Booklist
Ashes of Roses
Auch, M. (2002). Ashes of
Roses. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. (250)
This book is appropriate for readers who are twelve years old or
older. This story focuses on experiences Rose Nolan has shortly after arriving
on Ellis Island in 1911. At the beginning of the book Rose is homesick, but she
quickly becomes too tired to think about anything else but her work at the
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Even though her work at the factory is underpaid
and backbreaking, Rose begins to create a life for herself in America. Rose
makes new friends, and is still able to take care of her younger sister.
However, due the disastrous fire at the factory where she works at, Rose is
forced to rebuild her life once more. This story shows students the power of
determination, hard work and courage.
older. This story focuses on experiences Rose Nolan has shortly after arriving
on Ellis Island in 1911. At the beginning of the book Rose is homesick, but she
quickly becomes too tired to think about anything else but her work at the
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Even though her work at the factory is underpaid
and backbreaking, Rose begins to create a life for herself in America. Rose
makes new friends, and is still able to take care of her younger sister.
However, due the disastrous fire at the factory where she works at, Rose is
forced to rebuild her life once more. This story shows students the power of
determination, hard work and courage.
Escape To West Berlin
Dahlberg, M. (2004). Escape to West Berlin. United States of America: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd. (179)
The reading level of this book is appropriate for students between the ages of eight and twelve. Escape to West Berlin focuses on a thirteen year old girl who grew in East Berlin during the 1960s. Throughout the book Heidi handles the strict rules enforced by the East Berlin government, she worries about her parents because her father works in West Berlin and her mother is pregnant. Heidi also has regular thirteen year old worries such as why her best friend doesn’t want to hang out anymore. While in the process of trying to move to West Berlin Heidi is separated from her family, and in order to be reunited she must trust her best friend, whose loyalty she currently doubts. This story brings to light the resilience and perseverance of a normal thirteen year old girl.
A Voyage From Ireland in 1849
Pastore, C. (2001). A Voyage from Ireland in 1849. New York: The Berkley Publishing Group. (184)
This book fits the reading level of students who are either nine or older. This historical fiction book illustrates the experience of new Irish Immigrants in America during the middle 1800s. The reader first meets Fiona when she is still in Ireland, and living with her family. However, due to The Great Potato Famine, Fiona and her brother Patrick travel to America to live with their mother’s cousin Eleanor and her husband Henry. From the very beginning of the journey, Fiona and her brother face obstacles, once they arrive in America they cannot find Eleanor, and are forced to survive on their own in a new and unfamiliar country. Fiona stays in touch with her family by writing letters to her mother, she writes about the uncomfortable boat trip to America, the difficulties that both her and her brother endure, and the new friends she makes. Throughout the
book Fiona illustrates the hardships new immigrants, specifically the hardships Irish immigrants were being subjected to in the United States of America. This book can be used to introduce an immigration unit, by reading this book students will be able to put a face to the idea of immigration which will help them connect with the lesson.
book Fiona illustrates the hardships new immigrants, specifically the hardships Irish immigrants were being subjected to in the United States of America. This book can be used to introduce an immigration unit, by reading this book students will be able to put a face to the idea of immigration which will help them connect with the lesson.
Thin Wood Walls
Patneaude, D. (2004). Thin Wood Walls. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. (231)
This historical fiction novel is written for students are between the ages of ten and fourteen. Thin Wood Walls occurs during World War II, it focuses on a Japanese American family that was sent to a concentration camp due to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. However, prior to entering the camp, Joe’s neighbors and friends start to
suspect him and his family of spying for the Japanese, and the FBI takes away
his father. The war touches every aspect of Joe’s life; his brother even joins the army to help prove that their family is loyal to America. Joe seeks some refuge from the war by wring in his journal, he writes about his daily life in the form of traditional entries, and in haikus. This story is particularly useful in a classroom setting because it helps students understand that power of fear, a teacher could also draw connections about similarities between the attitudes of Americans towards the Japanese Americans during WWII, and our current attitudes towards Muslims. In addition, this book can be used in English, during a Haiku unit because the haikus that Joe writes in his journal are included throughout the book.
suspect him and his family of spying for the Japanese, and the FBI takes away
his father. The war touches every aspect of Joe’s life; his brother even joins the army to help prove that their family is loyal to America. Joe seeks some refuge from the war by wring in his journal, he writes about his daily life in the form of traditional entries, and in haikus. This story is particularly useful in a classroom setting because it helps students understand that power of fear, a teacher could also draw connections about similarities between the attitudes of Americans towards the Japanese Americans during WWII, and our current attitudes towards Muslims. In addition, this book can be used in English, during a Haiku unit because the haikus that Joe writes in his journal are included throughout the book.
