Genre: Historical Fiction

Historical Fiction genre

Promise The Night

For a young girl, Beryl has big dreams- bigger than the vast ranch in British East Africa where she is being raised by her demanding father.  Abandoned by her mother, who fled the remote African life to return to “civilized” England, Beryl’s only friend is her mother’s dog, Buller- that is, until one night when [...]

Other Descriptors: Africa, Kenya, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

The Third Gift

After harvesting an especially large “tear” of a resin known as myrrh, a young boy and his father visit a spice merchant whose three customers are seeking a special gift to bring to a baby. Includes biblical references and historical information about the Magi and myrrh.

Other Descriptors: Africa, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

The Traitor’s Smile

In 1793, Eugenie de Boncoeur arrives at the home of her English uncle and cousin, but the French Revolution has pursued her in the form of Guy Deschamps, who is determined to bring her back to Paris to marry the Pale Assassin.

Other Descriptors: Europe, France, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

Milon and the Lion

Young slave Milon starts his journey at home in Athens. When he sets sail on a ship bound for Italy his adventures really begin. He narrowly escapes with his life in Pompei as the great volcano Vesuvius erupts and destroys the town; he experiences the colourful life of the metropolis of Alexandria in Egypt, and [...]

Other Descriptors: Europe, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Italy » Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Winter in Wartime

Near the end of World War II, 14-year-old Michiel becomes involved with the Resistance after coming to the aid of a wounded British soldier. With the conflict coming to an end, Michiel comes of age and learns the start difference between adventure fantasy and the ugly realities of war.

Other Descriptors: Europe, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Netherlands » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

An Elephant in the Garden

Lizzie and Karl’s mother is a zoo keeper; the family has become attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene, who will be destroyed as a precautionary measure so she and the other animals don’t run wild should the zoo be hit by bombs. The family persuades the zoo director to let Marlene stay in their [...]

Other Descriptors: Europe, Germany, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Themes: , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Other Half of Life

A heartbreaking novel based on the true story of a World War II voyage.In May of 1939, the SS St. Francis sets sail from Germany, carrying German Jews and other refugees away from Hitler’s regime. The passengers believe they are bound for freedom in Cuba and eventually the United States, but not all of them [...]

Other Descriptors: Caribbean, Cuba, Germany, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Themes: , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Lily Pond

A year after Stephie Steiner and her younger sister, Nellie, left Nazi-occupied Vienna, Stephie has finally adapted to life on the rugged Swedish island where she now lives. But more change awaits Stephie: her foster parents have allowed her to enroll in school on the mainland, in Goteberg. Stephie is eager to go. Not only [...]

Other Descriptors: Europe, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Sweden » Themes: , , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Auslander

When Peter’s parents are killed, he is sent to an orphanage in Warsaw, Poland. But Peter is Volksdeutscher-of German blood. With his blond hair and blue eyes, he looks just like the boy on the Hitler Youth poster. The Nazis decide he is racially valuable. Indeed, a prominent German family is pleased to adopt such [...]

Other Descriptors: Europe, Germany, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Poland » Themes: , , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Winter Pony

In the forests of Siberia, in the first years of the 20th century, a white pony runs free with his herd. But his life changes forever when he’s captured by men. Years of hard work and cruelty wear him out. When he’s chosen to be one of 20 ponies to accompany the Englishman Robert Falcon [...]

Other Descriptors: Canada, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment