Our historical “new classics” come in a variety of time periods and include both pure “historical,” based entirely on true events, and also has “historical fiction/adventure,” books set in the past but but include fictional main characters. The good news? Even the fictional historical adventure include study guides heaped with historical background to help your kids imagine life in the past. The titles include the suggested age category: YMG (ages 8-11), MG (ages 9-12), and YA (ages 13 and up). The time period is included in the description.
Andi Saddles Up – YMG
Andi and Sadie’s friendship is put to the test when their families are caught up in a boundary disagreement between the two ranches. 1877 – California
Arty Goes West – MG
When Pa dies in a fire in 1877, Arty and Ma head to Texas to claim their ranch–and all the troubles that come with running it. 1877 – Texas
Badge of Honor – MG
Gold-rush danger and adventure in 1860s California with 12-year-old Jem Coulter, his family, and his friends. 1864 – California
The Bronze Dagger – YMG
An Ancient Mesopotamian boy undertakes an 800-mile quest to find his uncle, but will his violations of Hammurabi’s Code help him reach his goal and solve a mystery? 2000 B.C.
Badge of Honor – MG
Ride along with 11-year-old Jenny and her mischief-making friend Brose as they gallop their way through Wild West adventure. 1870s California
The Dog Snatcher – YMG
Jake and Ava search for their kidnapped dog, lost in time. Help comes from the 500-year-old Guardians of Time guild. 1500 AD Vienna and France.
The Faithful Spy – YA
The story of German pastor and Nazi resistor Dietrich Bonhoeffer comes to life in this award-winning graphic novel. 1940s AD Germany & WW2
Hunger Winter – MG
A boy’s quest to find his father and protect his little sister during the Dutch famine of World War II. 1940s AD The Netherlands.
The Long Shadow – YA
What if a chance meeting on a lonely road changed the course of your life? This drama echoes It’s a Wonderful Life and To Kill a Mockingbird. Present day, 1950s, 1923, St. Missouri.