: The article is devoted to the history of the formation of the genre of the historical novel for youth in Polish literature. The model of this novel develops during the
heyday of positivist literature, in the 80–90s of the 19th century, and remains relevant until 1918. The historical novel for youth is formed under the influence of the historical novels of J.I. Kraszewski and H. Sienkiewicz, it was influenced by the novels of Walter Scott and Alexander Dumas. In the positivist model of the historical novel for young people, cognitive function and patriotic education come out on top. Only the best authors managed to combine historical authenticity with a fascinating plot. Historical novels by W. Przyborowski, Z. Morawska, J. Łuszczewska have been published up to the present time.