Ellen’s Broom

by Kelly Lyons

Summary: Cherishing the special broom resting above her hearth for its representation of the slave heritage that once forbade legal marriages, Ellen prepares for her parents' triumphant registry at a Reconstruction-era courthouse as lawful husband and wife and proudly carries the broom so that they can repeat a cultural wedding tradition.

This is a historical fiction story. It is lengthy, but an excellent resource for discussing slavery and human rights. This is an ideal read at this time because it is Black History Month.

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 3

Happy February!

February is Black History Month

February 2nd is Groundhog's Day

February 14th is Valentine's Day

February 20th is Presidents Day

February 29th is Leap Day

Check out the labels below for related books!



Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan

Summary: In 1919, independent-minded fifteen-year-old Rosalind lives in India with her English parents, and when they fear she has fallen in with some rebellious types who believe in Indian self-government, she is sent "home" to London, where she has never been and where her older brother died, to stay with her two aunts.

I admire the main character, Rosalind. What I consider her strongest character traits, were seen as negative traits in females during this time in British culture  This is a very strong piece of historical fiction; while one may never have considered the types of choices people of this time had to make, the characters’ feelings are relatable. Even as an adult with a good amount of knowledge about the time period, I saw from a new angle how people of this time and place lived. This book may be very eye-opening to grade school students. I found the ending disappointing and inconclusive, but thoroughly enjoyed everything else about this story.

Interest Level: grades 4-8

Reading Level: grade 7

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Summary: Two children in a small southern town in the l930s are thrust into an adult world of racial bigotry and hatred when their lawyer father chooses to defend a black man charged with raping a white girl.

This book is one of the most frequently banned books of the 20^th century; therefore, it is an excellent book. There is mature content and the story allows for much discussion. However, I do not think it is inappropriate for a secondary education student to read.  I read this story for pleasure in tenth grade. I was very sensitive at that age in comparison to my classmates, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Honestly, I found other books we discussed in my English class that year much more disturbing. I recommend this story to anyone interested in reading classic literature or understanding the time period in which the book takes place.

Interest Level: young adult

Reading Level: young adult

Hornbooks and Inkwells

by Verla Kay

Summary: Two brothers spend a year attending a one-room schoolhouse on the frontier.

This picture book is written in rhyme and flows like a poem. This is a great book to share with a class as an introduction to historical fiction or as a supplement to a lesson on frontier life. The story addresses discipline for children at that time. I liked that an illustration of such punishment does not show the teacher actually hitting the child, but raising a rod to do so. This book allows for a great deal of discussion about schools and may have students thinking that their school is not that bad after all.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 2

Why Do I Have To Make My Bed?

by Wade Bradford

Summary: When a boy asks his mother why he must make his bed, she tells him a story about his ancestors who posed the same question through the centuries, going all the way back to a cave boy and his mother.

This is a humorous introduction to historical fiction! A teacher could discuss how one can pick a fiction book from any of these times that interest them. Another follow up activity option is to research place in different eras. This book is best suited for school age children. It is somewhat lengthy for younger children. The story is also appropriate for this summer’s national public library theme One World, Many Stories.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

These Hands

by Margaret H. Mason

Summary: An African-American man tells his grandson about a time when, despite all the wonderful things his hands could do, they could not touch bread at the Wonder Bread factory. Based on stories of bakery union workers; includes historical note.

This is a wonderful picture book to share with children in conjunction with a Black History or Civil Rights lesson. The illustrations are simple and beautiful, like the text.

Interest Level: grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Summary: This is the story of the Christian community in Denmark helping Jews escape to Sweden in order to prevent the Germans from “relocating” them.

This is an excellent historical fiction book. At the end of the book, the author describes what aspects of the story were based on facts. Like many historical fiction books, students in a class may further research the time period. This book is often used to introduce the Holocaust or as an extension to a Holocaust lesson.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 5

The Fire Keeper’s Son by Linda Sue Park

Summary: This is a historical fiction story set in Korea. A young boy’s father is responsible for lighting a fire on top of a mountain every night to let the village next to them know everything is fine. The next mountain is lit all the way up to the king. If the light is not lit, soldiers will be sent. The boy’s father is hurt, and he takes on the responsibility. He toys with the idea of not lighting a fire because he would like to meet the soldiers.

