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Genre Guide

Seattle Picks: Historical Fiction for Kids

By:

Seattle Kids Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

Great reads that bring the past to life! (Updated December 2021)

By:

Seattle Kids Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

1-25 of 26 items

1-25 of 26 items

A Place to Hang the Moon

A Place to Hang the Moon

by Albus, Kate

Book - 2021

In World War II England, three orphaned siblings seek a permanent, loving home when they are evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz. In World War II England, three orphaned siblings seek a permanent, loving home when they are evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz. Show less

In World War II England, three orphaned siblings seek a permanent, loving home when they are evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz. In World War II England, three orphaned siblings seek a permanent, loving home when they are evacuated to the countryside during the Blitz. Show less

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Orange for the Sunsets

Orange for the Sunsets

by Athaide, Tina

Book - 2019

Set in 1972 Uganda, amidst the rapid expulsion of people of Indian descent from the country, this story is told in alternating voices of two 12-year-old friends- Asha, of Indian descent, and Yasufo, of African descent. Set in 1972 Uganda, amidst the rapid expulsion of people of Indian descent from the country, this story is told in alternating voices of two 12-year-old friends- Asha, of Indian descent, and Yasufo, of African descent. Show less

Set in 1972 Uganda, amidst the rapid expulsion of people of Indian descent from the country, this story is told in alternating voices of two 12-year-old friends- Asha, of Indian descent, and Yasufo, of African descent. Set in 1972 Uganda, amidst the rapid expulsion of people of Indian descent from the country, this story is told in alternating voices of two 12-year-old friends- Asha, of Indian descent, and Yasufo, of African descent. Show less

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Catherine's War

Catherine's War

by Billet, Julia

Graphic Novel - 2020

As France falls to the Nazi regime, Rachel Cohen, a young Jewish girl and a budding photographer, is forced to leave school, change her name, go into hiding, and try to live through the atrocities of World War II. As France falls to the Nazi regime, Rachel Cohen, a young Jewish girl and a budding photographer, is forced to leave school, change her name, go into hiding, and try to live through the atrocities of World War II. Show less

As France falls to the Nazi regime, Rachel Cohen, a young Jewish girl and a budding photographer, is forced to leave school, change her name, go into hiding, and try to live through the atrocities of World War II. As France falls to the Nazi regime, Rachel Cohen, a young Jewish girl and a budding photographer, is forced to leave school, change her name, go into hiding, and try to live through the atrocities of World War II. Show less

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The Blackbird Girls

The Blackbird Girls

by Blankman, Anne

Book - 2020

Classmates Valentina and Oksaka have a frought rivalry, until the fateful day that the nuclear power plant where both of their fathers work, Chernobyl, ex...Show more Classmates Valentina and Oksaka have a frought rivalry, until the fateful day that the nuclear power plant where both of their fathers work, Chernobyl, explodes. Now their very survival depends on each other as they race to flee the Chernobyl fallout. Show less

Classmates Valentina and Oksaka have a frought rivalry, until the fateful day that the nuclear power plant where both of their fathers work, Chernobyl, ex...Show more Classmates Valentina and Oksaka have a frought rivalry, until the fateful day that the nuclear power plant where both of their fathers work, Chernobyl, explodes. Now their very survival depends on each other as they race to flee the Chernobyl fallout. Show less

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Being Clem

Being Clem

by Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Book - 2021

It’s 1944, and Clem’s father is serving as a sailor in WWII, when he’s killed in the Port Chicago explosion in San Francisco. Now Clem and his family mus...Show more It’s 1944, and Clem’s father is serving as a sailor in WWII, when he’s killed in the Port Chicago explosion in San Francisco. Now Clem and his family must struggle even harder to get by in the midst of rampant racial injustice, and Clem must come to terms with his ongoing quest to live up to his father’s legacy. Show less

It’s 1944, and Clem’s father is serving as a sailor in WWII, when he’s killed in the Port Chicago explosion in San Francisco. Now Clem and his family mus...Show more It’s 1944, and Clem’s father is serving as a sailor in WWII, when he’s killed in the Port Chicago explosion in San Francisco. Now Clem and his family must struggle even harder to get by in the midst of rampant racial injustice, and Clem must come to terms with his ongoing quest to live up to his father’s legacy. Show less

