novel of the Countess Castlemaine and King Charles II by Susan Holloway Scott or some works by Anya Seton or Philippa Gregory.

Answer 4

I like to read the Royal Diaries books. They are about past princesses such as Anastasia, Marie Antoinette, Cleopatra VII, and Queen Elizabeth I. The authors range from Kathryn Lasky to Carolyn Meyer depending on the diary you want. They are the fictional diaries based on true events and real people. I like them but they may not be what you're looking for. Good luck!

Answer 5

Zeke and Ned: by Larry McMurtry This story brings you in to the lives of some dispossessed Native Americans living on the res in Oklahoma. It has some violence but nothing worse than the Harry Potter books and it's all true, you will not regret reading this book.

Answer 6

I love A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray -- it's my favorite book. And The Luxe by Anna Goberson. If you like Twilight you'll love these. There REALLY good

Answer 7

i am glad you liked johnny tremain. i read it when i was your age as well. i still remember the story and i am 52 yrs old. i am also happy that you liked the harry potter series. maybe you can help me to like the twlight series. i read new moon. i wasn't impressed. that's the only one i have read so far. you might also like the alchemist by paulo coelho, the black stallion by walter farley and try victoria holt. she also writes under 2 other pen names as jean plaidy and phillipa carr. i have always read a lot. you might also like to kill a mockingbird by harper lee.

Answer 8

well i love the book The Notebook its a love story that takes placein like the 20s till today its great and they also have a movie out it is also very good its my favorite and i cant wiat til the twilight movie comes out

btw im thirtten to =]]