Historical Fiction for Boys

One of my gripes about excessive homework is that it doesn't allow kids enough time to read for pleasure. Despite the stereotype of book-averse boys, my sons love to come home and read, especially on cold days where cozying up with a warm blanket and cat is just what the doctor ordered :)

Boys do read, in this house anyway, and for about a year, historical fiction has been the preferred genre of one of my twin 12-year-olds. His older brother, 13, has enjoyed many of these titles, too, and I like to think it's helped him with social studies. After all, names, dates, and other dry historical facts are much more interesting when laid over the context of a compelling story told from a child's or young adult's perspective, as these books are. Homeschooling parents may find special benefit in books like these that leverage their teaching of history.

Here, some boy-friendly books that have brought history to life for my sons. Perhaps not surprisingly, most of the best books they've read from this genre use wars -- and what happens before and after wars -- as a dramatic backdrop.

Have you or a boy (or girl) in your life enjoyed historical fiction? Which books? Thanks for your tips!