For kids who like to read about the past

Tried, tested, and loved by students, nephews, and my own kids — these stories are unputdownable 🤯

Historical fiction can be so powerful — not just for learning about the past, but for helping readers build empathy, ask big questions, and connect across time.

And while not every middle grade reader will reach for it first… these 4 books changed that. I’ve seen kids devour them in a single day — students, family, even my own children.
They’re fast-paced, full of tension, and packed with the kinds of characters that stick with readers.

Winterkill by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch 🇨🇦
Ages 10–13

The Cricket War by Tho Pham & Sandra McTavish 🇨🇦
Ages 10+

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Ages 9+

Heroes by Alan Gratz
Ages 9–13