With children, a teacher may have a conversation about their responsibilities and if they ever had to take on something very important. Have they ever had to choose what is right vs. what they want? There is a blurb in the back describing the complicated procedure of lighting historically. With older children, they could further research this or other historical traditions. An extension could be to have students read other historical fiction on their own and research history in that time as well.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Historical Fiction for Young Teens

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Librarianjk recommends Who Stole Mona Lisa?

Who Stole Mona Lisa?

by Ruthie Knapp

Summary: Tells the story of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci portrait known as the Mona Lisa, including its 1911 theft from the Louvre in Paris, from the point of view of the subject of the painting. Includes an author's note with facts about the painting.

This is an excellent fictionalized story of a true event. The author weaves in many facts during the story in addition to the facts on the author’s note page. This book is appropriate for older readers interested in the Mona Lisa or art in general.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 2

Ruth and the Green Book

Ruth and the Green Book

 by Calvin Alexander Ramsey

Summary: When Ruth and her parents take a motor trip from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandma, they rely on a pamphlet called "The Negro Motorist Green Book" to find places that will serve them. Includes facts about "The Green Book."

This is a wonderful historical fiction read most appropriate for older elementary school students. This book could be used during Black History Month or for discussing segregation.

Interest Level: grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 5

Shakespeare's Scribe by Gary Blackwood

Summary: In plague-ridden 1602 England, a fifteen-year-old orphan boy, who has become an apprentice actor, goes on the road with Shakespeare's troupe, and finds out more about his parents along the way.

Even if you are not a Shakespeare fan you may enjoy this book! I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and theater lovers. At time the book is predictable and other times surprising, but all in all is a terrific read.

Interest level: 4-12
Reading Level: grade 6

Librarianjk recommends Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

by Edwidge Danticat

Summary: Junior tells of the games he played in his mind during the eight days he was trapped in his house after the devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Includes author's note about Haitian children before the earthquake and her own children's reactions to the disaster.

This story is not only about the tragedy of the earthquakes in Haiti during January 2010, but the power of imagination to overcome obstacles. This book is also a celebration of what Haiti was before the earthquake, and what it may be again. I would not recommend this to a young child to read independently, but with an adult’s assistance it could be a valuable tool to discuss tragedy and history.

Interest Level: grades K-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse

Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse

by Emily Arnold McCully

Summary: A fictionalized account of Bill "Doc" Key, a former slave who became a veterinarian, trained his horse, Jim Key, to recognize letters and numbers and to perform in skits around the country, and moved the nation toward a belief in treating animals humanely. Includes an author's note.

This is a fantastic book for discussing racism, prejudice, animal cruelty, and intelligence of other animals. I was amazed at the horse’s abilities and the challenges Bill Key overcame. I recommend this book especially to horse lovers and animal lovers.

Interest Level: grades k-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Mirette on the High Wired

Mirette on the High Wire

by Emily Arnold McCully

Summary: Mirette learns tightrope walking from Monsieur Bellini, a guest in her mother's boarding house, not knowing that he is a celebrated tightrope artist who has withdrawn from performing because of fear.

This book has gorgeous illustrations and is wonderful for a discussion on overcoming fears.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends Whatever Happened to the Pony Express?

Whatever Happened to the Pony Express?

by Verla Kay

Summary: A family's cross-country communication changes during the development and demise of the Pony Express.

This is a fantastic historical read! It is wonderful for discussing technology changes, specifically in communications.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Historical Fiction for Grades 3-6

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Librarianjk recommends Feivel's Flying Horses

Feivel's Flying Horses

by Heidi Smith Hyde

Summary: A Jewish immigrant who is saving money to bring his wife and children to join him in America creates ornate horses for a carousel on Coney Island, one for each member of his family.

This is a wonderful historical fiction picture book. It is appropriate to discuss immigration and Jewish traditions after reading this book.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 4

Historical Fiction for Beginning Readers