Ava is asked to dress up as an inspirational figure for her school assembly, but who should she choose? Granny suggests famous familiar figures such as Winifred Atwell, Mary Seacole, and Rosa Parks, and tells Ava all about their fascinating histories, but Ava’s classmates have already claimed them and she must choose someone else. But who? When Ava finds a mysterious old suitcase and Granny shares her own history, and how she came to England on the Empire Windrush many years ago. She tells her story through the precious items that accompanied her on the original voyage, each one evoking a memory of home. As Ava listens to how Granny built a life for herself in England, determined to stay against the odds and despite overwhelming homesickness, and she realizes that there is a hero very close to home, her very own brave and beloved granny.
Historical Fiction
Historical Fiction genre
Foul Heart Huntman
In 1932 Shanghai, exposed national spy Rosalind Lang must rescue fellow spy, Orion, whose memories of Rosalind were wiped, and find a cure to a dangerous chemical weapon before it lands in the hand of foreign invaders.
Kingdom Of Without
Seventeen year old Zhong Ning’er, a wily young thief, must use her wits to survive in an alternate, futuristic Beijing.
Mist
Set in 1880s London, a 13 year old boy has an encounter with ‘the last wolf in England’ which changes the course of his life.
In The Tunnel
Fourteen year old Myung-gi flees North Korea with his family during the height of the devastating Korean War, beginning an epic struggle for survival that pushes them to the brink.
Featured in October 2023’s WOW Dozen on Books by Contemporary Korean American Authors.
The Journal Of Etienne Mercier
In March 1853, Etienne Mercier, a 28-year-old explorer and trapper, is hired by the Hudson Bay Co. to explore the Queen Charlotte Islands. Mercier sets out most enthusiastically on this voyage in a canoe with the additional hope of finding an old friend, Clement. The two had been separated the year before, in the same territory during bad weather. Mercier scripts a journal in mesmerizing detail of words, illustrations and lyrics. His deep respect for the land, water, wildlife and the Haida Indians is present throughout.
Makoons (Birchbark House)
In this award-winning sequel to Chickadee, acclaimed author Louise Erdrich continues her celebrated Birchbark House series with the story of an Ojibwe family in nineteenth-century America.Named for the Ojibwe word for little bear, Makoons and his twin, Chickadee, have traveled with their family to the Great Plains of Dakota Territory. There they must learn to become buffalo hunters and once again help their people make a home in a new land. But Makoons has had a vision that foretells great challenges—challenges that his family may not be able to overcome.Based on Louise Erdrich’s own family history, this fifth book in the series features black-and-white interior illustrations, a note from the author about her research, and a map and glossary of Ojibwe terms.
Chickadee
In 1866, Omakayas’s son Chickadee is kidnapped by two ne’er-do-well brothers from his own tribe and must make a daring escape, forge unlikely friendships, and set out on an exciting and dangerous journey to get back home. Sequel to The Porcupine Year and continuation of the Birchbark House series.
Out Of Darkness
Naomi Vargas is Mexican American. Wash Fuller is Black. These teens know the town’s divisive racism better than anyone. But sometimes the attraction between two people is so powerful it breaks through even the most entrenched color lines. And the consequences can be explosive. Naomi and Wash dare to defy the rules, and the New London school explosion serves as a ticking time bomb in the background. Can their love survive both prejudice and tragedy?
Other Side Of The River
After her family fled the Mexican Revolution, twelve year old Petra summons all her strength and courage as she faces new opportunities and challenges in America.