Historical fiction for boys 10-15

[MLE]

I have two nephews I am supposed to keep in reading material, and one has developed a taste for HF thanks to Rosemary Sutcliffe's books. He liked Mark of the Horse Lord and Warrior Scarlet. Now I am racking my brains trying to remember what is in books I read long ago.

[Divia]

Well lets see. These maybe a little old..but who knows. I'm not sure what the reading level on your nephews are

Boy in the Stripped PJs
Fallen Angels about the Vietnam War
Amaryllis
Innocent Soldier
I had Seen Castles
Black Duck

[diamondlil]

Catherine Jinks (http://www.catherinejinks.com/) has a series set during the Crusades that might fit the bill.

[Eigon]

If he liked Mark of the Horselord, has he tried Eagle of the Ninth and the Silver Branch?

Ronald Welch did a series of books about members of the same family who got involved in just about every battle in British history, right up to the Second World War! They're quite hard to find now, but worth the effort.

[MLE]

If he liked Mark of the Horselord, has he tried Eagle of the Ninth and the Silver Branch?

I sent him those, too, but he hasn't read them yet. I tried a GA Henty novel, but couldn't get through the nineteenth-century style myself, so I figured my nephew wouldn't like it much either.

[EC2]

Catherine Jinks (http://www.catherinejinks.com/) has a series set during the Crusades that might fit the bill.

These are wonderful! The first one, Pagan's Crusade, is probably the most accessible. I'd recommend them to adults as well, although they are quirky and a bit left field.

[Alaric]

It wasn't that long ago that I was 15 (that was only 2002!), but at that age I think most boys have somewhat grown out of what would be labeled as "young adult." Most would be more than able to handle adult fiction. If they're anything like me and like to read the sorts of things I like turn them onto Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden or Simon Scarrow.

[EC2]

It wasn't that long ago that I was 15 (that was only 2002!), but at that age I think most boys have somewhat grown out of what would be labeled as "young adult." Most would be more than able to handle adult fiction. If they're anything like me and like to read the sorts of things I like turn them onto Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden or Simon Scarrow.

I would agree. Thinking back to when I was fifteen, I would have read Cornwell, Igguldon and Scarrow (okay, I'm a girl but I like guy stuff too). I was certainly reading adult historical romp fiction by that age - such as the Angelique novels or the grown up Mary Sutcliffes and the Mary Stewarts.

[annis]

I'd also suggest Stephen Lawhead's books- mostly historical with some fantasy which doesn't show up in all his books. I'd think his books about the Robin Hood legend would be a good place to start -"Hood" and "Raven". There is a third one yet to come. He might also like "Byzantium".
Judson Roberts (http://www.judsonroberts.com) has written a couple of books with a Viking background which are are considered YA/ Adult crossover.He's also added some educational material about Viking life and culture at http//www.strongbowsaga.cpm
It might depend on his reading age and emotional maturity as to what would suit him, but certainly I've found that teenage boys love Cornwell, Scarrow, iggulden, Valerio Massimo Manfredi and Robert Low (more Vikings)

[pat]

My son has just said he would like to read about the medival times as they have just covered that era in school. What would any of you recomend? He is 11.

[Alaric]

http://www.medieval-novels.com/locations/young.htm

That might be of some use.

[EC2]

Hi Pat,
I would say try The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley Holland. It's set in 12thC England with a few mystical Arthurian elements. I enjoyed it a lot. There's at least one follow up that I haven't read yet. It's supposed to be a series.
Also try Pagan's Crusade by Catherine Jinks. It's set in the Holy Land in the 1180's and it's about Pagan, a young Templar squire.
Amazon UK url here for the Crossley Holland
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seeing-Stone-Arthur-Kevin-Crossley-Holland/dp/0752844296/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221660932&sr=8-4

[annis]

Karleen Bradford's "Crusades" (http://www.makersgallery.com/bradford/crusades.html) trilogy is a good YA series. Only caveat, the main protagonist is female, and in my experience boys often relate better to stories with a male hero, though girls don't mind so much which sex the main character is.

