New Historical Fiction Novels About Real Kids' Lives

I just finished the middle grade book, John Lincoln Clem Civil War Drummer from the Based on a True Story series, and couldn’t wait to share this new American history chapter book series with you! All these historical fiction chapter books are based on true stories of real children.

(I *think* these are about a 3rd grade reading level.)

New Historical Fiction Novels for Middle Grade

John Lincoln Clem Civil War Drummer Boy: Based on a True Story by E.F. Abbott
Johnny leads home at age 9 to fight in the Civil War. He begins as a drummer boy and later becomes a soldier. This is an exciting, well-written story made even more interesting because it’s based on a real story. This is the only book I have read in the series thus far and it was a great choice.

Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider: Based on a True Story by E.F. Abbott
To help her father’s regiment gather to fight the British, 16-year old Sybil rides alone at night, calling for her father’s soldiers.

Nettie & Nellie Crook Orphan Train Sisters: Based on a True Story by E.F. Abbott
Only five years old, the twins whose parents are still living are placed in an orphanage for reasons unknown and then put on a train going west where they hope to be adopted..

Mary Jamison: Native American Captive: Based on a True Story by E. F. Abbott
15-year old Mary is kidnapped from her home on the frontier in Pennsylvania by a group of French and Shawnee, then traded to the Seneca. She becomes accustomed to her new life; when she’s given the chance to leave, will she take it?