Historical fiction is a great way for children to learn history, and be engaged at the same time.
Published: 2011 Theme: Graphic Novel- Ramayana Best for: 9 and up "War, in some ways, is merciful to men. It makes them heroes if they are the victors. If they are vanquished, they do not live to see their homes taken, their wives widowed. But if you are a woman, you must live through defeat..." No matter how you categorize this children's book, it is a wonderful addition to the re-telling of the Ramayana, from Sita's point of view.
Published: 2014 Theme: Biography Henri Matisse Best for: 4 to 6 "If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France where the skies were gray, and you wanted color and light and sun, what might you become?" The images and wonder of Matisse's imagination come to life in a beautifully crafted children's book.
Published: 2016 Theme: Historical Fiction Biography Best for: 9 to 12 "He passes the hammer to me, and I heft it in my hands. It fits my palm perfectly, and it feels good...It seems to be speaking to me, begging to be used, ready to be of service." So many themes in one book - father/son, developing a written language, Native American struggle. Yet it all holds together beautifully.
Published: 2010 Theme: Be Yourself Best for: 6 to 9 "Blue Jay Girl had a good family who loved her, and a little dog of her own. He was called Kiyu. Until now, her life had always pleased her. But today she was the very saddest girl in the village." This small children's book is a great addition to Native American folk literature. It reads like an oral story that has been converted to a children's book.
Published: 2013 Theme: Injustice Best for: 11 and up "To make a tomahawk for your son, you needed the stone blade, and the wooden shaft, and time. In my father's day, there was still time..." I couldn't put this historical fiction book down. From start to sad ending, the trauma of the battle for land in early America is a compelling read...
Published: 2010 Theme: Math Biography Best for: 6 to 9 "You can call me Blockhead. Everyone else does. One day when I was just a boy, Maestro wrote out a math problem and gave us ten minutes to solve it. I solved it in two seconds." If you have any young children who love numbers, this is definitely a children's book they should read - a superb biography about Fibonacci.
Published: 2012 Theme: Coming of Age Best for: 11 and up "Will Sparrow was a liar and a thief, and hungry, so when he saw the chance to steal a cold rabbit pie from the inn's kitchen and blame it on the dog, he took it - both the chance and the pie..." First and foremost, this is a beautifully written piece of children's historical fiction literature. The fact that the story and characters are interesting as well is icing on the cake..
Published: 2005 Theme: Power of Kindness Best for: 11 and up "Africa was hurrying by as if someone were turning the pages of a book too quickly. I was miserable at what I was leaving behind. Even the railway itself has a sad story...I felt my own future would be no better." This historical fiction for children is full of unexpected turns, and dramatic turnabouts, from living in Africa to exile to England.
Published: 1975 Theme: Loyalties Best for: 6th grade "Of all the stupid things he had ever done, this was the worst by any measure. He had completely humiliated his kind father in front of Yoshida - the man upon whom all their livelihood depended." This compelling children's book has so much going for it that the best advice is to read it. In fact, that's what the sixth grade class does in our Waldorf school, and I hope parents read along.
Published: 2013 Theme: Robin Hood Best for: 10 and up "Killing wolves is supposed to teach me to be a great lord of men? Aren't there any books on the subject?" This children's book is full of action. While it's not written as a historical fiction, it gives a good view of the class disparity, and why one would rob the rich and give to the poor.
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