Historical fiction is a genre that allows readers to explore past events through compelling narratives and rich characters. For high school students, historical fiction books not only offer an opportunity to dive into history but also help cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and an understanding of different cultures and periods. These novels, set in various historical eras, offer a lens through which young readers can grasp complex historical events and perspectives.
In this article, we will explore 17 of the best historical fiction books for high schoolers, delving into their themes, settings, and the reasons they make excellent reading choices for teenagers.
17 Best Historical Fiction Books for High Schoolers
1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in: Nazi Germany, during World War II
Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief is one of the most powerful historical novels for young adults. Narrated by Death itself, the story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living with a foster family in Nazi Germany. The novel captures the horrors of war and the Holocaust while focusing on themes of hope, the power of words, and human connection. Liesel steals books to cope with the traumatic events around her, and the story reveals how stories and books can offer solace in the darkest of times.
The beauty of The Book Thief lies not just in its historical context but in the emotional depth of its characters. It presents a moving and personal story of survival during one of the darkest chapters in human history.
2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Set in: Nazi-occupied France, during World War II
Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel All the Light We Cannot See is a masterpiece that follows two protagonists—Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German soldier—whose lives intersect during World War II. The novel intricately weaves together the stories of these two characters, offering readers a rich perspective on the impact of war on both civilians and soldiers.
The novel’s lyrical writing, the portrayal of human resilience in the face of war, and the seamless interweaving of historical events make it an excellent choice for high school readers interested in World War II history and the human stories behind it.
3. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
Set in: Nazi-occupied Netherlands, during World War II
One of the most famous historical documents ever written, The Diary of Anne Frank is the personal account of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid with her family in Amsterdam to avoid Nazi persecution. Written during the two years she spent in hiding, the diary provides a profound insight into the emotional and psychological toll of living under the threat of death.
This work is a poignant reminder of the impact of World War II on individuals and families, and it offers readers a chance to reflect on themes of hope, fear, and the resilience of the human spirit.
4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Set in: Mississippi, 1960s
Kathryn Stockett’s The Help is set in the racially segregated South during the Civil Rights Movement. The novel explores the lives of three women—Aibileen, an African American maid; Minny, Aibileen’s sassy friend; and Skeeter, a young white journalist—who come together to expose the mistreatment of black maids by white families. Through their shared experiences, the novel sheds light on issues of racism, class, and inequality in America during the 1960s.
The Help offers readers an eye-opening perspective on the Civil Rights Movement, presenting an authentic portrayal of racial tensions and the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right.
5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Set in: Nazi Germany, during World War II
John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pajamas tells the story of an 8-year-old boy named Bruno, whose family moves to a house near a concentration camp during World War II. Bruno befriends a boy named Shmuel, who lives on the other side of the fence and wears “striped pajamas.” The novel explores themes of innocence, prejudice, and the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of a child.
This poignant and heartbreaking story encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of hatred and the importance of empathy in understanding others, making it a powerful addition to any high school curriculum.
6. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Set in: Colonial America, during the American Revolution
Laurie Halse Anderson’s Chains takes place during the American Revolution and follows the story of Isabel, a young enslaved girl who seeks freedom from her cruel masters. The novel explores the themes of slavery, independence, and the complexities of loyalty and freedom, particularly as Isabel navigates her own path during the tumult of the Revolution.
Chains is an important book for high school readers because it brings history to life in a way that is both accessible and emotionally resonant, while shedding light on the plight of enslaved people during this crucial period in American history.
7. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Set in: The Dust Bowl and Great Depression, 1930s
John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is a landmark novel that focuses on the Joad family’s journey from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. The novel explores the themes of poverty, social injustice, and the impact of industrialization, all set against the backdrop of the devastating Dust Bowl. As the Joads face hardship, they embody the resilience of the human spirit.
This book is essential for high schoolers because it not only provides a glimpse into one of the most difficult times in American history but also serves as a reflection on economic disparity and human dignity.
8. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Set in: New Hampshire, during World War II
John Knowles’ A Separate Peace is set in a fictional boarding school during World War II and focuses on the friendship between two boys, Gene and Phineas. The novel explores the themes of jealousy, friendship, and the loss of innocence as the boys confront the realities of growing up during wartime.
