Historical Fiction

What young readers consider history may be different than what we as adults do. (Ex: September 11th)

Criteria for evaluating historical fiction for young children:

1. Does the book tell a good story that effortlessly blends the history in the story itself?  
2. Are the facts of the historical period accurate?  (Reviews and annual list of Notable Trade Books in the Social Sciences.)  
3. How are the values of the time brought to life?  
4. Is everything consistent with the social milieu?  
5. Does the theme of the story relate to contemporary readers? 

This has always been one of my favorite genres for both adult and children's/young adult fiction, so I am familiar with many of the good examples. I would like to continue to discover new books and authors to share with young adults. I loved the book we read for class called Code Name Verity and would highly recommend that to any YA reader. I think also teenagers need to be introduced to these books as they might not be something they think would interest them, but if they hear a chapter read aloud they might see they are relatable even today.