A couple more suggestions:

"An Army of Children: the story of the Children's Crusade", by Evan H. Rhodes.
The story focuses around two characters - a Christian and a Jew - who follow the crusade for varying reasons. One by one the friends they make fall prey to the rigors of travel - crossing the Alps, starvation, hostility, and the reality of slave traders in the Middle Ages.

Elizabeth Laird "Crusade"
Though this one is not about the Children's Crusade, it is about children involved in
a Crusade and is a great read. It's another story of two boys of different faiths - one, a Muslim, in the Holy Land and one, a Christian, heading for the Holy Land as part of Richard the Lionheart's Crusade. Gradually their lives converge in a life-changing meeting.


And a list taken from another forum which might be useful:

The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P Kelly
Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
Otto of the Silver Hand by Howard Pyle
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray
The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Door In the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli
The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla
Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess by Richard Platt
The White Company by Sir Athur Conan Doyle

[Eigon]

Henry Treece wrote a good version of the Children's Crusade, too.
He was also brilliant for anything with Vikings - look out for Horned Helmet (in which he explains that Vikings didn't wear horned helmets) and the trilogy Viking Dawn, the Road to Miklegaard and Viking Sunset.

Years ago, there was a TV adaptation of The Black Arrow. Terry Wogan, who has a morning radio programme on BBC Radio 2, has always made fun of whatever was on TV the previous night - and Black Arrow had him saying "To horse, Peterkin!" at suitably dramatic intervals for what seemed months afterwards!

The antidote to Henty, who is terribly Boy's Own and for Queen and Empire, is Geoffrey Trease. He wrote about all sorts of different historical periods, but Bows against the Barons is about Robin Hood (he came from Nottingham), and The Red Towers of Granada is about the Jews being expelled from medieval England.

[pat]

Henry Treece wrote a good version of the Children's Crusade, too.
He was also brilliant for anything with Vikings - look out for Horned Helmet (in which he explains that Vikings didn't wear horned helmets) and the trilogy Viking Dawn, the Road to Miklegaard and Viking Sunset.

Years ago, there was a TV adaptation of The Black Arrow. Terry Wogan, who has a morning radio programme on BBC Radio 2, has always made fun of whatever was on TV the previous night - and Black Arrow had him saying "To horse, Peterkin!" at suitably dramatic intervals for what seemed months afterwards!The antidote to Henty, who is terribly Boy's Own and for Queen and Empire, is Geoffrey Trease. He wrote about all sorts of different historical periods, but Bows against the Barons is about Robin Hood (he came from Nottingham), and The Red Towers of Granada is about the Jews being expelled from medieval England.


Are you a TOG?

[Tapper1]

I have two nephews I am supposed to keep in reading material, and one has developed a taste for HF thanks to Rosemary Sutcliffe's books. He liked Mark of the Horse Lord and Warrior Scarlet. Now I am racking my brains trying to remember what is in books I read long ago.

Hi MLE
If your boys like Romans they could try the historical fiction book written for teenagers/young adults called Destiny's Child by D.J.Anley. It is about the childhood and teenage years of Caesar. An easy read, historically acurate, and plenty of action to keep them entertained!

[donroc]

I had read Sabatini, Costain, and Shellabarger between 12 and 15, early Yerby too. Also Scott's Ivanhoe. Give them a try.

[Holly Tucker]

For kids around 10, Carlyn Beccia's RAUCOUS ROYALS is a lot of fun...and could spark an interest in reading more historical stuff.

Holly
http://www.wondersandmarvels.com

[Eigon]

Pat - how do you know about togs in Australia? (Silly question - internet radio, I suppose). Yes, I listen to El Tel most mornings.

[Volgadon]

I think I had grown out of YA by 12 or so. From 13 or so I began reading Alistair Maclean, Desmond Bagely, Jack Higgins, that sort of thing, and then Bernard Cornwell.

