I’ll be honest, I haven’t always been a fan of historical fiction. That’s largely due to not realizing exactly what historical fiction could encompass. Regency romances like Pride and Prejudice, where young ladies are floating about society with the singular goal of snagging a man?
Yeah, not my thing.
But what about a true-to-life novel that tells of the role Navajos played during WWII? Or a murder mystery set in 1700s Korea? What about a Christian fantasy piece based on the infamous Gunpowder Plot in 1600s London?
Now we’re talking. (Keep reading. You’ll find all those and more below.)
This list of clean historical YA fiction and Christian historical YA fiction was built to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. So if you are a fan of Regency romances . . . no worries, there are some of those as well.
Hey, I’m Lauren, author of YA Christian fiction and blogger for teens with higher aim.
In This Article
About the Books on This List
“Clean” in fiction is rather subjective and can be defined many ways. Because my blog is geared toward a Christian teen audience, every book on any list I create must adhere to a few basic standards:
- Free of explicit content: No open-door sex scenes, super-steamy kissing, or extreme lust. I take this further and also exclude books that promote sex between unmarried persons, even if it happens off the page.
- Limited profanity: No strong profanity. Books may contain an occasional curse word. (Honestly, a lot of great, otherwise-clean books contain one or two instances of profanity. It’s hard to avoid completely.) See content warnings for each.
- Limited violence: Take note of violence levels in the individual content warnings.
- Does not go against a Christian worldview. This is especially true of the mainstream books.
Each book contains a content warning section. However, in an effort to save space, I only include categories that were an issue for each. So if there’s no mention of language under a particular title, that’s because it wasn’t an issue for that book.
Books are separated by Christian and mainstream fiction, then listed in ascending historical order. Happy reading!
Historical YA Christian Fiction
The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
Germany, 1386 – Christian YA Medieval Romance, book 1 of the Hagenheim series
Rose has been appointed as a healer’s apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter’s daughter, and Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging, disgusting bachelor her mother has chosen for her. When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose’s life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
My Thoughts: This one is true to the Medieval times and it’s a typical romance. (Translation: somewhat predictable). Less obvious, however, is the fact that this is a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty. All the books in the Hagenheim series are fairytale retellings. You’ll find strong biblical themes and delightfully clean romance.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Limited.
- Sex: Mild kissing, plus nongraphical instances of sexual misconduct.
- Substance abuse: One instance of drunkenness from a secondary character.
- Other: The antagonist dabbles in sorcery.
A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund
England, 1390 – Christian YA Medieval Romance, book 2 of An Uncertain Choice
Juliana has become skilled at hiding in the woods from her tyrannical uncle Lord Wessex—manager of the land she rightfully owns—and using her stolen goods to provide food and shelter to the peasants her uncle has taxed into poverty. But when she robs a childhood acquaintance, her true identity is discovered. Lord Collin challenges her to stay on his estate for a week in hopes she will leave her thieving ways and become a proper lady once more.
A great female Robinhood story.
My Thoughts: This book was first included on my list of Squeaky-Clean YA Romances, so hop over there to hear my personal thoughts. Note that if you’ve read Jody Hedlund before and aren’t sure if you’re a fan, try this one. I found it more engaging and less predictable than some others.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: A number of battle scenes include death, though none are overly graphic. Some mentions of torture.
Fawkes by Nadine Brandes
1600s London – Christian Historical YA Fantasy
Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did. All Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join a plot to assassinate the King of England—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.
The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.
My Thoughts: This story takes liberties with a true historical event—the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It’s not textbook accurate, but it will give you an intriguing perspective on an event not many are familiar with. The fantasy elements include magical powers involving masks and colors.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Sword fights, war violence, street assaults, mistreatment of prisoners, and hangings. None is overly graphic but there are lots of mentions of blood.
- Substance abuse: One or two instances of drinking and drunkenness (not underage).
- Other: The brutal clashes between Keepers and Igniters in this story are a metaphor for the rampant religious persecution that took place between Catholics and Protestants during this era, demonstrating the irrational behaviors that accompany human prejudices. To a lesser extent, prejudice against blacks is also shown.
