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Historical Fiction for Kids

We've been reading historical fiction lately, and I'm totally
hooked on it. Here's why:

Kids are essentially selfish. I'm not trying to be judgmental,
it's just that babies are born not knowing that they're separate
from their mothers. Everything revolves around them. And as 
kids enter the teen years, it doesn't get a whole lot better!

And then kids start feeling sorry for themselves. It's a natural
phase of life, but I don't think it's inevitable, and I don't 
particularly want to live through it, not if I can help it.

So how do you take your kids' eyes off of themselves and on 
to the rest of the world? How do you give them some perspective?
Let's show them how the rest of the world lives. Let's show 
them how their ancestors lived, and the trials they faced. And 
historical fiction is awfully interesting.

For a story set today to be popular, it has to be almost 
completely character driven. Nothing else is that "new" that it
will enthrall kids. But historical fiction is interesting 
because it's different--but still has kids dealing with 
important issues.

Here are some books that I love which will bring history to life--and some perspective to our kids!

Many of the books I recommend on other pages  are historical fiction, too, they just didn't start out that way! Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, and others are classics that have been around for ages, and help our kids to know what life was like before. If you want other suggestions, I have some below:

 
Signet Classics Connecticut Yankee In King Arthurs Court Signet Classics Connecticut Yankee In King Arthurs Court

A blow on the head transports a Yankee to 528 A.D. where he proceeds to modernize King Arthur's kingdom. You can't get better than this--it was written as historical fiction over 100 years ago, so you get two doses in one! Boys love this Mark Twain classic.

The Midwife's Apprentice The Midwife's Apprentice

Step into the Middle Ages with this delightful story for girls. It's won the Caldecott Medal, too!

Our Canadian Girl Penelope: Terror In the Harbour Our Canadian Girl Penelope: Terror In the Harbour

There's a whole series of "Our Canadian Girl" books, and most of them are quite good. Girls 8-11 will like them.

To Kill a Mockingbird To Kill a Mockingbird

It's still one of my favourite books of all time! Take your kids back to the Southern States in a time of great racial turmoil, and let them learn about grace. Great for kids over 11.
Magic Tree House Collection Magic Tree House Collection

Here are some audio tapes of the famous Magic Tree House books (you can find links to other books on my page for first chapter books). Any of these books are great for starting readers, though they're not in the classic category. But they're still a lot of fun!