Hey everyone, I’m looking for some suggestions for my ten year old son who is in fifth grade. He gets to choose a historical fiction book for an upcoming unit. I would like to be able to offer him some really interesting choices that might help him enjoying reading again. He used to read all the time, but lately he hasn’t shown much interest. He reads on grade level or a bit above, but he does have ADHD so he is immediately overwhelmed by anything that’s long. TIA!
by cherrycoke3430
5 Comments
Does it need to be a specific time period? For a boy that age I would recommend Johnny Tremaine by Esther Forbes , the Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare , or Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw, off the top of my head.
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is an old favorite of mine that may be a good option, assuming books set in a museum in New York counts as historical fiction.
I also remember reading Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes when I was about that age, but I remember almost no details about it other than enjoying it. I imagine it’s a little too patriotic for my tastes nowadays, but could be worth looking into.
The Earth Dragon Awakes by Lawrence Yep. Read it around 4th or 5th grade. It is historic fiction about the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, following the perspectives of two little boys who are best friends, one rich and white, one poor and Chinese. It’s a pretty short chapter book. The book provides insight into race and income inequality during the era, while also using an extended metaphor throughout the book that likens the tectonic plates to a sleeping dragon awakening.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
You need an “I Survived” book. They are very popular with that age group and perfect for what you’re needing.