A Spy’s Devotion by Melanie Dickerson
London, 1811 – Regency Romance, book 1 of The Regency Spies of London
After suffering a battlefield injury, wealthy British officer Nicholas Langdon returns home to heal—and to fulfill a dying soldier’s last wish by delivering his coded diary.
At the home of one of England’s most powerful families, Langdon attends a lavish ball where he meets their beautiful and intelligent ward, Julia Grey. Determined to maintain propriety, he keeps his distance—until the diary is stolen and all clues lead to Julia’s guardian.
My Thoughts: Think Jane Austen with a side of mystery. You get the elegance and propriety of Regency life, plus a little espionage
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Contains brief violence and mentions of blood but nothing too graphic.
- Sex: Brief kissing, plus mention of a child being conceived out of wedlock.
- Substance abuse: One secondary character is prone to overindulging on alcohol, though this is not described in detail or painted in a positive light.
This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof
Virginia, 1885 – Clean Historical YA Romance
Sixteen-year-old Sarah Miller doesn’t expect anything out of the ordinary when she begins her first day at the one-room school in her new hometown of Rocky Knob. But when she meets seventeen-year-old Tucker O’Shay—the boy with the fatal illness who volunteers to tutor her in algebra—she finds herself swept up in a friendship that changes the way she sees the world and a love that changes her life.
My Thoughts: This is a novella, so it’s a quick read, but the story is not lacking in emotion. Be prepared to have your heart broken. At the same time, it’s not all dark and depressing. The romance is sweet and innocent, the characters are lovable, and the sad parts come wrapped in a biblical message of hope. I’m not a fan of secular fiction that deals with terminal illness because it always fails to offer any sort of concrete hope at the end. You won’t have that problem with this book.
Content Warnings:
My only warning for this one is the topic: terminal illness. Could be triggering for individuals who have watched a loved one die.
Romanov by Nadine Brandes
1918 Russia – Christian Historical YA Fantasy
As Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov and her family are forced into exile in Siberia, her only chance of saving herself and her family might be an ancient spell. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash, a handsome soldier and one of her captors. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her.
That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.
I love historical fiction that makes me want to look up the real story after I’ve finished the book. This one is surprisingly true to much of the tragic story of the Romanovs, taking liberties where historical records lack information. The fantastical elements are minimal, so this feels like a true historical read more than fantasy fiction. However, I appreciated how the magic and spells weren’t presented as ways for humans to play the part of God (an issue many Christians have with fantasy fiction), but as tools for God’s will to be done.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Contains moments of appalling violence (beloved characters do die), but the details are limited to what’s necessary.
- Substance abuse: One character is frequently seen drunk.
Clean Historical YA Fiction
The Red Palace by June Hur
Korea, 1758 – Historical YA Murder Mystery
The illegitimate daughter of a noble, 18-year-old Hyeon has worked hard to earn a position as a palace nurse. All she wants is to keep her head down, do a good job, and perhaps finally win her estranged father’s approval. But Hyeon is suddenly thrust into a dark and dangerous world when someone murders four women in a single night, and the prime suspect is Hyeon’s mentor. Determined to prove her beloved teacher’s innocence, Hyeon launches her own secret investigation, finding herself working alongside Eojin, a young police inspector also searching for the killer.
My Thoughts: I personally enjoyed this story from beginning to end, with its shocking twists, light romance, and realistic view of life inside the Korean capital during the Joseon Dynasty. Even more intriguing, this book is loosely based on rumors surrounding Crown Prince Jangheon, a real historical figure from that era. Be sure to pay close attention as characters are introduced in the beginning, as it becomes more difficult to keep them straight later.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Heavy. Grisly murder scenes are described in somewhat graphic detail. Though violence isn’t glorified, there are multiple violent encounters throughout the book, some resulting in death. The story moves through them quickly but does not gloss over the horrors of serial killing and the heavy hand of a corrupt government. Readers sensitive to violence should beware.
- Language: Mild. The term “bastard” is frequently used in reference to illegitimate children.
- Substance abuse: Mild. A few brief references to drunkenness.
- Other: The historical prejudices against illegitimate children and lower-class citizens are portrayed in this story in a very poignant way. Spiritual practices of Koreans from this era (including Shamanism and Buddhism) are also briefly mentioned.
