history alive! - historical fiction
Reviews from 2020-2021
We Are Not Free by Traci Chee
When we talk about World War II, many of us immediately remember the atrocities the Nazis inflicted in their concentration camps, and most schools include books about the Holocaust in their curriculum. However, many students would be surprised to learn that America had its own concentration camps where innocent people were detained and abused due to their own country of origin. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forced to leave their homes and business, losing everything except what they could carry with them. We Are Not Free tells the story of 14 teenage Nisei, 2nd generation Japanese Americans, who are from San Francisco and forced into camps. When their own country seems to hate them and their families are divided by a misleading questionnaire that challenges their loyalty to Japan and the US, their time in the camps will send their lives in vastly different directions. They are not free, but they will not give up because they have each other. I fell in love with with these characters and cheered and cried as they struggled with incarceration and how it ravaged their community. I think this is an essential read, along with Takei's They Called Us Enemy, which is a graphic novel version of his own family's forced incarceration. Move this to the top of your reading list! Highly, highly recommended!
When we talk about World War II, many of us immediately remember the atrocities the Nazis inflicted in their concentration camps, and most schools include books about the Holocaust in their curriculum. However, many students would be surprised to learn that America had its own concentration camps where innocent people were detained and abused due to their own country of origin. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forced to leave their homes and business, losing everything except what they could carry with them. We Are Not Free tells the story of 14 teenage Nisei, 2nd generation Japanese Americans, who are from San Francisco and forced into camps. When their own country seems to hate them and their families are divided by a misleading questionnaire that challenges their loyalty to Japan and the US, their time in the camps will send their lives in vastly different directions. They are not free, but they will not give up because they have each other. I fell in love with with these characters and cheered and cried as they struggled with incarceration and how it ravaged their community. I think this is an essential read, along with Takei's They Called Us Enemy, which is a graphic novel version of his own family's forced incarceration. Move this to the top of your reading list! Highly, highly recommended!
Reviews from 2019-2020
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
After the bloody Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, over a half a million people died in the fighting, and General Franco became the ruthless dictator of Spain. Sepetys' latest novel is set in Madrid, Spain, in 1957, nearly 20 years after the end of the war. Franco has just started to let outsiders into Spain as he is working to bring American business in to revive his country's economy. Daniel, whose father is an oil tycoon, is in Madrid as his father is working to secure an oil deal in Spain. Although his father wants him to take over in the family business, Daniel dreams of being a photojournalist and going to journalism school. As he goes around Madrid taking pictures, he discovers the darker side of Spain. Anna, the hotel employee who works for Daniel's family, has personally experienced Spain's darkness. Orphaned due to the water, Anna and her siblings are struggling to survive. Anna knows it is safest is she fades into the background and avoid Daniel, but knowing and doing are two very different things.. As Anna and Daniel grow closer, the secrets they uncover may not only destroy them but their families as well. Septys is a master of unmasking history's most terrible, hidden tragedies. Before reading this book, I knew almost nothing about the Spanish Civil War and Franco, and now, I will never forget the haunting stories of the Spanish people fighting for their dreams even when life seemed hopeless. Filled with unforgettable characters, you, like Anna, will not be able to stop yourself from getting into a story that you know won't end happily. Septys also inserts primary documents from Americans who worked in Spain during the time to add depth to the story. The audiobook is absolutely lovely to listen to and helps to pull you back into time. Highly, highly recommended!
