The Greatest "Children's books, Historical fiction" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Children's books

Children's books are a category of literature that is specifically written and designed for children. These books are typically aimed at readers between the ages of 0-12 and cover a wide range of topics, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for older children. Children's books often feature colorful illustrations, simple language, and engaging stories that are meant to entertain, educate, and inspire young readers. They can cover a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more, and are an essential part of a child's early education and development.

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

    Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this novel follows the life of a young African American girl and her family who are struggling to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. The family owns a piece of land which provides them some protection from the harsh realities of racial discrimination. The story is a poignant exploration of how they navigate through a prejudiced society, face social and economic challenges, and fight to keep their land.

    The 572nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

    "Jacob Have I Loved" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Louise, a twin sister overshadowed by her talented and beloved sibling, Caroline. Set in a small fishing village on the Chesapeake Bay during World War II, Louise struggles to find her own identity and pursue her dreams amidst the challenges of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the limitations of her environment. As she navigates the complexities of adolescence, Louise must confront jealousy, resentment, and the search for self-worth, ultimately discovering the strength to forge her own path and claim her independence.

    The 2130th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Number The Stars by Lois Lowry

    This novel is a poignant historical fiction set during World War II, focusing on the bravery and resilience of the Danish people, particularly through the eyes of a young girl. The story explores themes of friendship, courage, and the stark realities of war, as it follows the protagonist and her family's efforts to save their Jewish neighbors from the Holocaust. Through a blend of factual history and compelling narrative, the book highlights the human capacity for kindness and heroism in the face of terrifying adversity, leaving a lasting impact on readers of all ages.

    The 3171st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

    "When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit" is a poignant and autobiographical novel that follows the life of a young Jewish girl named Anna and her family as they flee Germany in the 1930s to escape the rise of the Nazi regime. Through Anna's eyes, the book explores the challenges and hardships faced by refugees, as well as the loss of identity and sense of belonging. It is a touching story of resilience, courage, and the power of family bonds in the face of adversity.

    The 3742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Carrie's War by Nina Bawden

    This novel is a poignant tale of evacuation, friendship, and the complexities of growing up during wartime. It follows the journey of Carrie and her younger brother, Nick, who are sent to the Welsh countryside to escape the dangers of World War II in London. In their rural refuge, they encounter a mix of characters, including the strict Mr. Evans and his kind sister, Lou, as well as other individuals who impact their lives in unexpected ways. As Carrie navigates the challenges of displacement and the mysteries surrounding her temporary home, she learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and the power of memory. The story is a reflective exploration of the impact of war on children and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall

    This novel is set during World War II and follows a group of young friends in a British town who discover a crashed German aircraft. Inside, they find a machine gun, which they take as a trophy and set up in a hidden fortress. As they gather more weapons, their fortress becomes a place of refuge and resistance. The story explores themes of friendship, the innocence of youth amidst the horrors of war, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate their own private war. Through their adventures, the novel delves into the impact of conflict on children and the blurred lines between play and reality in wartime.

    The 4405th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

    This novel follows the journey of a ten-year-old African American boy during the Great Depression in the United States. After the death of his mother, he runs away from a series of foster homes in search of his father, armed only with a few clues about his identity. Along the way, he encounters various characters and experiences the realities of the era, including poverty, racism, and the power of community. The story is a heartwarming tale of resilience, hope, and the quest for a place to call home, all seen through the eyes of a young boy determined to find his place in the world.

    The 8191st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Elijah Of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

    This novel is set in the mid-19th century in Buxton, Canada, a real-life community established for escaped slaves. It follows the story of Elijah, the first child born into freedom in Buxton. Known for being fragile and skittish, Elijah embarks on a journey that transforms him as he encounters the realities of slavery firsthand. Through his eyes, readers experience the challenges and triumphs of a community of escaped slaves, and Elijah's growth into bravery and understanding. The narrative combines humor, historical detail, and emotional depth to explore themes of freedom, courage, and the impact of the past on the present.

    The 9068th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle

    "Drum Dream Girl" is a captivating children's book that tells the inspiring true story of a young girl in 1930s Cuba who dreams of playing the drums. Despite societal expectations and cultural norms that prohibit girls from playing music, the determined protagonist follows her passion and breaks barriers, ultimately becoming the first female drummer in Cuba. Through vivid illustrations and poetic storytelling, the book celebrates the power of dreams, perseverance, and the importance of challenging societal limitations.

    The 10112th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel José Older

    "Dactyl Hill Squad" is an adventurous historical fiction novel set during the Civil War era. The story follows a group of young orphaned children who possess the ability to communicate with dinosaurs. When their home is attacked and their caretaker is kidnapped, they join a secret society of young rebels who ride dinosaurs to fight against the oppressive forces of the Confederacy. With their unique abilities and newfound allies, the children embark on a dangerous mission to rescue their friend and bring justice to their war-torn world.

    The 10324th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download