Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T. Lamana Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) “Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere” is an amazing and heartbreaking story about one family’s hardships through the loss of their home and loved ones due to Hurricane Katrina. This story made me cry, but was very memorable and changed the way I feel about tragedies and other people. I … Read more
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) “The Bronze Bow” is powerful and moving. Daniel is willing to die for his country. He belongs to a group of people called Zealots, who are rebellious against the Romans. The Zealots are under a leader named Rosh. Daniel has a sister named Leah who is very shy, and a grandmother, who dies. Daniel separates from Rosh’s … Read more
The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Hannah is an ordinary Jewish child who hates Passover. She does not like remembering the Holocaust until she opens a door and is transported back in time to the Holocaust. She makes many friends. When the Nazis come and take her and her relatives away, she struggles to remember what happens. She realizes the true value of friendship and … Read more
The Forbidden Orchid by Sharon Biggs Waller Adventure Historical Fiction Romance Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Elodie Buchanan is the eldest of 10 daughters in a family that’s being torn apart by her plant collector father’s continued absence. Unspeakable things happened to him on his last trip to China and he remains haunted and broken in his apartment at Kew gardens. When his employer threatens to take everything they own to recoup … Read more
The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig by Don Zolidis Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Craig and Amy are an unlikely couple – Amy is popular, outgoing, and a real class leader, while Craig has a few awkward nerdy friends who get together on Saturday nights to play D&D. But when Craig starts crushing on Amy, he finds a way for them to spend more time together – he … Read more
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani Historical Fiction Juvenile Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Nisha and her twin brother Amil (12 years old) become refugees when their country gains its independence from British rule in 1947 and is split into two nations – India and Pakistan. Because she and her family (father, grandmother, and brother) are considered Hindu (even though Nisha and Amil’s mother was Muslim) they must leave the home they have … Read more
The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Historical Fiction Juvenile Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Ada and her brother Jaimie are now permanent wards of their guardian, Susan, who took them in when they were evacuated from London. The first thing Susan does is arrange for Ada to have surgery to correct her clubfoot, which has long been a source of pain and shame for her. The recovery process is long … Read more
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Historical Fiction Juvenile Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Ada (11) was born with a clubfoot and lives with her mam and little brother, Jamie, in London, where she is required to stay hidden from the world. When the war (WWII) breaks out, Ada takes the opportunity to evacuate herself and Jamie to the countryside, where they are put in the care of Susan … Read more
Marika by Andrea Cheng Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) I love how this book informs us of all the struggles and all the horrific things Jews had to go through during the Holocaust. This book tells of a young girl who writes in a journal of all her experiences as a Jew. The book reminds us that the world is a horrible place.
Leyla: The Black Tulip Girls of Many Lands series by Alev Lytle Craitier Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) I love how it portrays a young girl who tries to do right but instead puts herself in a place of slavery. As she goes through this, though, things start to get better. The suspense in this story was awesome! I love this book. I just wish the author made a … Read more