After the bloody Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, over a half a million people died in the fighting, and General Franco became the ruthless dictator of Spain. Sepetys' latest novel is set in Madrid, Spain, in 1957, nearly 20 years after the end of the war. Franco has just started to let outsiders into Spain as he is working to bring American business in to revive his country's economy. Daniel, whose father is an oil tycoon, is in Madrid as his father is working to secure an oil deal in Spain. Although his father wants him to take over in the family business, Daniel dreams of being a photojournalist and going to journalism school. As he goes around Madrid taking pictures, he discovers the darker side of Spain. Anna, the hotel employee who works for Daniel's family, has personally experienced Spain's darkness. Orphaned due to the water, Anna and her siblings are struggling to survive. Anna knows it is safest is she fades into the background and avoid Daniel, but knowing and doing are two very different things.. As Anna and Daniel grow closer, the secrets they uncover may not only destroy them but their families as well. Septys is a master of unmasking history's most terrible, hidden tragedies. Before reading this book, I knew almost nothing about the Spanish Civil War and Franco, and now, I will never forget the haunting stories of the Spanish people fighting for their dreams even when life seemed hopeless. Filled with unforgettable characters, you, like Anna, will not be able to stop yourself from getting into a story that you know won't end happily. Septys also inserts primary documents from Americans who worked in Spain during the time to add depth to the story. The audiobook is absolutely lovely to listen to and helps to pull you back into time. Highly, highly recommended!
The Lovely War by Julie Berry
Which is more powerful: love or hate? For centuries, society has argued this question. In this book, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, sets out to prove and once and for all that hate and war are no match for the power of love. To prove this, she tells the stories of four individuals, Hazel and James and Collette and Aubrey, whose lives intersect during the one the deadliest wars in history, World War I. As they fall in love against this bloody backdrop, can their
love survive the brutality of war? Will love be more powerful than war? Told with gorgeous prose that weaves a spell around the reader, this immersive story draw you in with complex characters, luminous writing, and a rare look into the horrors of World War I. Aphrodite might be the one caught in the net at the start of this book, but the reader is the one that will be trapped by this magical book. Highly, highly recommended!
Which is more powerful: love or hate? For centuries, society has argued this question. In this book, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, sets out to prove and once and for all that hate and war are no match for the power of love. To prove this, she tells the stories of four individuals, Hazel and James and Collette and Aubrey, whose lives intersect during the one the deadliest wars in history, World War I. As they fall in love against this bloody backdrop, can their
love survive the brutality of war? Will love be more powerful than war? Told with gorgeous prose that weaves a spell around the reader, this immersive story draw you in with complex characters, luminous writing, and a rare look into the horrors of World War I. Aphrodite might be the one caught in the net at the start of this book, but the reader is the one that will be trapped by this magical book. Highly, highly recommended!
Reviews Before 2019
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow
Karl never thought of himself as Jewish until Hitler proclaimed him a Jew. To help him, his father arranged Karl to have boxing lessons with the rising German boxing star, Max Schmeling. As Karl's skills grows, the violence towards Jews escalates. Will his skills in the ring be enough to save his family as the Nazi power explodes?
Karl never thought of himself as Jewish until Hitler proclaimed him a Jew. To help him, his father arranged Karl to have boxing lessons with the rising German boxing star, Max Schmeling. As Karl's skills grows, the violence towards Jews escalates. Will his skills in the ring be enough to save his family as the Nazi power explodes?
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Lina has lived a peaceful life in Lithuania until the Soviet Union takes over in 1941. Suddenly, her family is being shipped to Siberia because her father opposes Soviet rule. Life in Siberia is harsh, cold, and terrible. So many people did not survive there that there are less stories about this place even those more people died there than in concentration camps during the Holocaust. Sepetys brings to life a little discussed and terrible part of world history with a girl's haunting story of survival under the worst conditions. HIghly recommended!
Lina has lived a peaceful life in Lithuania until the Soviet Union takes over in 1941. Suddenly, her family is being shipped to Siberia because her father opposes Soviet rule. Life in Siberia is harsh, cold, and terrible. So many people did not survive there that there are less stories about this place even those more people died there than in concentration camps during the Holocaust. Sepetys brings to life a little discussed and terrible part of world history with a girl's haunting story of survival under the worst conditions. HIghly recommended!
Bloody Jack by L. A. Meyer
Jacky Faber is a homeless orphan in 18th century England who knows her options to survive are limited. Deciding she doesn't like her present choices, she decides to masquerade as boy on a British sailing vessel. Of course, it is very tricky keeping your true identity secret on ship, especially with Jacky's terrible luck. However, with the help of some good friends, Jacky Faber will become a force to be reckoned with. This lough-out-loud boating adventure is a fast-paced read. It is one of my husband's favorite series, and he read every book as Jacky traveled the world. Highly, highly recommened!
