Tate Library: Books for Middle School Readers: Historical Fiction

Middle school readers vary tremendously in their interests and reading levels, and what books will appeal to what kids can be quite personal. To help, we've indicated books that are particularly challenging in reading level and/or topic (**) or are particularly accessible (*). These are just rough suggestions and the actual experience of readers will differ. We hope this long and diverse list will be helpful, and we welcome your input!

Laurie Hornik, MS English Department Chair Lhornik@ecfs.org

Many of these titles are available at the Tate Library. Check the library catalog or the eBook/Audiobook Sora App.

Tate Library Catalog
Explore the Catalog
eBook\Audiobook SORA App
The Tate Library is a member of the Hudson Valley Library Association eBook Consortium. Choose "Fieldston - Tate Library" when asked to select your school. All Fieldston students, faculty and staff have access to the consortium with their ECFS email and password. ECFS members can check out 3 consortium titles at a time and place up to 3 holds at a time. Items check out for 14 days.

Boyne, John

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Set during the Holocaust, this historical novel is told through the eyes of a young boy, Bruno, who doesn't understand what he sees around him: the tall fence, his father's job, and the boy he meets who always wears striped pajamas.

Myers, Walter Dean

Fallen Angels
In this coming-of-age historical fiction story set durin gthe Vietnam War, Perry, a teenager from Harlem, struggles with the horrors of war as well as the injustice of racism. Myers is the award-winning author of many YA books, including...

Chee, Traci

We Are Not Free
This work of historical fiction is told in the voices of fourteen teenagers, a close-knit group of young Nisei, second-generation Japanese American citizens, whose lives are changed forever by the mass U.S. incarcerations of World War II.

** Selvadurai, Shyam

Swimming in the Monsoon Sea
Set in Sri Lanka in 1980, this historical novel is the coming-of-age story of 14-year-old Amrith. Themes include LGBTQ, friendship, first love, family, and socio-economic class

Gratz, Alan

Allies by Alan Gratz
Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee, weaves a stunning array of voices and stories into an epic tale of teamwork in the face of tyranny -- and how just one day can change the world.
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
Master storyteller Alan Gratz delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present.

** Sepetys, Ruta

Salt to the Sea
This historical novel is set during WWII, as thousands of refugees desperately try to flee toward freedom. The book is told from the point of view of three characters - Joana, Emilia, and Florian - each with their own story, and now joined together in this common journey.

Hesse, Monica

Girl in the Blue Coat
This historical fiction mystery written by a journalist takes place in Amsterdam in 1943. Hanneke, a teenage girl, is the only one who can solve the mystery of how a Jewish girl hiding in a secret room vanished. And she needs to solve the mystery - and find the girl - before it is too late. See also...
They Went Left
Historical fiction set during the Holocaust and World War II
The War Outside
Historical fiction set during the Holocaust and World War II