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The Journey of Little Charlie

The Journey of Little Charlie

by Curtis, Christopher Paul

Book - 2018

When twelve-year old Charlie's sharecropper father dies leaving the family in debt, he is forced to join the fearsome plantation overseer, Cap'n Buck, as...Show more When twelve-year old Charlie's sharecropper father dies leaving the family in debt, he is forced to join the fearsome plantation overseer, Cap'n Buck, as he tracks down some people accused of stealing. But Little Charlie soon discovers that the story is more complicated than he thought. Show less

When twelve-year old Charlie's sharecropper father dies leaving the family in debt, he is forced to join the fearsome plantation overseer, Cap'n Buck, as...Show more When twelve-year old Charlie's sharecropper father dies leaving the family in debt, he is forced to join the fearsome plantation overseer, Cap'n Buck, as he tracks down some people accused of stealing. But Little Charlie soon discovers that the story is more complicated than he thought. Show less

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All He Knew

All He Knew

by Frost, Helen

Book - 2020

Spanning 1939-1945, this story told in free verse follows the plight of six-year old Henry, who becomes deaf after a fever and is institutionalized in a h...Show more Spanning 1939-1945, this story told in free verse follows the plight of six-year old Henry, who becomes deaf after a fever and is institutionalized in a home for the feebleminded, where he becomes friends with a conscientious objector to World War II. Show less

Spanning 1939-1945, this story told in free verse follows the plight of six-year old Henry, who becomes deaf after a fever and is institutionalized in a h...Show more Spanning 1939-1945, this story told in free verse follows the plight of six-year old Henry, who becomes deaf after a fever and is institutionalized in a home for the feebleminded, where he becomes friends with a conscientious objector to World War II. Show less

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Ground Zero

Ground Zero

by Gratz, Alan

Book - 2021

In this dual narrative survival story, 9-year-old Brandon is visiting his dad at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001; 18 years later, 11-year-old...Show more In this dual narrative survival story, 9-year-old Brandon is visiting his dad at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001; 18 years later, 11-year-old Reshmina is a girl who has grown up in a remote village in Afghanistan during the aftermath of 9/11. Both must face harrowing odds to survive. Show less

In this dual narrative survival story, 9-year-old Brandon is visiting his dad at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001; 18 years later, 11-year-old...Show more In this dual narrative survival story, 9-year-old Brandon is visiting his dad at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001; 18 years later, 11-year-old Reshmina is a girl who has grown up in a remote village in Afghanistan during the aftermath of 9/11. Both must face harrowing odds to survive. Show less

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The Night Diary

The Night Diary

by Hiranandani, Veera

Book - 2018

Told in letters to her dead mother as her family flees after the 1947 partition of India, 12-year old Nisha, who is half Muslim and half Hindu, struggles to understand her own identity and find lasting safety. Told in letters to her dead mother as her family flees after the 1947 partition of India, 12-year old Nisha, who is half Muslim and half Hindu, struggles to understand her own identity and find lasting safety. Show less

Told in letters to her dead mother as her family flees after the 1947 partition of India, 12-year old Nisha, who is half Muslim and half Hindu, struggles to understand her own identity and find lasting safety. Told in letters to her dead mother as her family flees after the 1947 partition of India, 12-year old Nisha, who is half Muslim and half Hindu, struggles to understand her own identity and find lasting safety. Show less

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When Stars Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered

by Jamieson, Victoria

Graphic Novel - 2020

This graphic novel is based on coauthor Omar Mohamed's experience with his brother Hassan, in a Kenyan refugee camp after they fled Somalia. Omar is respo...Show more This graphic novel is based on coauthor Omar Mohamed's experience with his brother Hassan, in a Kenyan refugee camp after they fled Somalia. Omar is responsible for his largely nonverbal brother in the camp, but has some important choices to make when the opportunity comes along to get an education. Show less

This graphic novel is based on coauthor Omar Mohamed's experience with his brother Hassan, in a Kenyan refugee camp after they fled Somalia. Omar is respo...Show more This graphic novel is based on coauthor Omar Mohamed's experience with his brother Hassan, in a Kenyan refugee camp after they fled Somalia. Omar is responsible for his largely nonverbal brother in the camp, but has some important choices to make when the opportunity comes along to get an education. Show less