Jacky Faber is a homeless orphan in 18th century England who knows her options to survive are limited. Deciding she doesn't like her present choices, she decides to masquerade as boy on a British sailing vessel. Of course, it is very tricky keeping your true identity secret on ship, especially with Jacky's terrible luck. However, with the help of some good friends, Jacky Faber will become a force to be reckoned with. This lough-out-loud boating adventure is a fast-paced read. It is one of my husband's favorite series, and he read every book as Jacky traveled the world. Highly, highly recommened!
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
In this essential story of World War II, Death tells how one girl, Liesel Meminger, transforms the lives of those around her in her German village. Liesel's brother dies as her mother escorts them to their new foster family. At the burial, this illiterate girl steals her first book. When she arrives at the Huberman's, her foster family, she discovers a world of love, stories, and life. This magical tale will make you laugh and sob, and it is truly an essential read. HIghly, highly recommended!
In this essential story of World War II, Death tells how one girl, Liesel Meminger, transforms the lives of those around her in her German village. Liesel's brother dies as her mother escorts them to their new foster family. At the burial, this illiterate girl steals her first book. When she arrives at the Huberman's, her foster family, she discovers a world of love, stories, and life. This magical tale will make you laugh and sob, and it is truly an essential read. HIghly, highly recommended!
The Devil's Paintbox by Victoria McKernan
In 1865, Aidan and his sister Maddy are days away from starving to death. Everyone else from their family has died from the War, famine, or disease, and they accept they are next when a wagon train arrives on their Kansas farm. The wagonmaster agrees to take them with if Aidan will work off their trip in lumberyards of Oregon. However, life on trail is deadly, and Maddy and Aidan know they may not survive the journey. This harrowing tale of what life was really like on the Oregon Trail is perfect for fans of Hatchet and other surival stories. I could not put this book down. Highly recommended!
In 1865, Aidan and his sister Maddy are days away from starving to death. Everyone else from their family has died from the War, famine, or disease, and they accept they are next when a wagon train arrives on their Kansas farm. The wagonmaster agrees to take them with if Aidan will work off their trip in lumberyards of Oregon. However, life on trail is deadly, and Maddy and Aidan know they may not survive the journey. This harrowing tale of what life was really like on the Oregon Trail is perfect for fans of Hatchet and other surival stories. I could not put this book down. Highly recommended!
In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
In 1918, the world was being devastated not only by a horrific war but also by the Spanish Influenza. In this dark time, people have turned spiritualists to commune with their dead. Mary doesn't believe in ghosts until her beloved who was killed in the War visits her. Mary will have to figure out what he is trying to tell her if she is to move forward in her own life. A rare and haunting look in a terrible time in our nation's history.
In 1918, the world was being devastated not only by a horrific war but also by the Spanish Influenza. In this dark time, people have turned spiritualists to commune with their dead. Mary doesn't believe in ghosts until her beloved who was killed in the War visits her. Mary will have to figure out what he is trying to tell her if she is to move forward in her own life. A rare and haunting look in a terrible time in our nation's history.
The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
Dita Adler is the librarian of Auschwitz. She is part of a group of Jews that has been brought into the family camp at Auschwitz, which was used as propaganda to make humanitarian organizations believe that the Jews were being well-treated in the camps. The family camp has been allowed to create a school, but books are illegal. Nevertheless, eight books have been collected, and Dita, a 14-year-old girl, is in charge of distributing, caring for, and hiding these eight precious volumes. If she is found with the books, she will be killed. This story of courage and hope in the face of unspeakable horrors will remind you of the power of books to change the world. There is a reason where dictators burn books. Books contain dreams, hope, ideas, and information. Those with books are powerful, and those who allow books and libraries disappear are allowing themselves to be controlled. Dita's story reminds all of us how important it is to support the freedom to read and the importance of libraries. This extraordinary story is a fictionalized account of Dita's experiences and the experiences of others in Auschwitz. It is a powerful addition to any collection of Holocaust stories. Highly recommended!