One YA I remeber reading at 10 was the Bronze Bow. The action takes place where I live, so it was great seeing that in a novel.

[Spitfire]

Thank you for all your suggestions! My son is now 10 and loves history! (guess which parent he takes after, eh?) He was trying to get through a simplified version of "The Three Musketeers" but it was still too difficult for him. So I appreciate all your great recommendations, since this is new territory for me, I have no idea what boys like to read. At that age I was reading Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie...not exactly enthralling reads for a boy!

[Volgadon]

Try something like King Solomon's Mines, or Prisoner of Zenda.

[Spitfire]

Try something like King Solomon's Mines, or Prisoner of Zenda.

Good suggestion, thanks!

[Leyland]

One YA I remeber reading at 10 was the Bronze Bow. The action takes place where I live, so it was great seeing that in a novel.
I just read The Bronze Bow this past Sunday for the first time since I was 12 or so. I spied it on a neighbor's shelf after a cookie swap party and promptly borrowed it. Elizabeth George Speare created an amazing story about rebellion, redemption, the emotional power of hate and love, sacrifice and tight bonds of friendship. The story and its fictional characters are set very convincingly amid the religious laws and social/secular dictates of Roman ruled Palestine/Israel. I was very moved by Speare's descriptions of Jesus Christ and His followers and how they interacted with the fictional young adults.

[annis]

For a younger child "King Solomon's Mines" can be a bit much. I enjoyed reading it as a child, but when I started reading it to my sons at about 8 and 10, they found it way too scary, especially when we got to the bit where the evil old woman randomly chooses warriors to be killed as wizards. I must have been a blood-thirsty little beast- i don't rcall it upsetting me too much, though I found that scene with the slowly closing stone door pretty nerve-wracking- would they make it out in time?!

One thing which was a big success at maybe a year or two earlier was Rudyard Kipling. They loved "The Jungle Stories" and I couldn't tell you how mmany times I had to read "Rkki-tikki-tavi"

Something kids love is a shared reading aloud of a book. If you think a book might be a bit difficult for a kid to read on their own, you read some of it and they read some of it. It takes the pressure off them and is a fun thing to do for all of you. Even older children still enjoy doing this- I think that often we stop reading to our kids as soon as they can read themselves, which is a pity.

[Caveowl]

I recall reading was "Midshipman Hornblower."
Others, later enjoyed,
Avi -- Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Gary Paulsen -- Soldier's Heart (Have you tried Paulsen's "Hatchett?"
Mary Stewart -- Crystal Cave
Robb White -- Death Watch

[Volgadon]

Of course the old witch was scary and ever so evil, but that helped make the story exciting!!!

[Ludmilla]

I'm in the middle of Harold Keith's Rifles for Watie and I think boys in this age group would love this. It depicts a part of the American Civil War I don't often see covered, that of the participation of the divided Cherokee Indian Nation in Oklahoma and the battles that took place in Missouri and Arkansas.

[Forskande]

I liked Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark
From the girl's point of view, but good if he doesn't mind. Abou slavery in the south.

The Moonshiner's Son - Carolyn Reeder
About a boy who makes moonshine with his dad, until a preacher moves into town with his wife and daughter.

Nothing to Fear - Jackie French Koller (super, super good. Told from Danny's point of view takes place during the Depression)

The Robber and Me - Josef Holub
It's been awhile sincce I read this, but I remember it was good lol

Shades of Grey - Carolyn Reeder
shortly after Civil war ends, William has to go live with relatives he doesn't know well. Really, really good.

The Vikings - Elizabeth Janeway
Portrays the Vikings as real, civilized people which I appreciated.

I hope I helped.:D

[Hunter]

When I was 10, my English class read two books that have stayed with me all these years: Escape from Warsaw and My Brother Sam Is Dead.

Hunter

[annis]

While I was looking for something else, I came across this list of Children's/YA historical novels from Warwick Public Library. Seeing it looks quite useful, though heavy on the US history, I thought I'd add it here:
http://www.wwlibrary.org/newsite/teens/historicalfiction.htm

[Anna Elliott]

These are more on the lines of historical fantasy, but there's the Lost Years of Merlin series by T.A. Barron.

[SarahWoodbury]

For a ten year old, Brian Jacques (of Redwall fame) has his Flying Dutchman Trilogy which my kids liked very much. My son started reading Jeff Shaara several years ago (he is now 16); I second the Stephen Lawhead Arthur books, along with Mary Stewart's Merlin books. My kids mostly read historical fantasy at this age, because most of the historical fiction is just so brutal (Cornwell, et. al.). Thus, Lloyd Alexander's 'Book of Three' (plus 4 more) is a must read for a ten year old.

[Jack]

Louis L'Amour wrote an HF novel that would be great for a guy that age. It's called [U]The Walking Drum[U] The hero is a young man who has to scour the known world looking for his father. The theme of transitioning into manhood is usually something that guys that age identify with immediately, and the history along the way is terriffic. I'd be shocked if he's able to put it down.-Jack

[Chatterbox]

Definitely, definitely -- almost anything by Geoffrey Trease. Cue for Treason is his classic, but also The Hills of Varna, etc. etc. They are great adventure stories, usually revolving around a young boy (14 to 16?) and a young girl of the same age. In Cue for Treason, the boy runs away from home, ends up in London as an actor in Shakespeare's troupe, and unmasks a plot against Queen Elizabeth. He has written about Roman times, about the expulsion of the Jews and Spain in the early 14thc (Red Towers of Granada), about Garibaldi, about WW2, about Romania, about Napoleon (Thunder at Valmy), the Bolshevik Revolution (White Nights of St. Petersburg). Younger boys (maybe 12, 13, depending on reading level & level of interest) would like these.

Henry Treece, as someone noted, wrote great HF akin to Rosemary Sutcliffe.

Harold Pyle is good, and there is a very good series from Ronald Welch, revolving around generations in the same family from the days of the Norman invasion right up to WW1. Basically, it's GA Henty with updated language and updated sensibilities. Think "With Richard the Lionheart on Crusade" for The Gauntlet.

There is a book called I, Juan de Pareja, about a boy who is born a slave to Velasquez, and how he rises to become an artist in his own right.

Johnny Tremain is a good Revolutionary War yarn.

These would mostly be for younger boys, I think -- 10 to 12, depending on level of maturity. (Kids these days seem to become blase at an earlier and earlier age!!)

[Cuchulainn]

Did anyone mention "Moonfleet" by James Meade Faulkner?

I read that book in grade 8 and loved it so much I asked my teacher for a copy after we all had to hand our books. I still have it on my shelf. Maybe my boys will read it one day.

[Spitfire]

My 11 year old boy is really into the author Gary Paulsen. He wrote a series the first in it is called "Hatchet", it's a about a boy who survives in the Canadian wilderness after crashing in a bushplane, and the only tool he has is a hatchet. I have read several of Paulsen's books and he is a fantastic writer. Really pulls the reader in and grips you. A very memorable book by him is "The Winter Room". There are some really funny escapades in that book (a memorable one was when the kid jumps out of the barn loft and onto the back of the family horse) litterally had my son and I laughing so hard we had tears streaming down our faces!

[Leo62]

Though not strictly HF, it might be worth trying Philip Pullman.

His Sally Lockhart series is set in Victorian London and full of rip-roaring adventure. The first one is Ruby in the Smoke.

[stu1883]

Call me old-fashioned but what about these?

Kidnapped - R.L. Stevenson
Ivanhoe - Sir Walter Scott
Treasure Island - R.L. Stevenson
Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe

They don't call them "classics" for nothing! ;)

[Cuchulainn]

Call me old-fashioned but what about these?

Kidnapped - R.L. Stevenson
Ivanhoe - Sir Walter Scott
Treasure Island - R.L. Stevenson
Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe

They don't call them "classics" for nothing! ;)

Good call! I'd also add "Cue For Treason"

[annis]

posted by Lep62
(Pullman's) Sally Lockhart series is set in Victorian London and full of rip-roaring adventure. The first one is Ruby in the Smoke.

These books have also been made into a cracking TV series, called "The Sally Lockheart Mysteries", and starring Billie Piper as Sally.

[Cuchulain]

One book you might have read long ago is The Green Bronze Mirror By Lynne Ellison, long out of print but recently reprinted.

Karen is playing on the beach when she finds an ancient mirror buried in the sand. She looks into it, and is transported back in time to the Roman empire. Finding herself a slave, she faces many hair-raising adventures in her struggle to return to her own time.

[Cuchulainn]

One book you might have read long ago is The Green Bronze Mirror By Lynne Ellison, long out of print but recently reprinted.

Karen is playing on the beach when she finds an ancient mirror buried in the sand. She looks into it, and is transported back in time to the Roman empire. Finding herself a slave, she faces many hair-raising adventures in her struggle to return to her own time.

Hey wow! There are two Cuchulain(n)s here. Maybe I should change my user name and Cuchulain can, by association, inherit all of my old profound, and not-so-profound, posts!

[Margaret]

I've been hearing about Pagan's Crusade from you guys, so it was tops on my list of books to read when I started developing the YA section of my website. Good recommendation! One of those rare books that is pure fun from start to finish, plus a bit of extra food for thought. I've got two YA pages up now at HistoricalNovels.info (http://www.HistoricalNovels.info), with more to come, and a review (http://www.HistoricalNovels.info/Pagans-Crusade.html) of Pagan's Crusade.

[hentytapes]

I believe that most 10-15 year old boys would LOVE the Henty novels. I believe this so much that I started an audio book business for the express purpose of recording these fantastic historical fiction novels. They are historically accurate, family safe, exciting and entertaining books that teach TONS about each historical period and event highlighted. If you have trouble with the language, please consider getting unabridged recordings of them at my site, http://JimHodgesAudioBooks.com

~ Jim

[SGM]

Is the Scarlet Pimpernel too girly/too young?

I must admit I had moved on from them by about the age of 12 to The Three Musketeers and Georgette Heyer (definitely too girly),

However, going back to Sutcliff - don't forget about Flowers of Adonis -- about Alcebiades (Athens rather than Rome). It was my favourite because I studied Greek rather than Roman literature and I didn't discover it until I was 15,

I would recommend Ronald Welch (various periods of history) but they are so prohibitively expensive -- I won't even buy them again myself.

Here is the link to an edited down version of the Jonathan Nield Guilde to the Best Historical Fiction - and at least you can find these for free at Gutenberg.

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1359

[Divia]

Its not marked as YA so I'm not sure how it can be considered too young. Its a classic novel over 200 pages. Hell, most of my high school students wouldn't read it cause its too much book.

[Veronica]

For young boys perhaps The house of Windjammer by V.A Richardson?

[Manda Scott]

I've just filed a review of NM Browne's 'Wolf Blood' which anyone who loves Sutcliffe will adore - but her 'Warrior' series (Warrior of Alavna, Warrior of Camlann, Warrior of Ethandune) is also brilliant - all set in ancient Britain: Roman, Arthurian and (I think - haven't read it yet -I'm saving it for when I need a real pick-me-up) Saxon. But has the real feel and flavour of Sutcliff.

For something a little different, there's also Alan Garner's 'Wierdstone of Brisingamen' and 'Moon of Gomrath' which I loved as a child and read soon after Sutcliff. And Mary Stewart's 'The Crystal Cave' and 'The Hollow Hills' which are still, to my mind, the 2nd best depictions of the Arthurian legend (the first is Sutcliff's 'Sword at Sunset')