history

*Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke Davis

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 17, 2024

Risen Hope is an engagingly written church history resource from Christian Focus for middle grades and teens. *Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke ...

Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 5, 2023

Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust is a suitable introduction for grades 2-4 to this terrible chapter in history. Hidden: A Child’s Story of ...

Wicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2023

A Wicked History: A nonfiction book about a historical figure who was, well, wicked! Nonfiction series for the middle school age-range vary quite a bit ...

Which Version of The Diary of Anne Frank Is Best?

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2023

A lengthy post in which Betsy seeks to answer some of the many questions she and the RR team have received over the past several ...

*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 30, 2023

The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all. Seeds of America ...

*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 16, 2023

Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through ...

Gertie: The Darling Duck of WWII by Shari Swanson

By Megan Saben | Oct 6, 2023

A sweet story about a mother duck whose unusual nesting spot provided a welcome diversion from from the war, both in local news and beyond. ...

*Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 4, 2023

Land of Hope offers a balanced, positive, and often inspiring view of American history--now available in student workbook, teacher's guide, and young-reader editions! *Land of ...

Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 14, 2023

This year's Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical. Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason ...

Agent Most Wanted by Sonia Purnell

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 14, 2022

Virginia Hall, one of history’s most effective spies, is the subject of this engrossing biography. Agent Most Wanted: The Never-before-Told Story of the Most Dangerous ...

*Church History by Simonetta Carr

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 18, 2022

Simonetta Carr’s Church History is a must-have for Christian families, good for years of reference and encouragement. *Church History by Simonetta Carr. Reformation Heritage, 265 ...

Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies by S. D. Nelson

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 14, 2022

Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies addresses the bloody and complex history of the U.S. Indian Wars with honesty and clarity. Crazy Horse and Custer: ...

Fallout by Steve Sheinkin

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 6, 2021

Sheinkin brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life in this nail-biting read for young teens. Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by ...

Top Secret by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 6, 2021

Learn what it takes to be a spy in this trivia-packed book from National Geographic Kids. Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases ...

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 22, 2021

The biracial heroine of Luck of the Titanic sees dreams fulfilled just before disaster strikes, in this romantic thriller. Luck of the Titanic by Stacey ...

Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | May 28, 2021

Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...

Radium Girls by Kate Moore

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2021

The Radium Girls tells the harrowing tale of radium poisoning and corporate irresponsibility. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (Young Readers’ Edition). Greenwillow, 2020, 348 ...

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 ...

Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 10, 2020

Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...

A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 8, 2020

A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...

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 ...

How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 4, 2020

How We Got to the Moon details the almost overwhelming amount of expertise and problem-solving required to accomplish one human footprint. How We Got to ...

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 ...

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 ...

1493 for Young People by Charles C. Mann

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 9, 2020

A fascinating historical look at globalization that covers botany, anthropology, politics, exploration, the slave trade, and more! 1493 for Young People: From Columbus's Voyage to ...

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 ...

Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson

By Betsy Farquhar | May 25, 2020

8 men struggle to survive when they're lost at sea in this "drama in real life" story for middle grades. Lost in the Pacific, 1942: ...

*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 26, 2020

From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...

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. ...

China through Time by DK Publishing

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2020

China through Time offers a unique perspective of social life over centuries. China through Time: a 2,500 year journey along the World’s Greatest Canal illustrated ...

All in a Drop by Lori Alexander

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 18, 2020

All in a Drop communicates the wonder and excitement of the Scientific Revolution in this engaging biography of the inventor of the microscope. All in ...

Giant Presidents' Day Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 17, 2020

POTUS POTUS: President of the United States: one of the most powerful people in the world. Presidents' Day honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in ...

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 ...

Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 4, 2019

An unlikely romance tinged by tragedy makes Butterfly Yellow a winning read for mature teens. Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai. Harper, 2019, 284 pages. Reading ...

Rocket to the Moon! by Don Brown

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2019

Graphic artist Don Brown give us a comprehensive visual account of the Apollo space program. Rocket to the Moon! (Big Ideas that Changed the World ...

*O Captain, My Captain by Robert Burleigh

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 5, 2019

O Captain, My Captain encapsulates the Civil War through the eyes of its most famous poet. *O Captain, My Captain: Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and ...

Patriotic Book List for Independence Day

By Megan Saben | Jun 29, 2019

It's Independence Day this week, and, naturally, we've got you covered with a book list! Every few years or so, we compile a patriotic book ...

Let ‘er Buck! by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2019

Black cowboy George Fletcher, the "People's Champion," is the subject of this story from the old west. Let 'er Buck! George Fletcher, the People's Champion ...

