Historical fiction is a great way for children to learn history, and be engaged at the same time.
In this children's book, number 6 in the series, The Squire's Tale, we meet some very odd characters, who of course, turn out to be heroes. This dramatic episode involves the kidnapping of Queen Guinevere, and her daring rescue.
In book number 8 of The Squire's Tales, we follow our Arthurian heroes on an unusual quest, as Beaufils is searching for his father. This is one of the more profound stories in the cycle, as we find the vulnerability of men shown as they recognize themselves in each other.
In this children's book, number 9 in the Squire's Tale series, at last we have a book solely about Terrance the squire. He is the most mysterious of all, being part fairy. We find out so much more here.
In the final children's book in The Squire Tale series, we come to the conclusion of the Arthurian cycle of stories, with it's bittersweet ending. Book number 10 has to bring it all to an end, even though we will come back and read these stories again and again.
Published: 2007 Theme: Finding One's Destiny Best for: 9 and up "Hugo had become a thief to survive and help the automaton. What would his punishment be? Was he now going to spend the rest of his life behind the counter of this toy booth like the old man?...There had to be something else." To spend time with this children's book is a one-of-a-kind experience. The full-page illustrations complement the very dramatic unfolding of events...
Published: 2013 Theme: Curiosity Best for: 5 - 8 "Suddenly he knew there were mysteries in the word, hidden and silent, unknown and unseen. He wanted, more than anything, to understand those mysteries." Here's a treasure - an authentic story about Albert Einstein, written with very young children in mind, accompanied by absolutely magical illustrations. I am so in love with this one...
Published: 1994 Theme: 13th Century Life Best for: girls 12 and older "I am commanded to write an account of my days: I am bit by fleas and plagued by family. That is all there is to say." It's not often that I read a somewhat serious children's book that makes me laugh out loud. This book certainly does that, due to the main character, a sharp, funny, sarcastic, and somewhat willful 13th century teenager.
Published: 1917 Theme: Chivalry Best for: ages 10 and up "Be not robbers to any who are poor and who are good fellows--having only their poverty against them. Be kind to those who help you, but exact toll as heretofore of all who come through the greenwood. The rich to pay in money, and blood--if it be necessary." Given how riveting the tale of Robin Hood is, I surely hope others don't wait as long as I did to finally read this masterpiece of children's literature. It is everything I had hoped it would be...
Published: 2001 Theme: Perserverance Best for: ages 9 and up "Your mind knows that you are going to Songdo. But you must not tell your body. It must think one hill, one valley, one day at a time. In that way, your spirit will not grow weary before you have even begun to way." In this lovely, art-inspired children's book about a potter and his apprentice, the feeling of the way of the ancients comes through loud and strong. The image of the apprentice who serves the master potter for the love of the art is...
Published: 2013 Theme: Kindness and Survival Best for: children over 10 "The heart is like an apartment," Madame Marie tells me. "Every day you must clean it and make it cheerful...If you make your apartment extra nice, God will come to visit you too." Here is a breathtakingly beautiful children's book about a breathtakingly horrendous episode in history: the Holocaust...
Litkidz 