Historical Fiction

All These Bodies – book review

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All These Bodies by Kendare Blake Historical Fiction Mystery Supernatural Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) It’s 1958 and Michael Jensen, aspiring teen journalist, gets the opportunity to interview the prime suspect in a string of unusual murders, 15-year-old Marie Catherine Hale, where the victims have been found exsanguinated (drained of all their blood). She’s caught red-handed (and red everything else as she’s covered in the blood of the dead when she’s arrested), … Read more

Lines of Courage – Read It and Rate It

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Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) One wrong turn. That was all it took to fire Austria-Hungary and Germany into war after the assassination of their Archduke. Of course, this war grew as other countries joined their allegiances. The war was titled, “The War to End All Wars.” WWI. The story is told from five different points of view. Felix Baum – a … Read more

Shadow of Night – Read It and Rate It

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Shadow of Night All Souls series, book #2 by Deborah Harkness Adventure Fantasy Historical Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Following Matthew and Diana on their journey into the 16th century, they discover old friends, unknown pasts, and a magical manuscript that can possibly tell secrets of witches, vampires, and demons that no one knows. This book was amazing! It created an environment that just sucks you into the book … Read more

Legend of Auntie Po – book review

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The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor Graphic Novel Historical Fiction Tween Grades 6+ * * * * Stars (Great!) It’s 1885, and Mei lives in a logging camp with her father who runs the kitchen, while she makes the most delicious pies. She sees all of the inequalities between the white workers and the Chinese ones (and other people of color), though – in pay, room and board. She also sees it … Read more

Golden Goblet – Read It and Rate It

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The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw Adventure Historical Fiction Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) What would it be like to live in the time of Queen Tiy, mother to Amenhotep IV? Ranofer does just that. He is a young Egyptian boy, who longs to be a goldsmith like his father. Unfortunately, his father dies and leaves Ranofer in the grips of his half-brother, Gebu. Ranofer’s life becomes miserable until … Read more

Catherine’s War – book review

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Catherine’s War by Julia Billet illustrated by Claire Fauvel translated by Ivanka Hahnenberger Graphic Novel Historical Fiction WWII/Holocaust (for grades 5+, teens, and adults) In 1942, teenager Rachel Cohen finds herself at the Children’s Home boarding school in Sevres France, after her parents send her there for her safety. World War II is being fought throughout France and the Germans are invading. As a Jewish person, Rachel is in an even more dangerous position and … Read more

Witch of Blackbird Pond – Read It and Rate It

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The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Kit (Katherine) Tyler’s grandfather has died. So she packs her bags, and heads off to join her aunt and uncle. But when she gets there, the customs are too strict, her dresses are considered “frivolous,” and her uncle is less than welcoming. Also, a certain boy named William is courting her, but does her heart … Read more

Making Bombs for Hitler – Read It and Rate It

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Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Skrypuch Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) In this book, a story is told of a young girl who was taken into a concentration camp, away from her grandparents, by the Nazis. While in the camps with her sister, she is given many tasks to do. I personally really enjoy stuff about WWII and this book made it easier to understand at a younger … Read more

Vanishing Half – Read It and Rate It

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The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Adult Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) A small town in Louisiana is focused on becoming light-skinned. Two girls escape from this town. However, after many years one girl ventures. This book was slow and there was no true climax. It feels as if you’re reading all exposition instead of actual story. Plus, the author doesn’t dig deep enough for the issues she tries … Read more