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Historical fiction from my millennial girlhood:
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items I've loved history and historical fiction all my life. Even though I'm "grown up" now, I still revisit some of these stories when I'm looking for a bit of comfort or nostalgia.
While not technically “historical fiction," these four classic novels (and their movie adaptations) were a huge part of my childhood. My copies never had covers as beautiful as these.
The Puffin in Bloom 4-Book Collection
I think most Minnesota girls read Little House on the Prairie when they were younger, at least my peers did. I also watched reruns of the TV series with my parents, who were children themselves when the episodes were new. It's still one of my comfort...
Little House on the Prairie 7-Book Set
I read most of the original LHotP, but as a kid, I also enjoyed the spinoff books about Laura's relatives. This book features Laura's daughter Rose as a young adult moving out on her own at the turn of the 20th century.
Bachelor Girl (Little House Sequel) by McBride
Similar to Little House on the Prairie, the Betsy-Tacy series follows young girls growing up in Minnesota during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The series starts when the main characters are 5 and it finishes when they marry as adult women on the ev...
The Betsy-Tacy Series by Maud Hart Lovelace
When my mom was a Sunday School teacher, I would check out these books from the church library. Similar to Little House or the American Girl Kirsten books, this series revolves around girls living on a 19th century midwest farm.
Grandma's Attic Treasury (Grandma's Attic)
The Tudors is one of my favorite shows, and this book sparked my fascination with Henry the 8th and his wives & children.
Elizabeth I: Red Rose of Tudor, England 1544
The “Young Royals” series by Carolyn Meyer is very similar to the Royal Diaries series that was also popular in the 2000s.
Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer
Honestly, I could fill this list up with Dear America books, but this one is the first I remember. Like most 90s kids, I had a Titanic phase. I don't think I ever really grew out of it.
Voyage on the Great Titanic: Diary of Margaret Ann Brady
Another book from my Titanic phase. Two sisters move from Sweden to the United States on the cursed “unsinkable” ship. This series (with other historical titles) is unfortunately out of print, but copies can be found on Thriftbooks and eBay.
A Titanic Journey Across the Sea by Laurie Lawlor
The World War 2 sea-evacuee theme reminds me a lot of American Girl doll Molly's British friend, Emily Bennett.
Back Home by Michelle Magorian
A story about a Finnish girl growing up in an Oregon logging town in 1899. I also came from a Finnish family, so little-me was happy to “meet” someone with a similar background.
Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L Holm
Remember the thrill of getting book order books delivered? I read this one under my school desk, a story about a teenage girl who disguises herself as a man to fight in the Civil War.
Girl In Blue by Ann Rinaldi
The “history mysteries” series from American Girl is a little darker and more emotionally intense than the books that accompany the AG dolls. I read a lot of these, but featured this one because it was fascinating to read as an adult and recognize la...
Mystery on Skull Island (American Girl History)
Girls of Many Lands was another series owned by the American Girl company. I always thought Minuk would make an interesting historical AG doll, but her story may be too heavy for younger readers.
Minuk: Ashes in the Pathway by Kirkpatrick Hill
This story is written in diary style with doodles in the margins to give it a graphic-novel feel. I remember owning this book about a young girl on the Oregon Trail. From my memory, it's not as dark as the Dear America Oregon trail book (which I also...
Rachel's Journal: Story of a Pioneer Girl
I remember being 10 or 11 years old and spending my birthday money to buy this book at B. Dalton. In it, the main character moves from Poland to the US right after the start of World War 2.
Journey to America: Aniela Kaminski's Story by Clare Pastore
I was technically an adult when I discovered this series, but barely. A bit more mature than the other books in my list, the first book in the series is about two girls who become involved in the bootlegging culture of the Prohibition era.
Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen