Last Updated on 19 September 2025 by Colette
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Reading books with a historical setting can be a great way to help children really immerse themselves in the details of the period in time they are learning about. The Victorian eara is a common programme of study in Key Stage 2 – something I’ve taught quite a bit in upper KS2 (Year 5 / Year 6). The books recommended in this post are ones I have either read in school as part of English lessons, or ones I have bought for Ben and Chloe to read at home to support their learning.
These books offer a glimpse into Victorian society, exploring themes such as social inequality, class struggles, and the role of children in society. They also provide a great opportunity for children to learn about the Victorian era, including its customs and values. Many of these books have been adapted into films and plays, making them a great choice for shared family experiences and conversation starters.
The majority of the books in this post have a recommended age of 9 – 12 years old, however where they are for older / younger children, I have mentioned this. Of course, the age ranges are just suggestions and you know the reading skills and emotional maturity of your own child better than the publisher or Amazon! It is worth bearing in mind that the Victorian era is not a particularly happy subject matter and as such these books cover some upsetting themes (life in the work house, injuries and deaths in mills) and do not always have happy endings.
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Street Child – Berlie Doherty
Street Child tells the tale of an orphan in Victorian London and how he came to find himself in the workhouse. Jim Jarvis eventually escapes the workhouse choosing the supposed freedom of life on the streets. This is very much a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire as we follow Jim’s struggle to survive.
Street Child is based on the real life boy whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children’s homes.
Click here to buy Street Child
Far From Home: The Sisters of Street Child – Berlie Doherty
Although I haven’t used Far From Home in class, it was a book I chose to read myself because I wanted to know the other side of the story – what had happened to Jim Jarvis’ sisters after they had been separated. While Street Child tells of life in the Poor House and then on the streets of Victorian England, Far From Home gives another perspective, telling the story of life in the mills and the harsh conditions young children worked in.
Click here to buy Far From Home
My Story: Mill Girl – Sue Reid
In spring 1842 Eliza is shocked when she is sent to work in the Manchester cotton mills – the noisy, suffocating mills. The work is backbreaking and dangerous – and when she sees her friends’ lives wrecked by poverty, sickness and unrest, Eliza realizes she must fight to escape the fate of a mill girl…
This story tells of the poor living conditions of the mill workers living in Ancoats in Manchester – of the misery and ill health suffered by those living and work in the area. Of the poor standards of education and the reasons why most children left their studies to work.
Click here to buy My Story: Mill Girl
The Midnight Hour – Benjamin Read
In contrast to the books I’ve mentioned so far, The Midnight Hour is actually set in modern day Britain and, for the most part is a much lighter, easier read – though not without drama and peril!
The story jumps between London in the modern day and the secret world of “the Midnight Hour” – a Victorian London frozen in time and home to magic and monsters.
Although the story is packed with magic and monsters, you’ll also find plenty of historical detail in the setting descriptions as well as some brief comparisons with modern day London.
The Midnight Hour is actually the first book in a three part series and I’ve got the second and third book on my wish list!
Click to buy The Midnight Hour
Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson
Hetty Feather is the first in a series of five books from one of the most beloved writers of our time, and is now a major CBBC series (of course I’m going to recommend you let your child read the books first before launching into that though!)
“London, 1876. Hetty Feather is a tiny, fiery-haired baby when her mother leaves her on the steps of the Foundling Hospital.
Sent to live with a foster family in the country until she is big enough to go to school, Hetty plays vivid imaginary games with her foster brothers. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus, and Hetty is mesmerised by the show – especially the stunning Madame Adeline and her performing horses.
But Hetty’s happiness is threatened when she must return to the Foundling Hospital to begin her education. The cruel matrons’ strict regime is a terrible struggle for Hetty, and she desperately misses her beloved foster brother, Jem. But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be Madame Adeline? Or will the truth be even more surprising?”
Dodger – Terry Pratchett
This Pratchett classic follows the cunning but kind Dodger on a whirlwind adventure through the streets of Victorian London.
“HE SEWER IS DODGER’S WORLD . . .
He hunts treasure there – coins and jewels lost in the dark and dirty drains. It’s a good life, if you don’t mind getting your hands (and arms and feet and face) dirty.
But one night, Dodger helps a young woman flee two ruffians. Now, a street urchin dressed as a gentleman, he must discover the secret behind her escape.
Along the way he’ll befriend Charles Dickens, outwit Sweeny Todd and reach the giddy heights of Victorian society.
Dodger may be living in the gutter, but he’s heading for the stars . . .”
The recommended reading age for this one on Amazon is actually age 12-17 but I’m going to sneak it in here anyway.
The Secret Diary of Jane Pinny, a Victorian House Maid – Philip Ardagh
This is a light and funny mystery told through the diary of Jane Pinny, a housemaid in a grand Victorian home. With lively illustrations and short chapters, it gives a great sense of below-stairs life without feeling heavy making it perfect for younger readers aged 7 to 9.
Click here to buy The Secret Diary of Jane Pinny, a Victorian House Maid
Black Beauty – Anna Sewell
Told from the viewpoint of a horse, this classic shares Black Beauty’s life with different owners, from kind grooms to cruel cab drivers. It gently introduces animal welfare, class, and transport in the 19th century. I remember finding this terribly sad as a child so I would recommend this for children in Key Stage 2.
Click here to buy Black Beauty
Why not have a read of these posts next:
Books set during World War 2 for Key Stage 2 children
Please just read with your child
Things to teach your child now to help them to be ready for secondary school
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