Comments on: The transformative power of historical fiction

By: Clara Fuller

Clara Fuller

In reply to vlong. The Ranger's Apprentice series is a great adventure for boys and girls - lots of action and wonderful relationships.

By: mamaN

mamaN

We recommend the Roman Mysteries series for age 8-12 too – brilliantly detailed life in Roman times with 2 boys (one Greek and one Jew) and 2 girls (one Roman and one African ex-slave) solving no end of exciting mysteries. Starting with the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD and going on through the emergence of Christianity, there are 13 books in the series by Caroline Lawrence. An extra chapter (“Aristo’s scroll”) at the back gives correct pronunciation and definitions of Latin words used.

By: Kariane

Kariane

Thanks for this list! I look forward to reading them with my boys when they’re a bit older. Right now we’re enjoying historical fiction geared at a slightly younger audience: The extended Little House on the Prairie series (which reaches clear back to Scotland), Caddie Woodlawn, and books from the Dear America series.

By: kenn

kenn

In reply to kenn.

Forgot to mention —
MANY movies are based on novels, so if there’s a “good” vid, chances are there may be a book behind it that’s readable….

By: kenn

kenn

In reply to Caroline Starr Rose.

there ARE books available — p’r’aps not with a contemporary setting. altho our son who has Tourette’s, has quite a few titles with that theme.
There’s the Henty novels, and P&R Publishing in NJ lists a few, mostly set in Ireland, Scotland, &c, a couple centuries ago.
And there’s The Cross and The Switchblade….

By: Michelle Turberfield

Michelle Turberfield

Have you tried Michael Morpurgo? He writes many fictions based on historical event. My favourite is Private Peaceful based on world war 1 – suitable for 12 onwards.

By: Wendy

Wendy

What about all the Bodie Thoene books? She has like 30 historical fiction books. We love the World war 2 ones.

By: Shannon

Shannon

I was excited to try some of these recommendations, however I now know not to make assumptions regarding other’s views on appropriateness. My daughter is 15 and was reading “Code name Verity.” She decided to stop reading it because of the F bomb, as well as the use of other language she felt inappropriate. I had been looking forward to relying on recommendations that could save me some time, but not now. Maybe reviews could include if there is content that some may find less then edifying? Idk, just disappointing. Glad my daughter isn’t jaded enough that foul language doesn’t bother her. (If I somehow read the information wrong regarding the book, whoops on my part and sorry!)

By: Caroline Starr Rose

Caroline Starr Rose

In reply to Martha Artyomenko. Preach it, and then preach it some more!

By: Martha Artyomenko

Martha Artyomenko

here is actually a lot out there for boys, more than you think. But I also think we have to be careful to not put boys or girls in a box as far as what they will enjoy! I have four sons and they have enjoyed many books that I would have often thought of as more \”girl\” stories. Some of our favorites – Nancy Rue\’s series, The old Lee Roddy series, Robert Elmer, Wayne Thomas Batson\’s books, Frank Peretti\’s for kids, Amos Fortune Freeman, Patricia St. John books, Childhood of Famous American\’s, AIO series, Bread and Roses, Henry\’s Red Sea, Distant Thunder, Captain Kate (boy and girl), The Children who stayed alone, Snow Treasure, Chris Fabry\’s books and many others. There are many new books being written all the time for both young people and children…but it is good to know what you want to see. The best way to get them to know you want the books, is when you find an author that you like, write them a note and let them know. Buy their books! I visit with many authors and they struggle with book sales, and the publishers will only publish what they know sells!