'Real' historical fiction for 16yo

[FruAashild]

My 16yo would like to read some fictionalised history books. She's read the feminist greek myth retellings by Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint (yes, I've pointed out those are completely fictional) and has enjoyed a few of Dominic Sandbrook Adventures in Time books, and Laura Ingalls Wilder and Judith Kerr's fictionalised biographies. She says she doesn't want to read about completely fictional characters.

I'm trying to think of books that aren't as heavy going as Hilary Mantel but can only think of Philippa Gregory. Any good suggestions? She's not fussy about period but would prefer books about women.

You were lucky. My mother was reading Avalon and seriously considered calling me Merewinna.

Georgette Heyer's Infamous Army

And The Spanish Bride before that, about the Peninsular War.

James Michener. Hawai, space, Alaska are still some of my favourites books ever.

Alison weir is great.

I really like Jean Plaidy, Anne Obrien and Elizabeth Chadwick too.