Historical fiction is a great way for children to learn history, and be engaged at the same time.
Published: 2010 Theme: Irish Fairies Best for: 7 to 9 "Strange, sweet music came from the whistle. The music was both sad and happy. It was full of beauty and hope, pain and sorry. Like the fog over the river, the music seems to blend everything together." I personally learned a lot more about leprechauns and Irish fairytales after I read this delightful children's book.
Published: 2006 Theme: Historical Fiction Hero Best for: 7 and up "Once there was a boy who could not claim his Father. Kil Dong, as he was called, was the second son of a wealthy and powerful advisor to the king, Minister Hong. But Kil Dong's mother was not the noble wife of the minister..." This historical fiction, beautifully illustrated 'graphic' novel, set in 16th century Korea, tells of the Korean Robin Hood...
Published: 1975 Theme: Historical Fiction Best for: 12 to 14 "Why, people ask, why did Leonardo da Vinci choose to paint the portrait of the second wife of an unimportant Florentine merchant when dukes and duchesses all over Italy and the King of France as well, were all begging for a portrait by his hand? Why, they ask, why?" This is quite a lovely way to introduce older children to the world of Leonardo da Vinci, and his painting of the Mona Lisa, and history of the Renaissance.
Published: 2000 Theme: Social Justice Best for: 9 and up "Abuelita smiled, reached over, and pulled the yarn, unraveling all of Esperanza's rows. "Do not be afraid to start over," she said." What better way for children to become true citizens of the world than by reading honestly written books about serious issues, in this case the treatment of Mexican immigrant farmworkers during the depression...
Published: 2015 Theme: Power of Music Best for: ages 10 and up "Have you ever considered that one person might play the mouth harp and pass along her strength and vision and knowledge? So that the next musician who plays it might feel the same? It is true..." The thread that weaves the three main characters together is the power of music to redeem even the darkest of situations...
Published: 2010 Theme: Live your dream Best for: 8 and up "He peeked out... and saw that the wind had also possessed his mittens. They looked like ghostly hands waving good-bye in the Chilean sky. Where were they headed? Whose hands would they cover next? ..'Where is the storehouse of lost and found?'" As I put this exquisite children's book down, I wiped my eyes, and marveled at the quick journey I had just taken into the heart and mind of Pablo Neruda...
Published: 1972 Theme: Cultural Survival Best for: 9 and up "Miyax pushed back the hood of her sealskin parka and looked at the Arctic sun. It was a yellow disk in a lime-green sky; the colors of six o'clock in the evening and the time when the wolves awoke." Part of the fifth grade Waldorf curriculum, this authentic story allows a glimpse into a world where people were one with wild nature.
Published: 2014 Theme: Parental Love Best for: 8 and up "An ache spread through Lexie, blurring her thoughts and stabbing her heart. All she really knew was how desperately she missed Mama. Grandma blamed Mama for everything. It wasn't fair." What makes good parenting? Is love enough, or is something else needed? We address this head on...
Published: 2003 Theme: Faith in Goodness Best for: 9 and up "Tears spilled out of my eyes. With no more thought of caution, I poured out our story. "My parents have both been arrested and sent to Siberia. My papa has been sent to a coal mine, and my mama has been exiled to Dudinka... We are going to her..." In this riveting historical fiction children's book, we journey across Russia to Siberia, in search of Mayra and Georgi's exiled parents during Stalin's regime.
Published: 2005 Theme: Genuine Sacrifice Best for: 10 and up "In so loud a voice I was sure her words carried over the hills, Nai Nai said, "Send us a boy to care for us in our old age and not another worthless girl." I, Chu Ju, was that worthless girl. Nai Nia's harsh words made my eyes sting with tears." In another beautifully written children's book of historical fiction, Whelan brings alive a foreign culture and foreign era, making us live and breathe with it.
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