Historical Fiction

It is 1922 and Gim Lew Yep is growing up in a Chinese village with his family; however his father lives in America and is a Chinese-American. Periodically his father comes to visit. The whole village awaits his return. He lives in America to make money to send to his family in the poor village. At one of his visits he decides to return to America with Gim who is only 10. Gim really does not want to leave his family, but also does not want to disappoint his father. Gaining entry into America requires interrogation on Angel Island. Read about his journey to America with his father.

Interest Level: 3-6

Reading Level: 5.7

Reviewed by: Janet Sager

When twelve year old Kai leaves China to be with his father in America, but upon his arrival to Angel Island his is locked up in terribly crowded conditions until it can be proven that it is "safe" for him to enter America.
Interest Level 3-6
Reading Level 5
Reviewed by Trisha Sabel

A young boy has to live in a home that has been destroyed by war. One day he spots a tiny green plant. He waters the plant and it grows and grows on a fence that has separated him from the land that he loves. One day a group of soldiers destroys his beautiful vine, but one day it begins to grow again. A great story of triumph.

Interest Level- Ages 4-10

Reading Level- 3.8

Reviewed by Abbie Thill

Are you looking for monologues? Are you wondering what it was like to live in a medieval village? Are you looking for something to perform with the whole class? This book can meet all these names. These short monologues have rich language and lots of background information to make life alive in the medieval village for the reader. Come and read Masters and Ladies!

Interest Level: 3-6

Reading Level: 5.6

Reviewed by Susan Queiser

The story takes place in Moundsville, Alabama after World War I. When the new postmaster moves into town, Dit becomes friends with his daughter, Emma. If being friends with a girl isn't bad enough, she is also black. This causes trouble with Dit's friends and some adults in town. Dit begins to realize the injustices there are being black especially in a southern town. When the black barber in town gets in trouble it is Dit and Emma that come to his rescue. They see that he was found guilty because of his color.

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 4.6

Reviewed by: Janet Sager

Of special interest as it is of the Ojibwe and their life in Wisconsin along Lake Superior. That is until the white people arrive and want them to leave the only place they have known as home.

Interest Level 5-8
Reading Level 6.1
Reviewed by Trisha Sabel

When a young girls brother joins the army and sent to vietnam, she is excited. However, when she is waiting for a letter from her brother to hear all about combat, and the thrill of war, she receives a roll of undeveloped film instead. Suddenly Jamie realizes that war is not what she thought, and begins to fear for her brother's life. All she wants to do is protect him, but she can't.

Interest Level- Ages 12 and up

Reading Level- 5.3

Reviewed by Abbie Thill

Cat is an orphan living on Drury Lane in London. If you don't know that is the theatre district and she works in one. Her friend Pedro, a slave is a great performer. When his old master appears to claim him it takes Cat and all her friends to rite the wrongs of slavery.

Interest Level: 5-8

Reading Level: 5.7

Reviewed by Susan Queiser