4Th grade history books: History books for 4th graders

10 Easy-to-Read Historical Fiction Books for 4th Grade

Keep reading for 10 of the best historical fiction books for 4th grade.

I’m going to be 100% honest with you and say that historical fiction isn’t my favorite genre of book. And let me tell you why.

It’s not that I don’t like history or that historical fiction books are bad in their own right, I just don’t think historical fiction should be a replacement for ACTUAL history lessons.

Historical fiction is defined as “a work of writing that reconstructs the past. Often inspired by history, writers of this genre will incorporate past events or people into their fictitious stories.”

That being said, historical fiction are wonderful stories and have the potential to branch out into other areas but they should be used ALONGSIDE learning about historical events rather than a standalone history lesson.

I’ll climb down off my soapbox now and talk about this list of historical fiction books for 4th graders. They cover a range from pioneer times to WWII up to the civil rights movement. And despite what the previous paragraphs may have sounded like, I actually do love the books on this list.

I follow the philosophy of George Bernard: “Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.” Let’s get started!

Need books for older readers?

• CLICK HERE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS FOR 5TH GRADERS!
• CLICK HERE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS FOR 6TH GRADERS!

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Descriptions come from Amazon; some are edited for length

Historical Fiction Books for 4th Graders

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

“Wolves and panthers and bears roamed the deep Wisconsin woods in the 1870’s. In those same woods, Laura Ingalls lived with her Pa and MA, and her sisters, Mary and Baby Carrie, in a snug little house built of logs. Pa hunted and trapped. Ma made her own cheese and maple sugar. All night long, the wind howled lonesomely, but Pa played his fiddle and sang, keeping the family safe and cozy.”

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

“As the German troops begin their campaign to ‘relocate’ all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.”

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

“Set in the late nineteenth century and told from young Anna’s point of view, Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of how Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton comes from Maine to the prairie to answer Papa’s advertisement for a wife and mother. Before Sarah arrives, Anna and her younger brother Caleb wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she sing? Will she stay?”

The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis

“Enter the hilarious world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There’s Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron, who’s thirteen and an ‘official juvenile delinquent.’ When Byron gets to be too much trouble, they head South to Birmingham to visit Grandma, the one person who can shape him up. And they’ll be in Birmingham during one of the darkest moments in America’s history.”

The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz

“Ann Hamilton’s family has moved to the western frontier of Pennsylvania, and she misses her old home in Gettysburg. There are no girls her age on Hamilton Hill, and life is hard. But when the Hamiltons survive a terrible storm and receive a surprise visit from George Washington, Ann realizes that pioneer life is exciting and special. ”

Ben and Me by Robert Lawson

“Did you ever wonder where inventors get their ideas? Benjamin Franklin was one of the most famous inventors in American history, and according to this amusing book, he got most of his ideas (the good ones at any rate) from a mouse! Funny, interesting and wise, Ben and Me is a classic American story that has been read by generations of young people. Once you’ve met Amos the mouse, you’ll always remember Benjamin Franklin a little differently than the history books do.”

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

“11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple. She’s smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. After all, it’s 1935 and jobs and money and sometimes even dreams are scarce. So when Turtle’s mama gets a job housekeeping for a lady who doesn’t like kids, Turtle says goodbye and heads off to Key West, Florida to live with relatives she’s never met. Florida’s like nothing Turtle’s ever seen before though. It’s hot and strange, full of rag tag boy cousins, family secrets, scams, and even buried pirate treasure! Filled with adventure, humor and heart, Turtle in Paradise is an instant classic both boys and girls with love.”

By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman

“When Jack’s aunt is forced to sell her beloved mansion but is still unable to raise enough money to pay her debts, the twelve-year-old goes to California in search of gold to help her. Joined by his trusty butler, Praiseworthy, Jack finds adventure and trouble at every turn. Will Jack strike gold in San Francisco or come home empty-handed? Perfect for fans of the I Survived series!”