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The Legend of Auntie Po

The Legend of Auntie Po

by Khor, Shing Yin

Graphic Novel - 2021

In 1885, the Chinese Exclusions Act has just passed, and 13-year-old Mei, a Chinese American, works in a California logging camp. While she shares epic ta...Show more In 1885, the Chinese Exclusions Act has just passed, and 13-year-old Mei, a Chinese American, works in a California logging camp. While she shares epic tales of Chinese folk hero Auntie Po and her blue buffalo Pei Pei, Mei must also navigate the mounting racial tensions and violence, and her growing feelings for the foreman's daughter. Show less

In 1885, the Chinese Exclusions Act has just passed, and 13-year-old Mei, a Chinese American, works in a California logging camp. While she shares epic ta...Show more In 1885, the Chinese Exclusions Act has just passed, and 13-year-old Mei, a Chinese American, works in a California logging camp. While she shares epic tales of Chinese folk hero Auntie Po and her blue buffalo Pei Pei, Mei must also navigate the mounting racial tensions and violence, and her growing feelings for the foreman's daughter. Show less

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Brother's Keeper

Brother's Keeper

by Lee, Julie (Children's fiction writer)

Book - 2020

In this moving, suspenseful story set in 1950 on the outset of the Korean War, twelve-year-old Sora and her eight-year-old brother must escape North Korea's Communist Regime on their own after they are separated from their parents in a bombing. In this moving, suspenseful story set in 1950 on the outset of the Korean War, twelve-year-old Sora and her eight-year-old brother must escape North Korea's Communist Regime on their own after they are separated from their parents in a bombing. Show less

In this moving, suspenseful story set in 1950 on the outset of the Korean War, twelve-year-old Sora and her eight-year-old brother must escape North Korea's Communist Regime on their own after they are separated from their parents in a bombing. In this moving, suspenseful story set in 1950 on the outset of the Korean War, twelve-year-old Sora and her eight-year-old brother must escape North Korea's Communist Regime on their own after they are separated from their parents in a bombing. Show less

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Show Me A Sign

Show Me A Sign

by LeZotte, Ann Clare

Book - 2020

It’s 1805, and adventurous 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf, lives in a supportive community on Martha’s Vineyard. When a mysterious outsider claimin...Show more It’s 1805, and adventurous 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf, lives in a supportive community on Martha’s Vineyard. When a mysterious outsider claiming to be a scientist appears, and kidnaps Mary as a “specimen,” Mary must use all of her strength and ingenuity to get back to the community she loves. Show less

It’s 1805, and adventurous 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf, lives in a supportive community on Martha’s Vineyard. When a mysterious outsider claimin...Show more It’s 1805, and adventurous 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf, lives in a supportive community on Martha’s Vineyard. When a mysterious outsider claiming to be a scientist appears, and kidnaps Mary as a “specimen,” Mary must use all of her strength and ingenuity to get back to the community she loves. Show less

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Indian No More

Indian No More

by McManis, Charlene Willing

Book - 2019

Set in 1957, during the government's Indian Relocation Program which terminated her family's Umpqua tribal status, 10-year-old Regina and her family are f...Show more Set in 1957, during the government's Indian Relocation Program which terminated her family's Umpqua tribal status, 10-year-old Regina and her family are forced to relocate from Oregon to Los Angeles, Regina must figure out how to stay connected to her Indian identity, in this autobiographical novel. Show less

Set in 1957, during the government's Indian Relocation Program which terminated her family's Umpqua tribal status, 10-year-old Regina and her family are f...Show more Set in 1957, during the government's Indian Relocation Program which terminated her family's Umpqua tribal status, 10-year-old Regina and her family are forced to relocate from Oregon to Los Angeles, Regina must figure out how to stay connected to her Indian identity, in this autobiographical novel. Show less

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Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen

Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen

by Nesbet, Anne

Book - 2020

Set in 1914, this rolicking tale follows the adventures 12-year-old Daring Darleen, an orphan and silent film adventure star. But when a publicity stunt b...Show more Set in 1914, this rolicking tale follows the adventures 12-year-old Daring Darleen, an orphan and silent film adventure star. But when a publicity stunt becomes all too real, and she finds herself caught up in a kidnapping, will she be able to find the courage to rescue herself and her newfound friend? Show less

