Historical fiction can open a window for kids to the past, and these stories will not only help them understand the challenges of the times but also bring to life people who faced these hardships. Knowing that the events that surrounded these stories are true makes them all the more exhilarating and compelling.
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Author: Margi Preus
Target: Grades 4-8
Series: No
What this book is about:
Norway has been invaded by the Nazis. Fourteen year old Espen and some of his friends become involved with the Resistance movement. This is the story of how Espen was able to help the Norwegian resisters, interact with friends who join the Nazi party and eventually flee to Sweden.
Norway has been invaded by the Nazis. Fourteen year old Espen and some of his friends become involved with the Resistance movement. This is the story of how Espen was able to help the Norwegian resisters, interact with friends who join the Nazi party and eventually flee to Sweden.
Why I love this book:
Being Norwegian I was immediately sucked into this story, but you don’t have to be of Nordic descent to appreciate this exciting narrative. This book will have kids on the edge of their seats as Espen tries to outwit the Gestapo, deliver coded messages and manage the snowy terrain. My son and I each read this story in one day, we just couldn’t put it down.
Being Norwegian I was immediately sucked into this story, but you don’t have to be of Nordic descent to appreciate this exciting narrative. This book will have kids on the edge of their seats as Espen tries to outwit the Gestapo, deliver coded messages and manage the snowy terrain. My son and I each read this story in one day, we just couldn’t put it down.
While this book is fiction, it is based on actual events that occurred and loosely follows the life of a real Norwegian spy in the Resistance. What amazed me was how the Nazi occupation drastically effected the lives of the Norwegians, and these stories of courage are so inspiring. At the back of the book Preus has included photos of the actual individuals and places, making the events feel more real and the story feel more amazing.
Who this book is for:
Despite being historical fiction, the story is written in such a way that it is a spy thriller and so many kids should be drawn to the excitement of this narrative.
Despite being historical fiction, the story is written in such a way that it is a spy thriller and so many kids should be drawn to the excitement of this narrative.
Final thoughts:
Fun bonus material in the back teaches kids how to break codes and make invisible ink.
Fun bonus material in the back teaches kids how to break codes and make invisible ink.
To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Shadow on the Mountain
A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.
Title: Hattie Ever After
Author: kirby larson
Target: Grades 4-8
Series: This is a sequel to Hattie Big Sky
What this book is about:
A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.
We are reunited with an eighteen year old Hattie Brooks after she has given up her land claim in Montana and after WWI has ended. She is now free to pursue a new dream, with the new sense of confidence she has learned from her life as a homesteader. The writing she had done for a local paper, spurs her on to San Francisco and to try her hand at writing for a real newspaper. However, reporter jobs are hard to come by, for even the most ambitious, and especially if you are a woman. Starting out as a cleaning woman in the building is a small foot in the door, but is it one that will help her realize her dream?
Why I love this book:
Larson has done it again. Hattie is strong and perseverant, while still being a kind and caring young woman. This is a book I would have adored when I was young, well lets be honest, I am still quite a fan. While the story takes a different bent from the fields and and physical labour required of a homesteader, Hattie’s can do attitude and resilience is ever present.
While I don’t think this sequel will win a Newbery Honor, as its predecessor did, it is a really engaging read. The historical details are so much fun. I must admit that even though I grew up without cell phones and computers, I had really forgotten how much work it took to get a story out without those things we take for granted.
Who this book is for:
Great book for girls because of Hattie’s strength of character. Fun way to learn about life in the early 1900’s. While reading the first book is not a prerequisite, readers will miss some of the subtler connections if they don’t start with Hattie Big Sky.
Final thoughts:
These are books I am anxious to share with my daughter when she is ready.
To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Hattie Ever After
A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.
To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Hattie Ever After
A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.
This book follows a young boy of twelve, Tom Carroll as he takes a job at the ironworks during the Civil War, only to find himself working on one of the first ships made of iron for the Union, The Monitor. Tom is amazed and afraid the ship won’t float, but after a series of run ins with Confederate spies, he decides to enlist and go out with the boat on it’s first battle against the only other ironclad, The Merrimac. This is a pivotal battle to save the Union! Will the boat sink and the hopes of the war along with it?
Why I love this book:
The pace of this story moves well, and there is plenty of action. Top that off with some very engaging historical details, and folks, we have a winner. Avi has interspersed quite a lot of original artwork and photos of items from 1862 which brings the story to life, and while the story is fiction the basic premise is quite true.
I found it fascinating to learn about the great battle of the ironclads and this book really will bring history to life for kids (I know, it sounds cliche!) With spies, intrigue, uncertainty and battles, what kid can resist?
Who this book is for:
Children who like history and action!
Final thoughts:
My oldest son read this a few years back and told me I had to read it. I just finished my second reading a few days ago, and it still holds up as great historical fare.
To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Iron Thunder (I Witness)
A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.
A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.
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