14 best historical fiction books for teens

Historical fiction books for teens are a popular genre that combines elements of history with engaging narratives to captivate young readers. These books often explore themes related to mental health, difficult situations, and the challenges faced by teenagers. Here are some notable historical fiction books for teens in this category:

1. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak: Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who develops a love for reading during a time of great turmoil. The story addresses themes of loss, friendship, and the power of words in dark times.

2. "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys: This book tells the story of a teenage girl, Lina, and her family who are deported to Siberia by the Soviet secret police during World War II. It explores the hardships faced by Lina and her resilience in the face of adversity.

3. "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein: Set in World War II, this novel follows the friendship between two young women, one a pilot and the other a spy. The story delves into themes of courage, sacrifice, and the strength of female friendships.

4. "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys: Another powerful novel by Ruta Sepetys, this book tells the story of four teenagers from different backgrounds seeking refuge on a ship during the final days of World War II.It explores their individual struggles and the bonds they form.

5. "The Hired Girl" by Laura Amy Schlitz: Set in 1911, this novel follows the journey of a young Jewish girl, Joan, who escapes her oppressive life on a farm to work as a hired girl in Baltimore. The book deals with themes of independence, self-discovery, and societal expectations.

6. "Out of the Easy" by Ruta Sepetys: This book is set in the 1950s in New Orleans and follows the life of Josie, the daughter of a brothel prostitute. Josie aspires to a better life and must navigate difficult circumstances and secrets. The story explores themes of ambition and resilience.

7. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set during World War II and tells the intertwining stories of a blind French girl and a German soldier. It explores themes of innocence, love, and the impact of war on individuals.

8. "Under a Painted Sky" by Stacey Lee: This young adult novel is set on the Oregon Trail in the 1840s and follows two girls, a Chinese-American and an African-American, as they disguise themselves as boys to survive the journey westward. The story explores themes of friendship, identity, and survival.

9. "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse: Set in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II, this novel follows a young girl, Hanneke, who becomes involved in the Dutch resistance. It addresses themes of courage, moral dilemmas, and the search for hope in dark times.

These historical fiction books for teens provide not only engaging narratives but also opportunities for young readers to learn about different historical periods and the resilience of individuals facing challenging circumstances. They can also help spark discussions about mental health, empathy, and the human spirit in the context of historical events.