Historical Fiction

The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco. Recommended for ages 6 and up. An excellent story for children learning about the Nazi occupation in France and WWII, Patricia Polacco beautifully illustrates a story about empathy and kindness. Monique deals with the cruelty and harsh treatment of Jews in her small French town by evil Nazis. The symbol of the butterfly comes up throughout the novel, and is an excellent way to open a discussion on symbolism. 

What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell. Recommended for grades 9 and up. The story of 15 year old Evie who is learning about the trials of growing up while dealing with the aftermath of World War II. When her stepfather returns from war he returns a changed man, and Evie must deal with the trials of navigating her first love-a man named Joe who has a mysterious secret about her stepfather, and the lies begin to slowly tear her family apart. A fantastic historical fiction novel that will teach children about life in America after the war while keeping them intrigued about the twists and turns of growing up. 

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan. Recommended for ages 6 and up, this picture book children about the making of one of the first ballets, called Appalachian Spring, and the woman who pioneered it. Set in the 1930's, we learn about the hard work and determination that went into the making of the scene, music and movement as well as the debut in 1944. An excellent story for children who are taking dance classes, it may also help to learn about the story that a dance can tell. This would be an excellent book for a project in a public library about making up a dance to tell a story. 

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick. Recommended for grades 4 and up. The amazing adventure of Homer Figg, who journeys through the Civil war to bring his brother-illegally sold into the army-home safely. Homer encounters traitors and spies, thieves and evil men, but never gives up on his journey no matter how perilous. An excellent piece of historical fiction for students who are learning about the Civil war, I would recommend it to children in the 4th grade and up. 

John Muir America's First Environmentalist by Kathryn Lasky. Recommended for ages 6 and up. A great choice for a class learning about history as well as anything having to do with land conservation, this picture book teaches children about the life and history of John Muir, who created the Sierra Club. Though slightly too long to keep the attention of 6 year olds, this novel would be good for anyone 8 and above, and would be an excellent aid in a public or school library. 

A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple by Katheryn Lasky. A novel written in diary form that makes it a relatively quick read for children ages 8 and up, this is the story of the pilgrims who immigrated to the new world to escape the reign of the king and the hardships they faced. The tone of 12 year old "Mem" makes the story intriguing and heartfelt while still being full of facts about the time in which she lived. This would be an excellent choice for children who are learning about the Mayflower and the Pilgrims, as well as the first encounters with Native Americans. 

Pioneer Church by Carolyn Otto. Recommended for grades 3-6. When a small wooden church was built in an English colony, no one assumed that it would one day become a historic landmark. This book tells the story of how that happened. Walking children through the major developments-from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to World War II-this is a great story about how times change and how our country was built. I would recommend it for younger children, grades 1-2. 

Sam the Minuteman by Nathaniel Benchley. Recommended for ages 4 and up. The story of Sam, who fought with his father for the Revolution against the English. The first day of battle against the Redcoats, Sam is terrified but continues to fight for the cause even after his friend John is injured. Sam follows in the footsteps of his father, another Minuteman fighting for independence from British rule. A good easy reader, though children may be somewhat disturbed by the content of the book. 

When Will This Cruel War Be Over by Barry Denenberg. Recommended for ages 9 and up. Written in diary form, this story is told by Emma, a young woman whose father is off fighting for the south in the Civil war. Interestingly enough, this book gives children another look at the war, and shows them how often the war was just as bad for those on the other side. Starvation and death happen often, and it is a heart wrenching tale. A very good story that teaches children facts and history as well as learning to look beyond what they think they know about war. 

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. Recommended for ages 9 and up. This beautiful novel tells the story of Callie Vee, who is living in Texas in the year 1899. Callie is learning to love science and the world around her in a time when she is only expected to be a housewife-or teacher, if she doesn't want a family-in the midst of her 6 brothers. Her grandfather is a naturalist who once corresponded with Charles Darwin, and he is quickly becoming her mentor. Excellent for young girls who will be amazed to discover how many things they take for granted today, this story will delight and amuse any who read it.