Set in 1914, this rolicking tale follows the adventures 12-year-old Daring Darleen, an orphan and silent film adventure star. But when a publicity stunt b...Show more Set in 1914, this rolicking tale follows the adventures 12-year-old Daring Darleen, an orphan and silent film adventure star. But when a publicity stunt becomes all too real, and she finds herself caught up in a kidnapping, will she be able to find the courage to rescue herself and her newfound friend? Show less

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Prairie Lotus

Prairie Lotus

by Park, Linda Sue

Book - 2020

In the 1880s, multiracial Hanna and her white father move to the Dakota Territory, where they experience prejudice and racism as they try to make a life for themselves. In the 1880s, multiracial Hanna and her white father move to the Dakota Territory, where they experience prejudice and racism as they try to make a life for themselves. Show less

In the 1880s, multiracial Hanna and her white father move to the Dakota Territory, where they experience prejudice and racism as they try to make a life for themselves. In the 1880s, multiracial Hanna and her white father move to the Dakota Territory, where they experience prejudice and racism as they try to make a life for themselves. Show less

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Loretta Little Looks Back

Loretta Little Looks Back

Three Voices Go Tell It : A Monologue Novel

by Pinkney, Andrea Davis

Book - 2020

Told through first person narratives, poetry, and spiritual hymns, this is the fictionalized account of a Mississippi family's struggles as sharecroppers under Jim Crow, and the fight for Civil Rights. Told through first person narratives, poetry, and spiritual hymns, this is the fictionalized account of a Mississippi family's struggles as sharecroppers under Jim Crow, and the fight for Civil Rights. Show less

Told through first person narratives, poetry, and spiritual hymns, this is the fictionalized account of a Mississippi family's struggles as sharecroppers under Jim Crow, and the fight for Civil Rights. Told through first person narratives, poetry, and spiritual hymns, this is the fictionalized account of a Mississippi family's struggles as sharecroppers under Jim Crow, and the fight for Civil Rights. Show less

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Ghost Boys

Ghost Boys

by Rhodes, Jewell Parker

Book - 2018

In this blend of history and contemporary fiction, 7th grader Jerome meets Emmett Till, and other "ghost boys" who have been killed due to racism, after he is shot and killed by a white police officer. In this blend of history and contemporary fiction, 7th grader Jerome meets Emmett Till, and other "ghost boys" who have been killed due to racism, after he is shot and killed by a white police officer. Show less

In this blend of history and contemporary fiction, 7th grader Jerome meets Emmett Till, and other "ghost boys" who have been killed due to racism, after he is shot and killed by a white police officer. In this blend of history and contemporary fiction, 7th grader Jerome meets Emmett Till, and other "ghost boys" who have been killed due to racism, after he is shot and killed by a white police officer. Show less

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Root Magic

Root Magic

by Royce, Eden

Book - 2021

In 1963 South Carolina, 11-year-old African American twins Jezebel and Jay will be amongst the first students to integrate the local school. But the real...Show more In 1963 South Carolina, 11-year-old African American twins Jezebel and Jay will be amongst the first students to integrate the local school. But the real challenge and room for possibility lies in their introduction to rootwork, an African American folk magic that has been in their family for generations. Show less

In 1963 South Carolina, 11-year-old African American twins Jezebel and Jay will be amongst the first students to integrate the local school. But the real...Show more In 1963 South Carolina, 11-year-old African American twins Jezebel and Jay will be amongst the first students to integrate the local school. But the real challenge and room for possibility lies in their introduction to rootwork, an African American folk magic that has been in their family for generations. Show less

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Yara's Spring

Yara's Spring

by Saeed, Jamal

Book - 2020

Growing up in East Aleppo, this is a coming of age tale set in the midst of Arab Spring. Based on the author's own experience. Growing up in East Aleppo, this is a coming of age tale set in the midst of Arab Spring. Based on the author's own experience. Show less

Growing up in East Aleppo, this is a coming of age tale set in the midst of Arab Spring. Based on the author's own experience. Growing up in East Aleppo, this is a coming of age tale set in the midst of Arab Spring. Based on the author's own experience. Show less

