Let's Talk About Books
The Vietnam War continues to evoke strong emotions for those who served and those who protested, but few kids today know much, if anything, about it. It isn't covered in school curricula and doesn't reach the level of World War II. It was a war unlike any other, and many kids, if introduced to it,… Continue reading Vietnam War Nonfiction
China, Korea, and Japan have their histories. There's China with its Cultural Revolution that killed millions. Japan and its power grab of Korea, then Pearl Harbor. Perhaps most disturbing is the inhumanity in North Korea that continues as this is written. These books will give you a better understanding of the modern conflicts that have… Continue reading MG Stories Set in East Asia
Certain topics in historical fiction have struggled over the years. Many books once considered classics and award winners have not stood the test of time with today's youth. They want drama, details, and an emotional connection. On the other hand, they want simplicity. Finally, after reading many Civil War books, I have narrowed the field… Continue reading Civil War Historical Fiction
It's hard to imagine a war fought in backyards. From Bull Run to Appomattox Courthouse, and all the the battles in between, it was a war that should have been over in a month. Instead 620,000 men died. Battles. Spies. Slaves. Tactical errors. A president torn. It's all here. The BEST of the Civil War… Continue reading Civil War Nonfiction
No moment in history is more horrific than the Holocaust of World War II. When the Titanic sunk, women and children were saved first. During the Holocaust, they were killed first. Some of these books provide darker details of the Holocaust than others. I have listed them in order from least to most disturbing. Hana’s… Continue reading Middle Grade Holocaust Nonfiction
Good Revolutionary War stories are hard to find. In all honesty, many of them are downright boring. This wasn't an easy list to create. I tried to cover many different aspects of the war. These are my top picks for books that are the most likely to keep young people's attention. The Fifth of March… Continue reading Middle Grade Revolutionary War Stories
Hitler and the annihilation of the Jews is only a piece of the World War II story. There was the war with Japan, the invasion of Normandy, civil rights issues, prisoner of war stories, the dropping of the atomic bomb, and of course, that famous photo at Iwo Jima. All of these events can be… Continue reading World War II Nonfiction
Most of us learned our history from dry, boring textbooks, and pretty much can't remember any of it. One of the most well respected children's nonfiction authors, Steve Sheinkin, admits to being one of those boring textbook writers. He's made amends, and two of his books appear on this list. Some will leave you laughing.… Continue reading Revolutionary War Nonfiction
Although refugee stories exist all across the globe, in all time periods, this group of books focuses on the tragedies in the Middle East and Africa. Almost always it is the result of a corrupt government or hatred between different ethnic or religious groups. Some of these books are newly published and some of them… Continue reading Middle Grade Refugee Historical Fiction
Stories in verse are great for understanding complex historical events and encouraging the reluctant reader. These selections are some of my favorites from authors who have already established themselves as exceptional writers. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Told from the perspective of a young girl who recounts the frequent struggles against the dust… Continue reading Middle Grade Stories in Verse
No horror story matches that of the German and Soviet attempts at ethnic cleansing that occurred during World War 2. The attempt to control the lives of the innocent citizens continued well into the Cold War. These are some of the best written recreations of what happened during that time. Number the Stars by Lois… Continue reading Middle Grade WW2 Historical Fiction
CHATTERING LIBRARIAN 