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

“Ten-year-old Manami did not realize how peaceful her family’s life on Bainbridge Island was until the day it all changed. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1942, and Manami and her Japanese American family are ordered by the government to leave their home by the sea and join other Japanese Americans at a prison camp in the desert. Manami is sad to go, but even worse is that they are going to have to give her dog, Yujiin, to a neighbor to take care of. Manami decides to sneak Yujiin under her coat and gets as far as the mainland before she is caught and forced to abandon Yujiin. She is devastated, but clings to the hope that somehow Yujiin will find his way to the camp and make her family whole again. It isn’t until she finds a way to let go of her guilt that Manami can reclaim the piece of herself that she left behind and accept all that has happened to her family.”

Bicycle Spy by Yona Zeldis McDonough

“Marcel loves riding his bicycle, whether he’s racing through the streets of his small town in France or making bread deliveries for his parents’ bakery. He dreams of someday competing in the Tour de France, the greatest bicycle race. But ever since Germany’s occupation of France began two years ago, in 1940, the race has been canceled. Now there are soldiers everywhere, interrupting Marcel’s rides with checkpoints and questioning. When he later discovers that his friend’s entire family is in imminent danger, Marcel knows he can help, but it will involve taking a risky bicycle ride to pass along covert information. It’s up to him to keep pedaling and think quickly because his friend, her family, and his own future hang in the balance.”

I love recommending books to parents and homeschoolers but I prefer to keep my lists short and sweet to avoid overwhelm. Take it from the lady with over 50 books within arms reach of my desk. I hope you found this list helpful and happy reading. Click the links below for even more books!

Historical Fiction! 21 Best Books For 4th-5th Grade Reading

Introduce your kids to important American and World history with these 4th & 5th grader historical fiction books. WWII, American Revolution, the Jew’s struggle in Nazi Germany, the Great Depression, ancient China – the books cover a wide timeline in history. Told from childrens’ point of view, the stories make it easier for kids to understand the history without getting into the more difficult and confusing portions. The stories are engaging enough for 9-10 year-olds to continue reading.

Check them in your local library or nearby bookstores. If unavailable locally, you can click on the links or images below to purchase from Amazon.

Find more fictional books for 4th & 5th graders here.

Historical Fiction Books For 4th & 5th Graders, Ages 9-10

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Explore the list of fascinating historical fiction books for 4th and 5th graders here.

Children of the Longhouse

Children of the Longhouse. A great book for 4th-5th graders classroom study of Native Americans. Set in pre-European America, this is a fictional story about a native boy and the choices he has to make. While trying to do the right thing, he ends up making enemies with another boy gang in his village. It is an engaging read with an exciting game of lacrosse in the end.

Game On in Ancient Greece

Game On in Ancient Greece. Josh, Emma, and Libby Binkerton want to go to the next Olympic game. But a misunderstanding has left them in the ancient Olympic Games in fifth-century BCE Greece instead! The trio is definitely not prepared for this version of the Olympic Games. And the ruckus they inadvertently cause. The story, although fiction, has many historically accurate facts blended in every page. The illustrations are humorous.

This Is Our History

This Is Our History. A book about the rich history of African American community and culture from pre-slavery times. Kids of the diaspora and even others need to read. It is an easy pictorial read, without being too preachy.

John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy

John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy. In 1861, a 9-year-old boy, John Lincoln Clem from Ohio, joins the American civil war. He becomes the drummer boy and youngest person to serve in the war. The book chronicles his experience. It is based on a true story, facts mixed with fiction. A short chapter book for elementary kids, with black and white pictures, and drawings.

Sold on a Monday

Sold on a Monday. A depression-era novel inspired by a true story. Tragedies of poor families who were unable to feed themselves. The tough choice a mother has to make staring at the face of starvation death. Read the book from the eye of Ellis, a fictional newspaper reporter, who saw ‘the sign’ with two boys playing nearby. And how the reporter continued his search for the sold boys despite many adversities.

Panther in the Sky

Panther in the Sky. This book is based on the real-life of Black Panther Mark Clark. He founded and led many survival programs for poor people and young kids. A factually accurate book with good works of the Black Panther Party(BPP) movement. The Breakfast for Children Program particularly was a great success and later adapted in different versions. An engaging classroom read for learning history.

Tutti’s Promise

Tutti’s Promise: A novel based on a family’s true story of courage and hope during the Holocaust. Read about the Lichtenstern family’s effort to stay alive during Holocaust. It is a fictionalized tale based on the true experience of the author’s mother Tutti. The pictures that survived the ordeal provide a great deal of knowledge about Nazi camps in Amsterdam, Westerbork, Theresienstadt. It is an appropriate read for the entire family.

