Children - Historical Fiction

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein - Book Review

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The Pearl Thief By Elizabeth Wein Cover Image
$18.99
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ISBN: 9781484717165
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - May 2nd, 2017

Before she became entangled in Nazi-occupied France in Code Name Verity, Julie Beaufort-Stuart survived a long summer of trouble at her grandfather's falling-apart Scottish estate. As her childhood home fills with builders intent on major renovations, Julie flees the home only to land unconscious in a hospital with little memory to spare. But as her memory comes back, Julie realizes that she has witnessed the final moments of a murdered man's life—and an overlooked act of theft that only someone who loves the land would have noticed. Propelled by an expertly-crafted mystery, Wein's prelude to "Verity" showcases Julie's fierce character with delicious little nods to what fans will remember with nostalgia. ~Reviewed by Aubrey Restifo


The War That Saved My Life

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The War That Saved My Life By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780147510488
Availability: Click Title for IN STORE Location
Published: Dial Books - May 31st, 2016

Ada and Jamie live with their abusive mother in the slums of London until WWII breaks out and they see an opportunity to escape by following other children who are being evacuated to the countryside. The siblings find themselves under the care of an older, grieving woman who helps them to heal physically and emotionally. Excellent read. Recommend for 12+. ~ Reviewed by Gail Cosgriff


Anna and the Swallow Man

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Anna and the Swallow Man By Gavriel Savit Cover Image
$17.99
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ISBN: 9780553513349
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers - January 26th, 2016

In 1939, a very young girl encounters a mysterious man on the streets of Kraków. Without family to turn to, she teams up with this "Swallow Man" to try to survive horrors orchestrated by the invading Russian and German armies. Anna's fearlessness, ignorance, and willful belief in magic will consume readers--even as her trust in the world she has imagined leads her into danger.

There is no doubt in my mind that Anna and the Swallow Man is one of the most sophisticated and fully-realized works of historical young adult fiction since The Book Thief. Allow yourself the opportunity to read it all in one sitting; you will be reminded why you pick up books at all.

~Reviewed by Aubrey Restifo


Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan: Two Stories of Bravery

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Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan: Two Stories of Bravery By Jeanette Winter, Jeanette Winter (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jeanette Winter, Jeanette Winter (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781481422949
Availability: Backordered
Published: Beach Lane Books - November 4th, 2014

In 1995 a young boy was killed. Recently, a young girl was shot. For doing one thing. Speaking out for freedom. We know the story of Malala: A young girl who wanted to go to school. Wanted her rights as a human being and was shot by the Taliban for her beliefs. Many, however, do not know Iqbal, a young boy who was, at age 4, given to a factory owner to pay his family's $12 debt. Iqbal, when found out he was a free person, spoke out against the slavery of children like him. At age 12 he was shot while riding his bicycle. Two very brave children, trying to just make a better life for others like them. Jeanette Winter's simple text introduces a younger student, and adults, to two great and powerful stories. ~Reviewed Jeanette


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