Originally published on 5/7/25

Ever since The World’s Fair debuted in 1851, people worldwide have been fascinated by the creativity, inspiration and ideas showcased at the esteemed event. Since then, the World’s Fair has traveled—you guessed it—all around the world. The Eiffel Tower and Seattle’s Space Needle were unveiled at World’s Fairs, as were the Ferris wheel, the telephone, the dishwasher and the first television. 

The World’s Fair still exists today, but it’s called the World Expo and it’s not as big a destination as it once was. However, thanks to books, we can travel back in time and visit the fair. Keep reading to discover our favorite books set at the World’s Fair—from family sagas to true crime, romance, mystery and more. 

‘The World’s Fair Quilt’ by Jennifer Chiaverini 

Known for her compelling sagas, Jennifer Chiaverini celebrates the history and importance of quilting in this novel. Sylvia Bergstrom Compson questions the future of her beloved Elm Creek Quilts Camp, the top quilters’ retreat in the U.S. When Sylvia’s quilt from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair is dug out and considered for an exhibit, she’s forced to retrace the past and makes a surprising discovery.

What readers are saying: “I was so excited when Jennifer started writing Elm Creek Quilt books again. While I enjoyed all of her other books, the Elm Creek Quilters are like cherished friends. This book was a great read from start to finish! I’m already looking forward to the next one!” 

‘The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America’ by Erik Larson 

From bestselling author Erik Larson comes another thrilling and moving true crime tale. When World’s Fair architect Daniel Hudson Burnham is murdered by a young doctor named Henry H. Holmes in Chicago in 1893, Americans are shocked, especially when they learn that Holmes had built a “World’s Fair Hotel”–including a crematorium and gas chamber—just outside the fairgrounds to lure people to their deaths. Now, the clock is ticking as the search for Holmes ramps up before his acts change the town of Chicago and the World’s Fair for good. 

What readers are saying: “The book is an exhilarating but mind-twisting mystery full of change and evolution from the beginning to the end of the creation of the world’s tallest skyscraper during that time.” 

‘Love and Other Consolation Prizes’ by Jamie Ford

Heartfelt, fascinating and moving, this historical fiction novel from Jamie Ford has it all. Set in Seattle in 1909, the plot follows a 12-year-old orphan named Ernest Young after he learns that he will be auctioned off at this year’s World’s Fair. So when he is sold to a brothel, he has no choice but to befriend the madam’s daughter, Maisie, and a maid named Fran. Flash forward 50 years: The World’s Fair is back in Seattle, and Ernest is struggling to hide his past from his daughters and wife. This novel is perfect for fans of dual timeline POVS and page-turning plots. 

What readers are saying: “It’s hard to believe, but orphans were actually auctioned off at the 1906 World’s Fair in Seattle. That’s the historical foundation of this story. I had never heard of this horrific event until reading this book. The author, Jamie Ford, does a masterful job of intertwining an interesting plot with the absurd social mores and politics of the early 20th century.” 

‘Secrets of Sloane House’ by Shelley Gray 

Set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, this swoon-worthy tale from Shelley Grey stuns. Rosalind accepts a job as a live-in maid at the Sloan House in Chicago so she can discover what happened to her missing sister. But Rosalind is shocked to learn that every single member of the family has a secret. And after becoming friends with Reid Armstrong, heir to the town’s silver fortune—a move that angers her boss, Veronica Sloane—Rosalind must decide what’s important to her and who in her life really matters—before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: This story has it all: strong and well-written characters, excellent historical information and even a great mystery. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

‘The Electrifying Fall of Rainbow City: Spectacle and Assassination at the 1901 World’s Fair’ by Margaret Creighton 

Discover what really happened to the late President William McKinley in historian Margaret Creighton’s true crime stunner. The year is 1901 and the people of Buffalo, New York, are excited to host the World’s Fair. But when the President is assassinated, things go from good to bad really quickly. Elsewhere, a female daredevil dazzles the crowd by trying to survive a plunge over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel, a showman named the Animal King discovers that the fair’s actor has been stolen and the controversial showman  Geronimo performs. This novel is perfect for fans of real-life historical crimes. 

What readers are saying: “An impeccably researched and well-written book. I’ve had a keen interest in turn-of-the-century Buffalo and the World’s Fair for decades, and this book offers an amazing amount of new detail.” 

‘Shadows of the White City’ by Jocelyn Green 

Vivid details and unforgettable characters abound in this Christian historical fiction novel by Jocelyn Green. Sylvie Townsend is devastated when she learns that Rose Dabrowski, the 17-year-old girl from Poland she provides for, has gone missing at the Chicago World’s Fair. Desperate to find her, Sylvie turns to Rose’s violin instructor, Kristof Bartok—a man she finds equal parts alluring and dangerous. A perfect blend of found family and romance. 

What readers are saying: “Mystery, history, romance and adventure, this sensational story has it all. But what I love the most about Shadows of the White City is that ultimately, it’s a tale about unconditional, undying love—the kind that flows from a mother’s heart.” 

‘It Happened at the Fair’ by Deeanne Gist 

Historical romance takes center stage in this novel by bestselling author Deeanne Gist. After learning that the noise from the Chicago World’s Fair will make it impossible for him to pitch his invention to buyers, Cullen McNamara risks it all to hire Della Wentworth, who teaches deaf students, to tutor him in lip reading. Soon, though, he’s more interested in her than in her lessons,   and Cullen begins to wonder if he should risk it all for a woman he just met in a city he hardly knows. 

What readers are saying: “Filled with rich, vivid historical detail, this story takes place at the World’s Fair. It has two unusual characters who finally find their happily ever after. But this is not fluff—it deals with dreams, ambition, prejudice, judgmentalism, greed and knowing what battles to fight.” 

‘Peril at the Exposition’ by Nev March 

Filled with suspense, sharp dialogue and powerful characters, this story follows detective Jim Agnihotri as he heads to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to discover who killed a man named Thomas Grewe. Soon he finds himself in over his head and when he goes missing, his new bride Diana must travel from Boston to Chicago to try and save him—before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: “I fell in love with the characters and the setting in Murder at Old Bombay and was not disappointed in the second installment of this series. Rather than taking place in India, the characters have come to the United States, and you’ll see your own country in a different light and time.” 

‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’ by Brian Selznick 

Now a blockbuster movie starring Asa Butterfield and Chloë Grace Moretz, this YA novel follows Hugo, a young orphan who lives in the walls of a Paris train station in 1931. He spends his days keeping the clocks and keeping quiet. That all changes, though, when a young girl enters his life. Soon, they are swept off on a grand, historical mystery involving the 1900 Paris World’s Fair that could threaten Hugo’s way of life. A grand tale of finding where one belongs. 

What readers are saying: “I was reluctant to choose this book because of its mere size—over 500 pages! But I was blown away by the hand-drawn pages of pictures that tell the story as if they were words. Each picture is frameable! No wonder it is a classic.” 

‘We Came Here to Shine’ by Susie Orman Schnall 

Susie Orman Schnall always crafts delightful historical fiction tales filled with strong characters and moving prose—and her novel We Came Here to Shine is no different. Vivi is the star of the  Aquacade synchronized swimming spectacular at the New York World’s Fair, and Max is a journalist for a paper. On the surface, they have nothing in common, but after connecting beneath the sky, the two form an unbreakable connection that could change the way women in the world are perceived for good—a powerful, moving tale of friendship. 

What readers are saying: “The character development and differing storylines set against the interesting background of the World’s Fair of 1939 made this a great read, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. Well written, and I look forward to her next book.”

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/historical-fiction-books-set-at-the-worlds-fair