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
Regency Era – Historical YA Murder Mystery
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young woman who desires a law career must be in want of a case. So when sixteen-year-old Lizzie Bennet hears about a scandalous society murder, she sees an opportunity to prove herself as a solicitor by solving the case and ensuring justice is served. Except the man accused of the crime already has a lawyer on his side: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious Pemberley Associates law firm.
And he’s an infuriating snob.
My Thoughts: If I may be honest, I really am not a fan of the original Pride and Prejudice. (Personal preference, nothing against Jane Austen’s writing.) But I liked this spinoff, perhaps because the author took some liberties with the time period and allowed the MC to step out of a few norms for women of this era. So if you’re looking for a book with 100% accurate historical representation, this isn’t it. But otherwise, it’s a fun, historical read with a little romance and a lot of sleuthing.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: A grisly murder scene is briefly described. Contains some gun violence and mentions of blood.
- Language: Occasional misuse of God’s name.
- Sex: Limited to kissing.
An Improbable Season by Rosalyn Eves
Regency Era – Clean Historical YA Romance
Three young women set off to Regency London for their first Season with the hope of finding their happily ever afters. But it doesn’t take long for things to fall apart. Kalli finds herself embroiled in scandal and reliant upon an arranged marriage to redeem her reputation, Thalia’s dreams of becoming a great poet are threatened by her attraction to a charming rake, and Charis finds herself an unexpected social hit—and the source of a scientific dilemma that her heart might not survive.
My Thoughts: This book has Little Women vibes and would appeal to Jane Austen fans. It is written in the split point of view of three different characters, which some readers loved and some readers said was hard to follow. But if you can keep the characters straight, you will find a low-spice romance with Christian values.
Content Warnings:
None. This one is splendidly free of profanity, violence, sex, and substance abuse.
Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee
Los Angeles, 1932 – Historical Murder Mystery
When the Chow sisters—May, Gemma, and Peony—find the body of Lulu Wong, former classmate and current star of the silver screen, they immediately suspect foul play. But the LAPD—known for its corruption—doesn’t seem motivated to investigate and, worse, signs point to the possibility of a police cover-up. Worried that neither the police nor the papers will treat a Chinese girl fairly, the sisters set out to solve their friend’s murder themselves. But with Lulu’s killer still on the loose, the girls’ investigation just might put them square in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded murderer.
My Thoughts: This book has good writing, though it’s rich with detail so I found it a little slow initially. A bigger issue for me was the homosexual sympathizing that happens in one scene, and for that reason, this book almost didn’t make the list. Unfortunately, there’s a little bit of that in many otherwise-clean books as our culture tries to normalize the LGBTQ lifestyle. Because it’s not a huge part of this story, I let this one slide, but feel free to pass on this title if you wish to avoid it altogether.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: A body is found and described in brief. Contains some gun violence and a physical assault.
- Language: Limited to several variations on the word “damn” (damnable, damnation, etc.)
- Sex: One minor character is discovered to be homosexual, and the main characters are accepting of this.
- Other: This story portrays the historical prejudices against Chinese people in the city during the 1930s.
Like Murder Mysteries?
While not technically YA, Agatha Christie is the queen of historical murder mysteries, and you can count on her to not sneak in racy content. (My teen son loves them, and I have no problem with him reading them.) Check out my review of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd in Great YA Literature: Clean Classic Books For Teens.
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
WWII – Clean Historical YA Fiction
After being taught in boarding school that Navajo is a useless language, 16-year-old Ned Begay and other Navajo men are recruited by the Marines to become Code Talkers during World War II, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code using their native language.
This fictional tale brings to life the true history of Navajo code talkers during the World War II conflict against Japan, a story that remained classified for more than twenty years.
My Thoughts: My teenage son recommended this book, and it reads so much like an autobiography, I had to continually remind myself this is a fictional character. But the events, circumstances, and emotions were very real. Not only will you enjoy a gripping story, but you’ll also get a history lesson most of us never had in high school. Includes the key battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Moderate. Because this is a war story, readers will encounter multiple battle scenes and deaths; nothing overly graphic. Much of the story does not involve violence.
- Language: Contains one swear word (a direct quote by General Holland McTyeire Smith, a real historical figure). Profanity is implied in other instances but not spelled out.
