Sure, fantasy and imaginary worlds are exciting and lovely to read. But there’s something particular intriguing and enlightening about diving into lost worlds – in the one we currently live in. In a time before digital technology, where war, famine, and slavery were common, arise diverse stories that we can learn from immensely.
Our children can also glean valuable life lessons, be it learning historical facts about society, or learning from the grit and tenacity of the world’s forefathers. Reading realistic and historical stories will broaden their worldview, making them more tuned in to the tensions and issues surrounding our world.
So, in this article we have specially curated 8 books along the theme of historical fiction or non-fiction, with a specific focus on books set in different geolocations and cultures. If you are looking for a different type of read for your child, stick around for the ride!
Note: The books in this list, with the exception of the bonus list at the end, were retrieved from Singapore’s P4 GEP ‘Recommendations for Extensive Reading’. Thus, they are generally suitable for advanced readers from age 10, or tweens and teens. Parents may want to take precautions with some of the books as they deal with subject matters like abuse, violence, and other potentially traumatic events.
1. Totto-Chan, The Little Girl at the Window (Tetsuko Kuroyanagi)
What is it like to go to school in Japan during World War II? After being expelled from public school, Totto-Chan enrols in Tomoe Gakuen, a school unlike any other during its time. At Tomoe Gakuen, the headmaster Mr Kobayashi encourages freedom of speech, equality, and learning of English. And there, the children are sheltered, even oblivious, to the signs of war around them – a pity that this little oasis was short-lived…
A bestseller in Japan and around the world, Totto-Chan is in fact an autobiographical memoir of TV personality Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s childhood. A story of innocence, growth, and learning, it spurs youngsters to contemplate their own education and experiences in school.
Setting: 1940s Japan
Suitable for: Age 10 and up. Mention of war.
2. Chinese Cinderella (Adeline Yen Mah)
A poignant autobiography tells the story of Adeline Yen Mah’s troubled childhood in 1940s China. Her mother dies while giving birth to her, causing her family to deem her as a symbol of bad luck. Things only get worse after her father remarries: Her stepmother treats Adeline and her siblings cruelly, while showing favouritism towards her own children.
Despite the heavy subject, at its core, Chinese Cinderella is a tale of survival and finding acceptance. This inspiring narrative of overcoming hardships is one that encourages readers to seek courage and stay resilient despite their circumstances.
Setting: 1940s China
Suitable for: Age 12 and above. Mention of family abuse and emotional trauma.
3. The Trumpeter of Krakow (Eric P. Kelly)
Joseph Charnetski and his family have a monumental, centuries-old oath to keep: protecting the legendary Great Crystal of Tarnov, at all costs. However, the Tartars are hot on their heels, bent on getting their hands on the beautiful treasure. After having their home burnt down by the dangerous looters, the Charnetski family flees to Krakow.
A fast-paced historical adventure involving alchemy, hypnosis, and lots of drama, the award-winning book is loosely anchored upon true events, such as a huge fire that engulfed Krakow in the 15th century, and the Tartars’ invasion of Poland. With hefty amounts of action, suspense and twists, this story is sure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat!
Setting: 15th Century Krakow, Poland
Suitable for: Age 8 and above. Mention of arson and violence.
4. Kira-Kira (Cynthia Kadohata)
Kira-kira – it is a Japanese word that Lynn taught her younger sister, Katie, meaning sparkling, glittering, and shining. It is this hopeful optimism of finding the beauty in the world that motivates Katie as she and her Japanese-American family deals with racism while struggling to make ends meet in 1950s America. But when Lynn, her main role model and motivator, gradually succumbs to cancer, it is up to Katie to keep Lynn’s spirit of ‘kira-kira’ alive.
Beautifully written with a sense of quiet ordinariness, the book will make readers want to root for Katie and her family, cherishing their strong familial bond and admiring their selfless diligence as minority immigrants in America.
Setting: 1950s Georgia, America
Suitable for: Age 10 and up. Mentions racism and cancer.
5. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
Anne, an orphan girl, was mistakenly sent to the farm of two siblings who had initially wanted to adopt a boy. Despite this, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decides to keep Anne. The resulting story is that of Anne’s colourful childhood, including her larger-than-life personality, friendships, and mischievous run-ins with the other neighbourhood kids.
A classic not to be glossed over, Anne of Green Gables has spawned television series, movies, and translations worldwide. Although set in a town with a fictitious name, the book’s setting is largely inspired by the author’s own experience of Prince Edward Island in Canada, offering readers a glimpse into the society of that time.
Setting: Late 19 century, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Suitable for: Age 8 and up.
6. It’s Like This, Cat (Emily Cheney Neville)
Parental relationships are tough to navigate, as Dave would know living with his brash father and sickly mother. As Dave spends more time outside the house to avoid arguments with his father, he meets an elderly cat-lady, and adopts one of the stray cats she cares for. Through Cat – as the tomcat is simply named – Dave meets new friends and slowly re-builds his relationship with his father.
Described as an offbeat, oddball of a book, It’s Like This, Cat is narrated in a matter-of-fact manner, and includes hefty and highly authentic depictions of a New York that has been lost in time.
Setting: 1950s New York
Suitable for: Age 10 and up.
7. The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips (Michael Morpurgo)
It’s 1943 in Slapton, England, and Lily lives what seems to be a peaceful life on a farm along the sea. Until one day, this all changed: The villagers are all commanded to evacuate the land to make way for air force practice. But as Lily and her family make their way out, her cat, Tips, decides to set off on his own adventure.
Turning an ordinary lost pet story into something more, The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips is about friendship, courage and warmth, set amidst the backdrop of World War II.
Setting: 1940s England
Suitable for: Age 10 and up. Mentions war.
Bonus reads (more advanced)
- Journey to Jo-burg (Beverly Naidoo)
- Anne Frank’s Story (Carol Ann Lee)
- The Crystal Ribbon (Celeste Lim)
- Nowhere Boy (Katherine Marsh)
- Number the Stars (Lois Lowry)
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (John Boyne)
- To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
- Mara, Daughter of the Nile (Eloise Jarvis McGraw)
- I am David (Anne Holm)
Conclusion
Although these stories may contain darker and heavier topics, they are sure to be sobering and enlightening reads for your tween, or even yourself! For all you know, these may just get your child more interested in societal issues and history – which will also serve them well in their studies!
Find that reading isn’t enough for your child? If you are looking for more targeted help such as comprehension practice or composition-writing advice, you won’t have to look too far! We have Primary School English Tuition classes which are specifically for primary school children looking to brush up their English exam skills.
Conducted in small group classes, our tuition lessons are sure to motivate and ignite your child’s love for the language through interactive and customised teaching. Contact us to receive further details right now!
Want more book recommendations? Check out our other book lists below!