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Amber & Clay

Amber & Clay

by Schlitz, Laura Amy

Book - 2021

Set in Ancient Greece, this novel in verse follows the painful and difficult plights of two very different children- enslaved Rhaskos, and spoiled aristoc...Show more Set in Ancient Greece, this novel in verse follows the painful and difficult plights of two very different children- enslaved Rhaskos, and spoiled aristocratic Melisto. While their paths won't cross during their lifetimes, their fates are deeply entwined. A blend of compelling narrative, philosophy, with highlights of Greek gods and archeology, this novel is an exploration of the human condition. Show less

Set in Ancient Greece, this novel in verse follows the painful and difficult plights of two very different children- enslaved Rhaskos, and spoiled aristoc...Show more Set in Ancient Greece, this novel in verse follows the painful and difficult plights of two very different children- enslaved Rhaskos, and spoiled aristocratic Melisto. While their paths won't cross during their lifetimes, their fates are deeply entwined. A blend of compelling narrative, philosophy, with highlights of Greek gods and archeology, this novel is an exploration of the human condition. Show less

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Starting From Seneca Falls

Starting From Seneca Falls

by Schwabach, Karen

Book - 2020

It’s 1848, and 11-year-old Birdie, a white indentured servant, runs away to Seneca Falls where she meets Rose, a free Black girl who want to be a scientis...Show more It’s 1848, and 11-year-old Birdie, a white indentured servant, runs away to Seneca Falls where she meets Rose, a free Black girl who want to be a scientist and free her people from slavery. Together, they find themselves in the midst of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s plans for a women’s rights convention. Show less

It’s 1848, and 11-year-old Birdie, a white indentured servant, runs away to Seneca Falls where she meets Rose, a free Black girl who want to be a scientis...Show more It’s 1848, and 11-year-old Birdie, a white indentured servant, runs away to Seneca Falls where she meets Rose, a free Black girl who want to be a scientist and free her people from slavery. Together, they find themselves in the midst of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s plans for a women’s rights convention. Show less

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Betty Before X

Betty Before X

by Shabazz, Ilyasah

Book - 2018

Written by the daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, this story follows Betty's childhood in 1940's Detroit, charting her earliest days in her path to becoming a Civil Rights activist. Written by the daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, this story follows Betty's childhood in 1940's Detroit, charting her earliest days in her path to becoming a Civil Rights activist. Show less

Written by the daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, this story follows Betty's childhood in 1940's Detroit, charting her earliest days in her path to becoming a Civil Rights activist. Written by the daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, this story follows Betty's childhood in 1940's Detroit, charting her earliest days in her path to becoming a Civil Rights activist. Show less

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Echo Mountain

Echo Mountain

by Wolk, Lauren

Book - 2020

It’s Depression-era Maine, and an accident puts 12-year old Ella’s father in a coma in rural Echo Mountain. Ella must deal with her feelings of guilt, fin...Show more It’s Depression-era Maine, and an accident puts 12-year old Ella’s father in a coma in rural Echo Mountain. Ella must deal with her feelings of guilt, find her own strength, and discover her path as a healer through the help of a mysterious and misunderstood neighbor. Show less

It’s Depression-era Maine, and an accident puts 12-year old Ella’s father in a coma in rural Echo Mountain. Ella must deal with her feelings of guilt, fin...Show more It’s Depression-era Maine, and an accident puts 12-year old Ella’s father in a coma in rural Echo Mountain. Ella must deal with her feelings of guilt, find her own strength, and discover her path as a healer through the help of a mysterious and misunderstood neighbor. Show less

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Three Keys

Three Keys

by Yang, Kelly

Book - 2020

In this sequel to “Front Desk,” Mia Tang and her parents are the proud new owners of the Calivista Motel. But in 1994 Anaheim, California, discrimination and resentment towards immigrants not only persists but continues to grow. In this sequel to “Front Desk,” Mia Tang and her parents are the proud new owners of the Calivista Motel. But in 1994 Anaheim, California, discrimination and resentment towards immigrants not only persists but continues to grow. Show less

In this sequel to “Front Desk,” Mia Tang and her parents are the proud new owners of the Calivista Motel. But in 1994 Anaheim, California, discrimination and resentment towards immigrants not only persists but continues to grow. In this sequel to “Front Desk,” Mia Tang and her parents are the proud new owners of the Calivista Motel. But in 1994 Anaheim, California, discrimination and resentment towards immigrants not only persists but continues to grow. Show less

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