Historical Fiction

*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2021

Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...

Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 5, 2021

In Rescue, a 12-year-old girl joins the French Resistance to free her father from the Nazis. Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2021, 379 pages. ...

*All He Knew by Helen Frost

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 19, 2021

All He Knew pictures grace in the midst of gloom as a deaf child learns to navigate life in an institution. *All He Knew by ...

The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas by Kimberly Willis Holt

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 17, 2021

"Nowhere Texas" is better known as Antler, the small town that Zachary Beaver visited in an earlier novel that bears his name. The Ambassador of ...

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 8, 2021

Ida Mae Jones is a true "flygirl" in this engaging historical fiction read for teens that examines issues of race, coming-of-age, and learning to fly. ...

The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 8, 2021

The Blossom and the Firefly, Hana and Taro, are brought together by music and war in this emotional historical fiction read for teens. The Blossom ...

A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 16, 2021

In A Wolf for a Spell, wolves join forces with humans and the earth itself to defeat a foul plot against all. A Wolf for ...

*Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 8, 2021

Just Like That, Gary Schmidt's latest book for teens, humorously and poignantly explores love and loss. Just Like That is one of our Readers' Choice ...

*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

By Hayley Morell | Feb 3, 2021

An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine's War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #6: Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 22, 2021

We wrap up our Newbery Buzz series for this year with a discussion of Echo Mountain a historical novel set during the Great Depression. Joining ...

Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 15, 2020

Wishes andWellingtons is a light-hearted Victorian fantasy about being careful what you wish for. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry. Sourcebooks, 2020, 363 pages. Reading ...

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 10, 2020

Premeditated Myrtle introduces a precocious 12-year-old Victorian detective with a trusty governess sidekick. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce. Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 355 pages. Reading ...

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 2, 2020

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys. Philomel, 2019. 512 pages. The Fountains of Silence tells a gripping story of love and danger during Franco's ...

Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 20, 2020

Tense and dramatic, this story of escape from North Korea in the early days of the Korean War is based on actual characters and true ...

The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 24, 2020

Ranch girl Pearl discovers the brand-new technology of moving pictures in this fun read for early middle-graders. The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa ...

The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2020

An aspiring dancer has a chance to "change the stars" for his grandfather when he is transported back to 1930s Harlem. The Magic in Changing ...

Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 25, 2020

Orphan Eleven combines historical events and a timeless theme to craft an engrossing story of orphans running away to join the circus! Orphan Eleven by ...

A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson Levine

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 5, 2020

A Ceiling Made of Eggshells is popular author Gail Carson Levine’s tribute to her own Sephardic-Jewish heritage. A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson ...

Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 4, 2020

Daring Darleen, heroine of Saturday serials, stumbles into a real-life adventure in this clever saga from the early days of photoplays. Daring Darleen, Queen of ...

The Asterix Series, American-style

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 24, 2020

The now-classic Asterix comic series receives an American gloss in a new edition. Astrix Omnibus #1, 2, and 3 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. ...

The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 3, 2020

The Blackbird Girls takes readers to the shadow of Chernobyl and the world's worst nuclear disaster. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman. Viking, 2020, 334 ...

Gold Rush Girl by Avi

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 30, 2020

An independent-minded young teen seeks adventure and finds maturity in Gold Rush Girl. Gold Rush Girl by Avi. Candlewick, 2020, 306 pages Reading Level: Middle ...

The Littlest Voyageur by Margi Preus

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 30, 2020

A Canadian red squirrel takes to the river in The Littlest Voyageur, a charming animal story by a Newbery honor author. The Littlest Voyageur by ...

Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 18, 2020

Show Me a Sign explores a little-known chapter of American history from the perspective of a Deaf protagonist. Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare ...

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 3, 2020

Prairie Lotus, by Newbery author Linda Sue Park, offers a hopeful look at overcoming racism in the 19th-century American west. Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue ...

Pirates by David Harrison and Dan Burr

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 2, 2020

In Pirates, a collection of poems by David Harrison, adventure on the high seas was only a small part of life. The rest was boredom, ...