Dita Adler is the librarian of Auschwitz. She is part of a group of Jews that has been brought into the family camp at Auschwitz, which was used as propaganda to make humanitarian organizations believe that the Jews were being well-treated in the camps. The family camp has been allowed to create a school, but books are illegal. Nevertheless, eight books have been collected, and Dita, a 14-year-old girl, is in charge of distributing, caring for, and hiding these eight precious volumes. If she is found with the books, she will be killed. This story of courage and hope in the face of unspeakable horrors will remind you of the power of books to change the world. There is a reason where dictators burn books. Books contain dreams, hope, ideas, and information. Those with books are powerful, and those who allow books and libraries disappear are allowing themselves to be controlled. Dita's story reminds all of us how important it is to support the freedom to read and the importance of libraries. This extraordinary story is a fictionalized account of Dita's experiences and the experiences of others in Auschwitz. It is a powerful addition to any collection of Holocaust stories. Highly recommended!
Loving vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powell
This verse novel brings to life the civil rights case that made interracial marriage legal . In 1955, teenagers Richard and Mildred fell in love. When Mildred became pregnant, they could not get married in their home state of Virginia because Mildred was black and Richard was white. Therefore, they drove to Washington D.C. to get married. When the local police found them living together, they were forced to leave their state or face prison time. The Lovings spent 9 years fighting for their love to be legal. How perfect that the Lovings helped love win. This fast-paced verse novel brings to life a love story that allowed all interracial love stories to blossom. Highly recommended!
This verse novel brings to life the civil rights case that made interracial marriage legal . In 1955, teenagers Richard and Mildred fell in love. When Mildred became pregnant, they could not get married in their home state of Virginia because Mildred was black and Richard was white. Therefore, they drove to Washington D.C. to get married. When the local police found them living together, they were forced to leave their state or face prison time. The Lovings spent 9 years fighting for their love to be legal. How perfect that the Lovings helped love win. This fast-paced verse novel brings to life a love story that allowed all interracial love stories to blossom. Highly recommended!
Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick
Everyone knows about the Jewish genocide that occurred during the Holocaust, but many know little about the Cambodian genocide that happened in the late 1970's when the Khmer Rouge government perpetrated the deaths of 1.5-3 million of its own people. Based off the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, we learn how Arn's family was one of many forced to leave the cities to move to the country to "work." Famine, disease, and death squads decimated the Cambodian population. How far will Arn go to survive?
Everyone knows about the Jewish genocide that occurred during the Holocaust, but many know little about the Cambodian genocide that happened in the late 1970's when the Khmer Rouge government perpetrated the deaths of 1.5-3 million of its own people. Based off the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, we learn how Arn's family was one of many forced to leave the cities to move to the country to "work." Famine, disease, and death squads decimated the Cambodian population. How far will Arn go to survive?
A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen
Gerta and her family lives in East Berlin after World War II. Because conditions in East Berlin are so much worse than the West, her father and brother sneak into the West to look for work and a place to stay. Unfortunately, Gerta wakes up to discover the Berlin Wall has been created overnight, and now, in one night, her family is divided. Gerta, her mother, and her oldest brother Fritz are in the East, and her father and middle brother are stuck in the West. Years pass, and life in East Berlin gets bleaker, Gerta finally sees her family across the wall. Her father is trying to tell her something, and she decides he is telling her to dig to them. Gerta and Fritz know the consequences if their tunnel is discovered will be death, but they are willing to risk it for a chance to be reunited in the free West. Will Gerta and her family finally get united? This harrowing story about the history of the Berlin Wall is a fast-paced read that will you hook you from the first page. Highly recommended!
