Scott O'Dell created The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 1982 with the purpose of encouraging writers of historical fiction. His hope was to engage young readers in history through fantastic living books that bring the past alive.
Scott O'Dell is himself a well respected author of many novels for young adults. Most well known among his works are The Island of the Blue Dolphins and The Black Pearl, both of which are Newbery award winners.
If you're looking for some good historical fiction to enrich your homeschool curriculum, consider some of these titles. Most all of the titles can be bought used at very affordable prices -- usually for the cost of shipping.
I have not read every title here. As a parent, use discretion with what you offer your children to read. Some things may be inappropriate for your particular child.
Award Qualifications
To be considered for the award, a book must meet these criteria.- a book of historical fiction for children or young adults
- set in the New World
- published by an American publishing company
- must be written in English by a citizen of the United States
Latest Scott O'Dell Award Winner
2009
Chains
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 12/11/2009)
This book is set during the American Revolution and explores themes of liberty, specifically slavery. The main character, Isabel, a teenage slave is sold to cruel owners and becomes a spy for the Rebel Yanks.
Exciting storyline and a vivid portrayal of slavery in America.
Scott O'Dell was born on May 23, 1898. Celebrate his birthday by reading a book awarded with his namesake honor.
(Scott O'Dell's Birthday is May 23, 2010)
"The O'Dell award books are listed here by their historical periods."
Precolumbian America
Morning Girl
1993 Winner
Visit Common Sense Media for an indepth review of this book. You'll also get a heads-up for any questionable aspects in the novel.
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Colonial America
The Sign of the Beaver
1984 Winner
This is a great book! It presents a very balanced view of the Colonist and Native American perspectives within an engaging story. Matt is left alone in the wilderness log cabin while his dad goes to fetch his family. During this time on his own, Matt befriends some Indian neighbors and learns how to survive in the woods.
For a professional review, visit Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site.
Homeschool Share has an entire unit study, complete with printables here here.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
The American Revolution
Charley Skedaddle
1988 Winner
Scroll down to the second book review here for a summary of this book.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
The Fighting Ground 25th Anniversary Edition
1985 Winner
This is a powerful book. I read it to my daughter as part of her American history curriculum. Once we got past the first ten pages or so, we were totally hooked. We could not stop reading. So we finished it all in one day! This is a very gripping book with fast paced action and suspense that really keeps you turning the pages.
Jonathan is a young teen who desires to join the Patriots fighting the war. Although his father disapproves, Jonathan runs away, borrows a gun, and partakes in his first battle. Things go very bad for Jonathan, and although he ultimately returns home safely, he is forever changed by what he experiences firsthand of the brutalities of war.
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Chains
2009 Winner
Set in New York City at the beginning of the American Revolution, Chains addresses the price of freedom both for a nation and for individuals. Isabel tells the story of her life as a slave. She was sold with her five-year-old sister to a cruel Loyalist family even though the girls were to be free upon the death of their former owner. She has hopes of finding a way to freedom and becomes a spy for the rebels, but soon realizes that it is difficult to trust anyone.
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $7.97
Pioneers and Westward Expansion
Sarah, Plain and Tall
1986 Winner
Homeschool Share offers a free unit study for this novel here .
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Streams to the River, River to the Sea: A Novel of Sacagawea
1987 Winner
This novel is told from Sacagawea's point of view as she recounts the expeditions of Lewis and Clark.
Amazon Price: $7.38 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Slavery and the Underground Railroad
Trouble Don't Last
2003 Winner
For a review of this novel, visit BookPage.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.32
Jip, His Story
1997 Winner
Allreaders.com has a nice review of this book.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Elijah of Buxton
2008 Winner
Elijah has the distinction of being the first child born in the Buxton Settlement, which was founded in Ontario in 1849 as a haven for former slaves. The story is told from his perspective and gives a sensitive view of slavery and freedom.
Amazon Price: $10.05 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.64
Images from American History
These images come from the Public Domain: Library of Congress collection of Ping News' photostream.
The Civil War
The River Between Us
2004 Winner
(For grades 7-12)
Set at the beginning of the Civil War, this novel is a powerful mystery in which personal secrets drive the plot and reveal a history of slavery and racism.
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Bull Run
1994 Winner
(For grades 5 and above)
Through the viewpoints of 16 characters from various walks of life, readers gain insight into the Civil War.
I downloaded this audio book from Audible.com and we listened to it one afternoon. It was a great, multi-faceted view of the Civil War. Each character's part was read by a different actor.
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Reconstruction
Shades of Gray
1990 Winner
The Civil War may be over, but for twelve-year-old Will Page, the pain and bitterness haven't ended. How could they have, when the Yankees were responsible for the deaths of everyone in his entire immediate family?
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.05
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule
1999 Winner
This site has a short plot summary as well as some ideas for supplementary activities.
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.36
The Great Depression
Out Of The Dust (Apple Signature Edition)
1998 Winner
My own mom recommended this book to me. But she warned me -- it's sad! For a review, visit here. For even more about this book and author, visit here.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
The 19th Century
Worth
2005 Winner
set in Nebraska, late 19th century.
Amazon Price: $14.52 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
The Land
2002 Winner
Set in the 19th-century South, this book is the prequel to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. For teaching helps for this novel and others written by Taylor, visit Web English Teacher.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.61
World War 2
The Art of Keeping Cool (Aladdin Historical Fiction)
2001 Winner
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
The Green Glass Sea
2007 Winner
Two girls spend a year in Los Alamos as their parents work on the secret gadget that will end World War II.
Read a short review here
Amazon Price: $14.03 (as of 12/11/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Scott O'Dell Bargains
used books on eBay
Scott O'Dell, the founder and namesake of the award has written a plethora of young adult novels. Browse eBay for used book bargains.
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Visitor's Guestbook
Your thoughts are welcome.
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- kschoch kschoch Mar 3, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
- Great idea for a lens, and really well arranged. Look forward to checking out some of your others. Five stars!
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- Cari_Kay Cari_Kay Nov 22, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
- This is a really good reading list. thank you!
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- xrayspecs xrayspecs Apr 30, 2008 @ 8:07 am
- I have just read a book that I hope will win the Scott O'Dell award. It's called "El Tigre" by John Manhold.
It's a great story set in the 19th century and tells the story of Johann Heinrich von Manfred from his youth as a student in a Prussian military academy through his many exciting and dangerous adventures. It's a fantastic insight into life in the 19th century Americas and carries all the hallmarks of great historical fiction - plenty of action, a dab of romance, a fluid pace and most importantly, historical accuracy. It's well worth checking out!
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