Stories that qualify as historical fiction combine elements of true history with fictional embellishments. These stories must contain some element of historical fact, but how closely the author sticks to the facts is part of the art of the genre. Often times, historical fiction authors engage in intense research before writing these stories, so readers feel that these fictional tales could plausibly happen.
Quiet Hero: The Ira Hayes Story
By: S. D. Nelson
Reviewer: Brandon Berrey
Grade Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 5.6
This story is of Ira Hayes who was born in 1923 on an Indian reservation in Arizona. His was a poor family and his one room house had no electricity. Thankfully he went to school and his mother taught him to read. As he grew up he was sent to a boarding school where he felt out of place, being a quiet boy. Other than the girls teasing him the place was nice, with electricity and running water, something he never had before. In 1942, at age 19, Ira decided to join the war effort. He shipped out to boot camp and instantly loved the routine and challenges. He gained friends and finally felt like he belonged. For 3 years he fought in the pacific theater and was a dependable and fierce warrior. Then in 1945 Ira was sent to Iwo Jima. What did Ira accomplish there? Only you can find out by taking a look at this book.
One Crazy Summer
By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Reviewer: Mike Slowinski
Grade Level: 5-7
Reading Level: 5.0
Taking place in the 1960's amid the Civil Rights Movement, One Crazy Summer follows three young African American girls growing up in New York City without their mother. One summer, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern are sent to Oakland, California to meet Cecile, the woman who walked out on them when they were very young. Their trip to Oakland proves to be an eye-opening experience as they deal with their detached, eclectic poet mother Cecile and get wrapped up in the heart of the Black Panther Movement. As luck would have it, the three girls begrudgingly begin planning for a Black Power rally and in the process begin to form an appreciation for their personal and cultural roots. This is a great book for children to learn about the the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's, as well as the importance of equality and speaking out for the things you believe in.
Ghost Tale for Christmas Time
By: Mary Pope Osborne
Reviewer: Joseph Diefenthaler
Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.0
Follow Jack and Annie on yet another historical trip through time. In the Ghost Tale for Christmas, Jack and Annie are sent to the streets of London by Merlin to help Charles Dickens, but it is Dickens who first helps them. Disguised as chimney sweeps, Jack and Annie enter Dicken's house but to their surprise, he isn't interested in talking and leaves. As they begin following Dickens, Jack and Annie are acused of stealing a bag of money and chased by the police. It is Dickens who saves the kids and gets them out of jail. Using the violin Merlin gave the kids, they tell Dickens a story with three ghosts, one from the past, present and future. Will they be able to help Charles Dickens before he ruins his life?