Lois Lenski Books: A Sampling

By Megan Saben | May 8, 2020

Lois Lenski books continue to be enjoyable and insightful reading for all ages. Lois Lenski Books Yesterday I shared a long-overdue introduction to an author ...

Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 24, 2020

Village of Scoundrels fictionalizes a true tale of heroism from World War II. Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. Amulet, 2020, 299 pages Reading Level: ...

*Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 20, 2020

Turner comes to understand himself, his father, his peers, his town, and his world in this bittersweet coming-of-age story set in 1912 Maine. *Lizzie Bright ...

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2020

In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue ...

Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen by Marthe Jocelyn

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 18, 2020

The Aggie Morton series introduces young readers to a young Agatha Christie, already solving crimes in her seaside home town. The Body under the Piano ...

20th Century Book List for Young Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 16, 2020

20th Century Book List for Young Teens 20th Century: World wars. A Great Depression. First flight. Space flight. Voting Rights. Civil Rights. Communism. Terrorism. Jazz. ...

The Legacy of Mildred Taylor: Roll of Thunder and the Logan Family Saga

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 9, 2020

The Legacy of Mildred Taylor Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a "must read." Truthfully, at Redeemed Reader, we resist telling you any book ...

Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 4, 2020

Leaving Lymon is the heartfelt story of a child who feels abandoned by irresponsible parents. Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome. Holiday House, 2020, 193 pages ...

Girl Under a Red Moon by Da Chen

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 12, 2020

Girl under a Red Moon depicts life under the worst totalitarian government in modern history. Girl under a Red Moon: Growing up During China’s Cultural ...

Allies by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2020

Allies is a fast, riveting read that communicates the urgency, complexity, and drama of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. Allies by Alan ...

Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 5, 2020

Three motherless siblings seek "someplace to call home" in Depression-era Kansas. Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas. Sleeping Bear Press, 2019, 222 pages Reading ...

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 12, 2019

The Downstairs Girl explores the social mores and prejudices of late-19th-century Atlanta through the eyes of a resourceful and gifted Chinese teen. The Downstairs Girl ...

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 1, 2019

The Good Thieves combines compelling action and an irresistible “heist” tale with striking prose. The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel. Simon & Schuster, 2019, 272 ...

White Bird by R. J. Palacio

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

In White Bird, a graphic novel, the best-selling author of Wonder traces the holocaust history of a Wonder character's grandmother. White Bird (a Wonder Story) ...

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

Words on Fire explores a little-known chapter of European history to make a case for the necessity of words, literature, and language to a culture. ...

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA by Brenda Woods

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 24, 2019

This engaging historical novel reflects on the plight of Unsung Heroes—black service men in the years immediately following World War II. The Unsung Hero of ...

Time Twisters Series by Steve Sheinkin

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 17, 2019

In the “Time Twisters” series, Steve Sheinkin has fun with a discipline he usually takes seriously, starting with Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (Time ...

A Squirrelly Situation by Jacqueline Kelly

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 17, 2019

A series of charmingly old-fashioned chapter books set in the early 20th century features Newbery protagonist Calpurnia Tate. A Squirrelly Situation (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet ...

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 6, 2019

An alternate version of English history drives Queen of the Sea, a lively graphic novel of political intrigue and warm personal relationships. Queen of the ...

Last of the Name by Rosanne Parry

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 5, 2019

The New York City draft riots of 1863 form a dramatic background to this engaging tale of two young Irish immigrants. Last of the Name ...

*The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 26, 2019

A middle grades novel packed with life in ancient Egypt and an orphan's adventure among the tombs of the dead. *The Golden Goblet by Eloise ...

*Time Sight by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 4, 2019

A disgruntled boy gifted with "time sight" discovers a way back into his own family's history. *Time Sight by Lynne Jonell. Henry Holt, 2019, 389 ...

Voices: the Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David Eliot

By Janie Cheaney | May 10, 2019

Anachronistic values mar this otherwise compelling account of the short career of Joan of Arc. Voices: the Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David ...