This book is a great choice for high school students due to its nuanced portrayal of adolescence and its exploration of the psychological impact of war on young people.
9. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Set in: The American Civil War
Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage is a classic novel about the experiences of Henry Fleming, a young soldier who enlists in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The novel examines themes of fear, bravery, and the realities of war through the eyes of an individual soldier.
For high school students studying American history, The Red Badge of Courage provides a vivid and emotional portrayal of the psychological toll of war, making it an essential read for understanding the Civil War’s impact on both soldiers and civilians.
10. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Set in: Afghanistan, during the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban
Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is a deeply moving novel that explores the complex relationship between two boys, Amir and Hassan, set against the backdrop of political upheaval in Afghanistan. The novel delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, redemption, and the impact of history on personal lives, as Amir grapples with guilt over a childhood betrayal and the ramifications of Afghanistan’s political landscape.
This powerful novel offers a unique perspective on the personal costs of war and is a compelling choice for high school readers looking for a profound historical narrative.
11. Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Set in: Nazi-occupied France, during World War II
Tatiana de Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key alternates between the story of Sarah, a Jewish girl who is taken from her home during the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup in 1942, and the life of Julia Jarmond, a journalist researching the event decades later. The novel examines the trauma caused by the Holocaust and the long-lasting effects of historical events on future generations.
This book is a thought-provoking and moving read that brings an important piece of history to light, making it a must-read for high schoolers interested in World War II and its legacy.
12. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Set in: World War II, Pacific Theater
Joseph Bruchac’s Code Talker is based on the true story of the Navajo Code Talkers who played a crucial role in the United States’ success in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The novel follows the life of a young Navajo boy who is recruited to become a Code Talker, using his native language to help secure military communications.
This story provides high school students with an opportunity to learn about a lesser-known aspect of World War II while also exploring themes of cultural identity, loyalty, and the role of Native Americans in American history.
13. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Set in: Soviet-occupied Lithuania, during World War II
Ruta Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray is set during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania and follows the journey of Lina, a young girl who is deported with her family to a Siberian labor camp. The novel vividly portrays the harsh realities of life under Soviet rule and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
This book is an important and often overlooked part of World War II history, offering readers insight into the experiences of people living in Eastern Europe during the war.
14. The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Set in: Nazi Germany, during World War II
Based on the true story of Helmuth Hübener, a teenager who resisted the Nazi regime, The Boy Who Dared explores the consequences of standing up to oppression. Helmuth’s defiance, as he listens to banned radio broadcasts and distributes anti-Nazi leaflets, ultimately leads to his arrest and execution.
This novel provides a powerful look at the moral complexities of resistance during wartime and the importance of courage and conviction, even in the face of great danger.
15. The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Set in: Nazi-occupied Poland, during World War II
Jane Yolen’s The Devil’s Arithmetic follows Hannah, a Jewish girl who is transported back in time to the Holocaust, where she experiences the horrors of the concentration camps firsthand. Through her journey, Hannah learns about the importance of memory and the need to never forget the atrocities of the past.
This novel is a poignant exploration of the Holocaust from a young person’s perspective, offering a way for high schoolers to reflect on the past and its ongoing relevance in contemporary society.
16. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Set in: Antebellum South, during the 19th century
Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as an actual train that travels beneath the ground, carrying enslaved people to freedom. The novel follows Cora, a young woman escaping slavery, as she faces countless obstacles on her journey north.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of slavery, freedom, and the lengths to which people will go to escape oppression.
17. The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
Set in: Nazi-occupied France, during World War II
Charles Belfoure’s The Paris Architect is set in Nazi-occupied Paris and tells the story of an unlikely hero—Lucien, a French architect who is coerced into helping the resistance by designing secret hiding places for Jews. As the novel unfolds, Lucien transforms from a man focused on self-preservation into a courageous resistance fighter.
This compelling historical thriller is a gripping read for high schoolers interested in World War II and the moral challenges faced by individuals during times of conflict.
Conclusion
These 17 historical fiction books are exceptional choices for high school students, as they cover a wide range of historical events and themes that are crucial to understanding the human experience. Whether students are interested in World War II, the American Civil War, or the struggles for freedom and justice, these novels offer an engaging way to learn about history through the lens of fiction.