Gerta and her family lives in East Berlin after World War II. Because conditions in East Berlin are so much worse than the West, her father and brother sneak into the West to look for work and a place to stay. Unfortunately, Gerta wakes up to discover the Berlin Wall has been created overnight, and now, in one night, her family is divided. Gerta, her mother, and her oldest brother Fritz are in the East, and her father and middle brother are stuck in the West. Years pass, and life in East Berlin gets bleaker, Gerta finally sees her family across the wall. Her father is trying to tell her something, and she decides he is telling her to dig to them. Gerta and Fritz know the consequences if their tunnel is discovered will be death, but they are willing to risk it for a chance to be reunited in the free West. Will Gerta and her family finally get united? This harrowing story about the history of the Berlin Wall is a fast-paced read that will you hook you from the first page. Highly recommended!
No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Lewis Michaux never finished high school, but his life experiences made him profess that African Americans needed to read more books about African American history and written by African American authors. Therefore, in 1939, he created the National Memorial Book Store in Harlem, which only featured book either about or written by African Americans. At first, everyone thought the store would fail, but Lewis' passion for his work drew people in. Eventually, his bookstore became a meeting place for Malcolm X and other influential African American civil rights leaders. When the store was eventually forced to close, it had over 250,000 books. Written in journal form and in the viewpoints of various people from Lewis' life, this fast-paced novel chronicles the life of Lewis Michaux, a champion of African American literacy and culture. Once finished, you too will wish that this amazing store was still the center of Harlem. Highly recommended!
Lewis Michaux never finished high school, but his life experiences made him profess that African Americans needed to read more books about African American history and written by African American authors. Therefore, in 1939, he created the National Memorial Book Store in Harlem, which only featured book either about or written by African Americans. At first, everyone thought the store would fail, but Lewis' passion for his work drew people in. Eventually, his bookstore became a meeting place for Malcolm X and other influential African American civil rights leaders. When the store was eventually forced to close, it had over 250,000 books. Written in journal form and in the viewpoints of various people from Lewis' life, this fast-paced novel chronicles the life of Lewis Michaux, a champion of African American literacy and culture. Once finished, you too will wish that this amazing store was still the center of Harlem. Highly recommended!
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Andi is looking for hope in a world where there seems to be none. She can't recover from the guilt of watching her brother die in front of her. Her parents split afterward, and now, her mom is lost to depression. Andi is flunking out of the Senior year at her music school, but when her dad finds out how bad things have gotten, he steps in. Mom is sent to a clinic, and dad takes Andi with him to Paris to work on her Senior project while he does research about the French Revolution. There Andi discovers the diary of a girl her age who is taking care of the young prince of France and trying to save his life. No one knows if the prince survived the Revolution, but Andi hopes this diary will lead her to hope. She just doesn't expect it to lead her to the past. This powerful story of grief, hope, and history will transform you. Highly, highly recommended!
Andi is looking for hope in a world where there seems to be none. She can't recover from the guilt of watching her brother die in front of her. Her parents split afterward, and now, her mom is lost to depression. Andi is flunking out of the Senior year at her music school, but when her dad finds out how bad things have gotten, he steps in. Mom is sent to a clinic, and dad takes Andi with him to Paris to work on her Senior project while he does research about the French Revolution. There Andi discovers the diary of a girl her age who is taking care of the young prince of France and trying to save his life. No one knows if the prince survived the Revolution, but Andi hopes this diary will lead her to hope. She just doesn't expect it to lead her to the past. This powerful story of grief, hope, and history will transform you. Highly, highly recommended!
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Everyone has heard of the Titanic disaster and thinks it is the worst maritime accident of all time, but it isn't. The worst maritime disaster is one you have probably never heard of, the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. About 1500 people were killed when the Titanic sunk, but nearly 9500 people died when a Soviet submarine fired on this German vessel filled with women, children, elderly and injured soldiers. Over half that died were children. This terrible tragedy is brought to life by Sepetys as we experience the event from the viewpoints of four different teens. Racing from a fate worse than death, will any of them survive this historic tragedy? Sepetys is a master of bringing to life important events that have been forgotten by historians, and this story is powerful and important. Highly recommended!