Cyrus Field’s Big Dream by Mary Morton Cowan

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 23, 2019

Nobody said “No” to Cyrus Field once he got his brain around a big idea that transformed the history of communication—and history itself. Cyrus Field’s ...

The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matt Landis

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2018

Oliver realizes he doesn't yet know everything about the Civil War in this engaging middle grades novel. The Not-so-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matt ...

The Grand Escape by Neal Bascomb.

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 9, 2018

This fascinating true account of a prison escape during World War I will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The Grand Escape: the ...

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 ...

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: ...

*The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 17, 2018

*The Faithful Spy is an outstanding biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—and one of the best biographies for kids ever. The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the ...

*Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 10, 2018

A cryptic aside in a medieval letter is the springboard for this charming story of a monk, a manuscript, and a bear. *Brother Hugo and ...

A Colorful Past by William Boekestein

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 9, 2018

A coloring book for elementary through middle grades offers a sweeping view of church history, from the first century to the twentieth. A Colorful Past: ...

*John Newton by Simonetta Carr

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 9, 2018

John Newton’s colorful life is a welcome addition to the Reformation Heritage series of Christian biographies. *John Newton by Simonetta Carr. Reformation Heritage, 2018, 63 ...

*Spooked! by Gail Jarrow

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 18, 2018

The Mercury Theater broadcast of "War of the Worlds," a fascinating footnote from American history, has interesting implications for today. Ages 10-15 *Spooked! How a ...

The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History by Ben Thompson

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 18, 2018

A new series about advances in technology begins with the indomitable spirit of the Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History (Epic Fails #1) ...

Great History Authors for Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 22, 2018

With school back in session, let's talk history books for kids! No matter who or what your kids or students are studying this year in ...

The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 10, 2018

Pensive and quiet, The Language of Spells casts its own spell for thoughtful readers—who like dragons. Ages 10-15 The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr, ...

Up & Down by Don Brown

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 7, 2018

Graphic novelist Don Brown offers a fascinating picture book about early hydrogen ballooning. Ages 5-10 Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American ...

Pass Go and Collect $200 by Tanya Lee Stone

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 7, 2018

Pass Go and Collect $200 is fun, relatable social history for Monopoly fans and anyone who ever had a great idea. Ages 6-up Pass Go ...

House of Dreams: the Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 3, 2018

L.M. Montgomery's life was overshadowed by sadness, but this biography shows how she was able to give the world one of its most beloved literary ...

Sid Fleischman Biographies

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2018

Near the end of his prolific career, Newbery medalist Sid Fleischman published remarkable biographies of three remarkable men. Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain, 1835-1910), Ehrich ...

The Flood of Noah by Bodie Hodge & Laura Welch

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 25, 2018

Was there a worldwide flood? The various legends of such a phenomenon are explored and compared in this interactive history book. All ages The Flood ...

*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2018

How Sweet the Sound tells the story of "Amazing Grace" in rhyming couplets and dramatic illustrations. Ages 6-10 *How Sweet the Sound: the Story of ...

Voices of the Second World War

By Janie Cheaney | May 8, 2018

A compendium of recollection from men and women who experienced World War II as children brings the past up close and personal. Voices of the ...

*God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 30, 2018

God’s Timeline is a valuable resource that pulls together the entire sweep of church history from the Resurrection to the early twenty-first century. *God’s Timeline: ...

The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2018

This jokey introduction to the American Revolution, latest in the “Thrifty Guide” series, presents accurate history along with the laughs. Ages 10-15 The Thrifty Guide ...

The Whydah by Martin W. Sandler

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2017

Fascinating middle grades nonfiction about the Whydah: a slave ship turned pirate ship turned treasure hunter glory. The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked and Found ...

Sinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2017

Middle grades nonfiction takes a sobering look at the sinking of the Sultana--a worse maritime tragedy even than the Titanic. Sinking the Sultana: A Civil ...

5 New Nonfiction Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 27, 2017

Nonfiction picture books are one of the best ways to introduce a subject/person, enrich your study of a topic, or just learn something new! Hot ...

Reformation Day!

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 25, 2017

I know, we’re not there yet. It was on All Hallow’s Eve (nicknamed Halloween) that the fiery preacher of Wittenberg marched down the cobbled streets ...

The Sweet Taste of Providence by Christine Farenhorst

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 24, 2017

This unique devotional book uses Christian history as a springboard for relevant perspectives on the Christian life. The Sweet Taste of Providence: 74 Devotional Episodes ...

Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 14, 2017

This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...

Magellan: over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 5, 2017

This young reader edition of an adult nonfiction book explores the glory and agony (mostly the latter) of Magellan's epic voyage. Magellan: Over the Edge ...

Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 4, 2017

A fascinating dual biography captures the triumph and eventual tragedy of brothers who loved and fought fiercely. Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by ...

Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

Undefeated is a fascinating account of how a group of talented, creative, and brave young Indians changed the game of football forever. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe ...

Krysia: a Polish Girl’s Stolen Childhood by Krystyna Mihulka

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 25, 2017

This memoir of a Polish girl’s experience in a forced-labor camp introduces us to a little-known theater of World War II. Krysia: a Polish Girl’s ...

Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losure

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 25, 2017

This biography for middle graders is an engaging introduction to Isaac Newton’s singular genius and his peculiar obsessions. Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, ...

Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 21, 2017

Children will be fascinated by the heartwarming story of “Doc” Key and his amazing horse Jim, who used their talents for good. Step Right Up: ...

American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 16, 2017

Engaging and short, one teenager's search for answers will leave readers wanting to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen. American Ace by Marilyn Nelson. Dial ...

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2016

A 13-year-old saboteur in the Hitler Youth meets the challenge of his life in this page-turning World War II thriller. Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz. ...

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2016

Suspenseful prose and careful research make Bonhoeffer's brave actions come to life for teen readers. The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely ...

Michelangelo for Kids by Simonetta Carr

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 20, 2016

Simonetta Carr's contribution to the popular "For Kids" series presents the great artist as not only as a true "Renaissance man" but a man of ...

*The Book of God by Ben Avery

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2016

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...

The Revolt by Douglas Bond

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 13, 2016

The England of John Wycliffe is vividly portrayed as a crucible of revolution in this new historical novel The Revolt: a Novel in Wycliffe’s England ...

God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby

By Hayley Morell | Oct 7, 2016

An engaging flyover of church history for young teens. God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby. Christian Focus Publications, 2014. ...

Will’s Words by Jane Sutcliffe and John Shelley

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 22, 2016

A casual weaving together of Will's words with our own shows just how much we owe to the bard in this cleverly illustrated picture book. ...

*Freedom on Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated R. Gregory Christie

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 22, 2016

Congo Square held a unique place in the slavery experience and holds a special reminder for Christians as we all look forward to Sunday! *Freedom ...

*The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 22, 2016

This accessible biography reveals the extraordinary, historically significant, and surprisingly admirable life of an American legend. *The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill: Growing Up Billy ...

The Revolutionary War by Mort Kunstler

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 4, 2016

Key events of the American Revolution are celebrated by one of our nation’s preeminent historical painters. The Revolutionary War 1775-1783 (See American History Series) by ...

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

By Hayley Morell | Jun 24, 2016

In Under a Painted Sky, the events of one day change Sammy from a moody teenage girl to a fugitive striking out into the west. ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 4, 2016

Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg. Penguin, February 2016, 296 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom Line: An ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 12, 2015

It's that time again! Less than a month before the American Library Association announces their Youth Media Awards, and chief among them is the coveted ...

*Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace

By Hayley Morell | Nov 20, 2015

Coming-of-age, romance, and historical fiction is combined in a little-known novel, Emily of Deep Valley, by a classic American author. *Emily of Deep Valley by Maud ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 16, 2015

Prolific author Jean Fritz turns 100 today! During her long life, she has written numerous books--mostly biographies--for children. Before picture book biographies were so prevalent, ...

Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes

By Megan Saben | Oct 26, 2015

Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes. Puffin Books, 2002. 48 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10, ...

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

By Hayley Morell | Aug 24, 2015

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. Puffin, 1985, 288 pages Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-14 Recommended for: Ages 12-up Bottom Line: Ancient ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 3, 2015

The Founding Fathers! Those Horse-Ridin',Fiddle-Playin', Book-Readin', Gun Totin' Gentlemen Who Started America, by Jonah Winter, Illustration by Barry Blitt. Atheneum, 2015. 40 pages Reading Level: ...

*Gingerbread for Liberty! by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 2, 2015

*Gingerbread for Liberty! How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. HMH Books, 2015. 32 ...

New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 27, 2015

New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Holiday House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 ...

Swing Sisters by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 27, 2015

Swing Sisters: The Story of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Holiday House, 2015. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 10, 2015

Audacity by Melanie Crowder. Philomel, 2015. 389 pages, including historical notes. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Bottom Line: ...

By Hayley Morell | Mar 6, 2015

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund. Zondervan, 2015. 249 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 15 – 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 – 18) and up Bottom Line: A ...

*Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 23, 2015

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. Aladdin, 2006 (reprint; originally published 1935). 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: ages 8-12, especially girls Bottom ...

By Megan Saben | Feb 18, 2015

George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...