The Girl Who Became Emperor

The Girl Who Became Emperor is a slice of Chinese history. Read about Wu Zetian, the only female emperor of China. A fascinating read about how Wu started as emperor’s wife and gradually went on to rule China for 50+ years. A fascinating read with simple language and artistic illustrations.

Ben and Me

Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos. Read the fascinating tale of how inventor Benjamin Franklin got his best ideas from a mouse named Amos. Peppered with facts from Benjamin’s actual life, the fictional tale is a laugh riot all the way. Truly brilliant literature and must-have for the 9-10-year-olds reading list.

Old Mac’s Time Traveling Museum

Old Mac’s Time Traveling Museum. A fun read about a mad scientist Old Mac’s time travel to the past. His quest creates an uncomfortable situation for Founding father Thomas Jefferson. And how the Egypt pyramid turned into cubes! It is an entertaining spin on historical facts. A humorous book any 5th grader would love to read.

Code Name Bananas

Code Name Bananas is a story is set in the backdrop of the year 1940, during WWII. Britain and Germany are at war. Bombs are falling all over London. Eleven-year-old Eric wants to rescue Gertrude, the gorilla from the London zoo. His Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, helps him in the mission. Together all three escape and run towards safety. However, the adventure starts when they uncover a secret plot while hiding and end up in a Nazi submarine. The humorous style of the author David Walliams shines throughout the book. A tale of friendship during tough times, for young readers.

Rush Revere and the American Revolutio

Rush Revere and the American Revolution. Cameron’s father is deployed in Afghanistan. Young Cameron feels a sense of abandonment and resentment towards his father for being away. His class teacher Mr. Rush Revere comes up with an innovative idea to help. He takes the class on a journey to 1775 to meet a few brave soldiers of that era who were fighting against British rule. The characters are quirky and share tidbits of American history. This book is for kids interested in American Colonial History.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry tells kids how it is to live with racism during the depression in 1930’s Mississippi. Read the story of Cassie to find out. Cassie Logan is a ten-year-old girl who goes to a black-only school. She faces bullying from while people, just like any other black kid. The book portrays in disturbing detail how black kids walked while white kids had a school bus and teachers passing the new textbooks to white kids while black children get the rejected old books. Cassie speaks up and finds herself in trouble. All the while, her black family struggles to keep their dignity and land. All the characters are etched with heart and depth. This one is a must-read story for today’s children.

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968. This is the story of equal rights- told from a child’s point of view. Two African American sanitation workers get killed by unsafe equipment in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. In protest of this incident, all the sanitation workers of the city went on a strike. It lasted for two months since the city refused to recognize the rights of the sanitation workers. Dr. Martin Martin Luther King Jr was called who delivered an inspiring address. It turned out to be his last, as he was assassinated in his Memphis hotel the day after. The story is told from a nine-year-old child’s point of view, whose father, a sanitation worker, participated in the protest. A historical fiction book for kids to understand the Civil Rights history of America.

How to Get Rich on a Texas Cattle Drive

How to Get Rich on a Texas Cattle Drive. Can one get rich by herding cattle? Find out in this fictional story of a young cowhand set in 1800’s Texas. The book is written like a personal account in a scrapbook-like format. The protagonist draws pictures that show the minute details of his cattle-driving life. The author gave lots of attention to details, along with accurate historical facts. With maps of important areas and how-to-do things like herding cattle, it is a fascinating read for kids interested in history.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. A story for the kids to get a glimpse of life as Jews during the time of Hitler. Set in Berlin in 1933, the protagonist of the story, Anna, one day hears about Hitler while coming back from school. A few days later, her father flees Berlin for Switzerland. The rest of the family also leaves soon, since the place was not safe for Jews like them anymore. Anna does not understand why they have to leave. The story narrates the journey of the family searching for safety over the next few years, through different countries. Young readers can relate to the dilemma and journey of Anna.

Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest. This book narrates the story of a small girl in Kansas during a time of depression. Abilene’s father sends her to live with an old friend in his hometown Manifest, while he heads for a railroad job. Abilene is disappointed looking at dusty and dry Manifest. It just does not match up with the stories of the rich past she had heard. Pretty soon, she makes other friends over there, and together they take a deep dive into mysterious history and old secrets. The story shuffle between the 1930s and 1910s. It is a tale of hope, tragedy, suspicion during difficult times.

Wave Me Goodbye

Wave Me Goodbye. Read the story of a ten-year-old, Shirley, who is evacuated out of the city during the Second World War. If you are looking for a WW2 story for your child, this one is a good read. Shirley learns to live with complete strangers in the countryside in a half-empty Red House. The experience changes the kids’ lives forever. It is a moving story of friendship and bravery.

The Sign Of The Beaver

The Sign Of The Beaver. A childrens’ classic narrating the tale of survival and adaptation. Read about the story of respect and friendship between white boy Matt and his Native American friend Attean. Set at a time, when racism was common, it is a tale of survival in the wilderness. A great classroom read-aloud for 4th graders and above.

Soldier Dog

Soldier Dog. Read about a young boy’s experience of World War I. Stanley’s brother joined the army. Now he is also in France fighting the war and looking for his brother with only the help of a dog. The story hay many levels of emotions – hurt, pride, betrayal, family. A must-read for canine-lovers.

Native American Coloring Book for Kids

Native American Coloring Book for Kids. If your child is reading Native American history at school, compliment the learnings with this beautiful coloring book.

More 4th & 5th Grader Book List to Read

Tags: 4th Grader books, 5th Grader books

History 4th grade. Part eight. Great Patriotic War.: pes76 — LiveJournal

In reading history textbooks for grade 4, we reached the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).

Previous opuses:

Part one.

Part two.

Part three.

Part four.

Part five.

Part six.

Part seven.

Modern textbook.

Describes different aspects of the war in three topics.

“Get up, great country” describes the course of the fighting. An attack without a declaration of war. Brest Fortress. The feat of Nikolai Gastello. Defense of cities (Kyiv, Odessa, Sevastopol, Smolensk). The beginning of the blockade of Leningrad. Battle of Moscow (G.K. Zhukov is mentioned). Stalingrad battle. Breaking the blockade of Leningrad. Battle of Kursk Liberation of Kyiv. Lifting the blockade of Leningrad. Liberation of Novgorod, Sevastopol. Petrozavodsk. Operation “Bagration” (in the appendix – about the “parade” of prisoners in Moscow). The liberation of Europe (for some reason, Hungary is not in the list of liberated countries). It is mentioned that the act of unconditional surrender was signed on May 8, and we celebrate Victory Day on May 9May.

In the appendices to this topic, Lenin and Stalin are mentioned only once in textbooks. Only in order to explain what kind of cities these are – Leningrad and Stalingrad. The appendix also tells about the Panfilov division, called for some reason “Siberian”, but with an indication of its multinational composition.

It is proposed to tell “what do your older relatives, family friends remember about the first and last days of the war? How is the memory of her preserved in your city (village)?”

The conclusions state that “Victory in the Great Patriotic War is a common feat of Russia and all the republics that were part of the USSR” .

“Labor Front of Russia” is dedicated respectively to the work of the rear. Evacuation of industry to the east. Participation in the work of industry, transport, communications, agriculture of women and the elderly, students and schoolchildren. Salvation of museum exhibits in Leningrad. It tells about the Order of the Red Banner of Labor and the medal “For Labor Valour”.

“There is no such family in Russia…” cites memoirs of war veterans and letters from the front. It is proposed to think about why Russia celebrates the Day of Memory and Sorrow on June 22. The appendix tells about the work of the search parties and about which song and movie the theme name is taken from. The conclusion is simple: “The memory of the Great Patriotic War in every family is our spiritual treasure, which makes us worthy descendants of those who fought and won” .

Soviet textbook.

Reveals the history of the war in more detail.

A short introduction speaks of the exclusivity of this war: “There has never been such a war in history as the Great Patriotic War. Not only because it was the most destructive, that millions of people died in it, but above all because there have never been so many heroes and such heroic deeds as in this war. Questions are asked to students: “How do you honor the memory of the dead? Do you meet with war veterans?”