Everyone has heard of the Titanic disaster and thinks it is the worst maritime accident of all time, but it isn't. The worst maritime disaster is one you have probably never heard of, the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. About 1500 people were killed when the Titanic sunk, but nearly 9500 people died when a Soviet submarine fired on this German vessel filled with women, children, elderly and injured soldiers. Over half that died were children. This terrible tragedy is brought to life by Sepetys as we experience the event from the viewpoints of four different teens. Racing from a fate worse than death, will any of them survive this historic tragedy? Sepetys is a master of bringing to life important events that have been forgotten by historians, and this story is powerful and important. Highly recommended!
Until They Bring the Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West
It is 1949, and Cal is in his Senior year of high school in St. Paul. He is an athlete who likes hanging out with his friends pulling pranks and is in love with his best friend's girl. Cal's dad, changed by the War, is a street car driver who never goes to his games and rarely talks to his family. However, he learns that his life is not that bad when Gretch the Wretch, an odd girl at his school, confides in him that she is being physically and sexually abused by her father. She makes Cal promise not to tell anyone because she saw firsthand how the police don't protect victims. Her sister talked to the police, and because she had no evidence, her father went free. His subsequent abuse sent Gretchen's sister into an insane asylum. However, Gretchen doesn't know how much longer she can hang on, so Cal finds himself promising to help her get free. Their friendship and his promise to save her will dramatically transform Cal's life. Although this is a powerful historical fiction novel that will make you feel like you are living in the 1950's, it is so relevant to today. Cal feels like a modern teen as he hangs out with friends and pursues the girl he loves, and it is rare to have a book set in that time period discuss sexual abuse. This is a story any teen would identify with as Cal is a likable narrator that you immediately feel sympathetic for. The cover of this book is awful, but what is inside will make even those most reluctant engaged. This is an undiscovered gem! Highly, highly recommended!
It is 1949, and Cal is in his Senior year of high school in St. Paul. He is an athlete who likes hanging out with his friends pulling pranks and is in love with his best friend's girl. Cal's dad, changed by the War, is a street car driver who never goes to his games and rarely talks to his family. However, he learns that his life is not that bad when Gretch the Wretch, an odd girl at his school, confides in him that she is being physically and sexually abused by her father. She makes Cal promise not to tell anyone because she saw firsthand how the police don't protect victims. Her sister talked to the police, and because she had no evidence, her father went free. His subsequent abuse sent Gretchen's sister into an insane asylum. However, Gretchen doesn't know how much longer she can hang on, so Cal finds himself promising to help her get free. Their friendship and his promise to save her will dramatically transform Cal's life. Although this is a powerful historical fiction novel that will make you feel like you are living in the 1950's, it is so relevant to today. Cal feels like a modern teen as he hangs out with friends and pursues the girl he loves, and it is rare to have a book set in that time period discuss sexual abuse. This is a story any teen would identify with as Cal is a likable narrator that you immediately feel sympathetic for. The cover of this book is awful, but what is inside will make even those most reluctant engaged. This is an undiscovered gem! Highly, highly recommended!
Venom by Fiona Paul
In Renaissance Venice, Cassandra has everything a girl could desire: wealth and a rich fiance. When she discovers the body of a murdered woman, she is warned to stop asking questions. However, she feels compelled to solve this girl's murder. As she tries to uncover the secrets, she discovers the dark underworlds of Venice society that involves dissection, courtesans, an death. Falco, a young artist, helps her, and Cassandra will have to decide what she wants from her life before it changes forever.
In Renaissance Venice, Cassandra has everything a girl could desire: wealth and a rich fiance. When she discovers the body of a murdered woman, she is warned to stop asking questions. However, she feels compelled to solve this girl's murder. As she tries to uncover the secrets, she discovers the dark underworlds of Venice society that involves dissection, courtesans, an death. Falco, a young artist, helps her, and Cassandra will have to decide what she wants from her life before it changes forever.