Lovely War by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | May 7, 2019

Lovely War is a satisfying romance that will leave readers with much to think about. Lovely War by Julie Berry. Viking, 2019, 451 pages. Reading ...

Someday We Will Fly by Rachel DeWoskin

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2019

Someday We Will Fly explores a little-known chapter of the Holocaust: the Jewish refuge of Shanghai. Someday We Will Fly by Rachel DeWoskin. Viking, 2019, ...

*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2019

Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...

*The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 25, 2019

Holling Hoodhood comes to appreciate more than Shakespeare in this humorous historical fiction middle school novel. Starred review for The Wednesday Wars! *The Wednesday Wars ...

Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 22, 2019

A dauntless 11-year-old boy confronts a possible Russian spy in this Cold-War-era thriller. Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin. Henry Holt (Godwin Books), 2019, 343 pages ...

Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 28, 2019

Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden. Bloomsbury, 2019, 257 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 14-up Judy 12, 1881, Savannah, Georgia: Essie Mirth ...

Pride and Prejudice: The Original and the Others

By Hayley Morell | Feb 14, 2019

It's Valentine's Day. So, of course, we're going to talk about Jane Austen! Nothing can compare to the original, but Hayley and Betsy have been ...

*What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2019

Moving and beautiful, this post-Holocaust novel offers hope after horror. *What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper. Knopf, 2018, 249 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #5: The Parker Inheritance

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 18, 2019

The Parker Inheritance, the latest by Varian Johnson, is a different sort of book from his light-hearted, fun middle grades heist novels (see The Great ...

Courage in the Face of Evil by Mark Shaw

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2019

Vera König must decide if she can trust the enemy in this moving, true Holocaust story of a Christian in Hitler's camps. Courage in the ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #3: Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 11, 2019

Janie, Hayley, and Betsy team up to (virtually) discuss Sweep by Jonathan Auxier: does it have what it takes to win a Newbery? We discuss themes, ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #2: The Book of Boy

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 10, 2019

Janie: The Book of Boy is one of the more unusual middle-grade novels to appear this year. The main character is (not surprisingly) Boy, a ...

Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part Two)

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 8, 2019

Continuing our series from last Friday about children's books seen as contenders for the ALA's coveted Newbery medal. The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle ...

Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part One)

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 4, 2019

Then end of the year is the beginning of buildup to the annual American Library Association (ALA) “Youth Media Awards,” culminating in the announcement of ...

Reading Aloud to Tweens and Teens: A Guest Post about Kate Seredy’s books

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 28, 2018

Dawn Garrett joins us today to discuss reading Kate Seredy's books aloud to her tweens and teens. For more about Dawn, see her bio below ...

Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2018

This historical novel for teens speculates on a maid who influenced steel magnate Andrew Carnegie to become a philanthropist. Carnegie’s Maid: a Novel by Marie ...

*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 7, 2018

Sweep combines historical fact with mythical elements to create a compelling story filled with sharp edges and surprising graces. *Sweep: The Story of a Girl ...

Heroes of WWII: A Book List for Tweens and Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 24, 2018

World War II is perennially interesting and not just to history buffs! We've focused on church history the past couple of years during October, first ...

“Sarah, Plain and Tall Series” by Gladys Hunt

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 22, 2018

We've got another post from Gladys Hunt for you today about a series beloved to many. For the other posts in this series, please check ...

Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2018

A teenage girl enlists in the Jewish resistance in Poland during World War II. Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2018, 385 pages. Reading Level: ...

A Stitch in Time by Dalphne Kalmer

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2018

A Stitch in time, a quiet story about death, grieving, and change, takes place in the Vermont countryside of 1920. Ages 10-15 A Stitch in ...

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanha Lai

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 20, 2018

Inside Out and Back Again is a beautiful, timely middle grades verse novel about a young Vietnamese girl's refugee experience. Inside Out and Back Again ...

Code Word Courage by Kirby Larson

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 14, 2018

Code Word Courage highlights the important contribution of the Navajo Code Talkers during WWII as Billie and her dog Bear find comfort back home. Middle ...

Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 13, 2018

The latest installment in the "Tales from Alcatraz" series deals with mature themes in a sympathetic, engaging way. Ages 12-15 Al Capone Throws Me a ...

The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 8, 2018

Three "orphans" find their place in their community through music, forgiveness, and doing the right thing. Ages 10-15 The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne ...

Hunger by Donna Jo Napoli

By Betsy Farquhar | May 21, 2018

Hunger stalks Lorraine and her family as they struggle to cope during Ireland's potato famine in this historical fiction middle grades novel. Hunger: A Tale ...

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras

By Janie Cheaney | May 18, 2018

A teenage "Mad Wolf's Daughter" in late medieval Scotland stakes her claim to legendary status. Ages 10-14 The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras. Penguin ...

A School for Brides by Patrice Kindl

By Janie Cheaney | May 15, 2018

A fun romantic read for Jane Austen fans, A School for Brides is also very positive about marriage. Ages 12-18 A School for Brides by ...

The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis

By Betsy Farquhar | May 14, 2018

Little Charlie wants to do the right thing even as he agrees to go fetch runaway slaves up north in this gritty middle grades historical ...

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

By Janie Cheaney | May 4, 2018

A young girl in the middle of the Indian partition of 1947 shares poignant thoughts and fears in The Night Diary. Ages 12-15 The Night ...

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 30, 2018

Early Auden is Jack's guide to Pi as they voyage to find the giant bear and complete their quest in this thought-provoking, intricate historical novel. Ages ...

The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill

By Hayley Morell | Apr 28, 2018

Watch out Chicago, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town for this jazz age mystery! The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill. ...

Strongheart by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2018

Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale. Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...

Learning to Lead: Another RedeemedReader Booklist!

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 22, 2018

In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...

*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 15, 2018

The Book of Boy breathes life into the squalor and splendor of the late middle ages, with the tale of a parentless child and a ...

Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 2, 2018

This often-overlooked classic by the beloved fantasy writer introduces six children with lively imaginations and not much prudence. Ages 10-14 The Story of the Treasure ...

*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...

2018 Newbery Buzz #3: Refugee

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 27, 2018

Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value. Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...

Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 21, 2018

Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. ...

Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

By Megan Saben | Nov 21, 2017

Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...

Retro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2017

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a modern classic with good reason: young Kit Tyler faces the questions all adolescents face as she tries to ...

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 23, 2017

The Pearl Thief is a prequel to the award-winning Code Name Verity, but it lacks the same sophistication and character development. The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein. ...

Reformation Church History Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 9, 2017

Happy 500th birthday to the Protestant Reformation! 500 years ago this month, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door in Wittenburg. Of course, the ...

Refugee by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 21, 2017

Refugee weaves the stories of three children fleeing intolerable situations in their home countries, from 1939 to the present. Refugee by Alan Gratz. Scholastic, 2017, ...

Hell and High Water by Tanya Landman

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2017

A biracial lad in 18th-century England, suddenly on his own, struggles to make his way and foil the evil machinations of his “betters.” Hell and ...

Leo: Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 5, 2017

A “sea dog” adventure chronicles a key event during the age of explorers: Magellan's epic voyage around the world. Leo: Dog of the Sea (Dog ...

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 31, 2017

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats. Atheneum, 2017. 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Historical Fiction lovers, ...

The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2017

This rollicking adventure tale for middle grades by prolific author Avi takes us back to England of the 18th century. The Unexpected Life of Oliver ...

Wisdom & Wonder, Week 5: Work and Words

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2017

Introduction: Our two Wise Up chapters for this week are “Looking to the Ants” (Week 8, p. 87) and “Honesty is the Best Policy” (Week ...

Beyond the Bright Sea

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 1, 2017

An isolated girl, raised by an adoptive father on a remote island, uncovers clues to her origins while learning more about the world and herself. ...

The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...