- Substance abuse: Moderate. A few scenes show marines consuming alcohol (including underaged marines), though no graphic drunkenness. Post-war alcoholism is mentioned.
- Other: Native American traditions and spirituality are included in the story (i.e. prayers to the “Holy People”).
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
1945 WWII – Clean Historical YA Fiction
Winter 1945. WWII. Four teenagers. Four stories.
Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies, and war. As thousands desperately flock to the coast amid a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom. But not all promises can be kept . . .
My Thoughts: You’ve heard the story of the Titanic, but the sinking of German cruise liner Wilhelm Gustloff by a Soviet submarine is considered the greatest maritime disaster in history, yet its story remains largely unheard. Salt to the Sea combines four fictionalized but historically accurate characters to convey the real-life tragedy. The darker parts are buoyed by a budding romance and an ending with a touch of sweetness. While the horrors of war are not glazed over in this story, it is not unnecessarily graphic, making it generally appropriate for most teens.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Moderate. Brief war violence, including several deaths that are briefly graphic. Most is not very detailed but still appalling.
- Language: Several brief instances of mild profanity (including uses of “hell” as a curse word).
- Sex: Rape is implied, though never detailed. A teen pregnancy is followed through the story.
More By Ruta Sepetys
Ruta Sepetys is a skilled writer of raw historical fiction who doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. For this reason, most of her books, while gripping and incredibly accurate to history, can’t be included on a list of clean historical YA fiction. Salt to the Sea was one of the less graphic as far as violence. Mature teens interested in historical fiction that accurately chronicles real experiences might enjoy her other books, but proceed with caution. (If you’d like, check the content of her books using my Goodreads method.)
Like WWII Fiction?
Resistance by Jennifer Neilsen takes a look at WWII through the perspective of the Jewish resistance. Some readers initially had a hard time relating to the protagonist, but said the powerful story was enough to pull them in. One reader described this as a “quieter” WWII book—as in, not as graphic and tense as most war fiction. (Which is possibly why it’s also marketed to middle-grade audiences.) Contains mild descriptions of suffering, war violence, and death, but is free of sexual content and profanity.
Eva Underground by Dandi Daley Mackall
1978 Poland – Clean Historical YA Fiction
Eva Lott’s seemingly ideal life is turned upside down when her widowed father yanks her from their comfortable Chicago suburb, where she’s dating the hottest guy in school, and relocates to Communist Poland, a land that doesn’t even have meat in its stores. And everywhere she goes, the government is watching. But sometime between eating lard on bread and dodging the militia, Eva makes a handsome new friend, Tomek. And soon she is wondering if maybe she’s found home in the most unlikely of places.
My Thoughts: To be honest, Eva isn’t a likable character. She’s spoiled and selfish, and her character growth by the end wasn’t enough to redeem her, in my opinion. If the book had only been about her, I would’ve quit reading. But this story gives a stark glimpse into the harsh realities of living in Communist Poland in the 1970s, and the perseverance and strength of the Polish people. That alone makes this a recommended read.
Content Warnings:
- Violence: Mild. Police violence and mentions of torture; nothing overly graphic
- Substance abuse: Mild. Eva mentions her boyfriend getting drunk, but this is not detailed.
Your Turn!
Know of a great, Christian and/or clean historical YA fiction book that belongs on this list? Tell me about it, and I’ll check it out!
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
More Reading Lists For Christian Teens
Check out my other lists of book recommendations!
- Books for Christian Teens: Clean YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Dystopia
- Great YA Literature: Clean Classic Books For Teens
- YA Christian Fiction Thrillers, Suspense, & Horror: 8 Books to Keep You on Edge
- Great Teen Fiction: 17 Squeaky-Clean YA Romance Novels
- Standout Characters in YA Novels: Lauren’s Picks
- Emotionally Charged YA Fiction That Will Alter Your Perspective
- Christian Teen Fiction Spotlight: Author Cher Gatto
- Christian YA Fiction Spotlight: Author Jenny B. Jones
- Seasons of Kane: A Christian YA Short Story Series
- YA Fiction for Christians: An Honest Look at Kasie West
- 8+ Low-Violence YA Books (That Aren’t Just Romance)