Breaking Stalin's Nose
Yelchin, E. (2011). Breaking Stalin’s Nose. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. (151)
Students between the ages of nine and twelve will find this book to meet their reading level. Breaking Stalin’s Nose is a story about a young boy named Sasha who grows up during Stalin’s reign in the former Soviet Union. At the start of the book Sasha fully supports Stalin and his ideals, also like most young boys Sasha wants to be just like his father who is a hero and a communist. In order to follow in his father’s footsteps Sasha joins the Young Soviet Pioneers which is his greatest dream. However, his dad is arrested by the Soviets and this causes Sasha to begin to question the beliefs he holds closest. This book helps show children that asking questions and thinking critically is important, and that even as children you are capable of helping to create justice.
Little Leap Forward
Guo, U., Farrow, C., and Cann, H. (2008). Little Leap Forward. Cambridge: Barefoot Books. (126)
The reading level of this book is appropriate for students who are between the ages of eight and eleven. This story is about Little Leap forward and his family who live in Beijing China during the 1960s. In the beginning of the story he is a happy child, he enjoys playing his flute and flying kites. Little Leap Forward finds a little yellow bird that he keeps in a cage, so she will sing for him, yet, the bird never sings and Little Leap Forward does not understand why. However, when the Red Guards arrive, Little Leap Forward begins to understand why his little yellow bird won’t sing. The arrival of the Red Guards forces Little Leap Forward to ponder the question “Wouldn’t you rather be free, just for a day, than spend a lifetime in a cage”. This book will help students understand the importance of freedom and what can happen to people when their freedom is taken away.
My Brother's Flying Machine
Yolen, J. (2003). My Brothers’ Flying Machine. Phoenix: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (32)
This book is written for students who between the ages six and nine. Most people have heard of Wilbur and Orville Wright because they built the first flying machine, however less people have heard about their sister Katharine. In the picture book My Brothers’ Flying Machine, the reader learns about the role Katharine had in helping her brothers build the first flying machine. Throughout the story Katharine talks about her brother’s human characteristics such as how Will was always a mess, but Orv was always clean and tidy. In addition, Katharine we see how much behind the scenes help Orv and Will received from their family. The book also informs students of why Orv and Will called their first flying machine Kitty Hawk. This is a valuable historical fiction book because it shows students that even the people who are known as some of the most famous
inventors today, were at one point just average people. This realization will help students understand that they are capable of doing and inventing great things too.
inventors today, were at one point just average people. This realization will help students understand that they are capable of doing and inventing great things too.
Gay America; Struggle for Equality
Stonewall ALA Award
Alsenas, L. (2002). Gay America; Struggle for Equality. New York: Harry N. Abrams, inc. (160)
Students between who are fourteen or older of will find that this book meets their reading level. Gay America is a compilation of the history behind the gay movement about what has been accomplished and what the current goals of the movement are. This book also demonstrates how differently gay men and women lived a hundred years ago compared to now, the book tells of what their everyday lives were like. In addition this book contains many firsthand accounts of why one supports the gay movement, and how someone has been treated because they are gay or lesbian. The book touches on issues such as Aids, and gay marriage. The book is written by a gay author this adds authenticity to the book. This book also contains and index. One of the hopes of this book is to help people understand that gay people have always been a part of society, and that they have played important roles within society.
Esperanza Rising
Pura Belpre Award
Munoz, P. (2000). Esperanza Rising. United States of America: Scholastic Press. (262)
This book fits the reading level of students who are between eight and twelve years old. Esperanza Rising is a story of a wealthy Mexican girl named Esperanza who loses her wealth and home when her father dies. In order to escape her greedy uncles Esperanza and her mother must leave Mexico and travel to the United States with their former slaves. Due to an injury Esperanza and her mother must leave behind her grandmother. Throughout the book Esperanza must learn what it is like not to be rich, this causes her a lot of embarrassment. However, through perseverance Esperanza does not let her embarrassment stop her from learning things, and she is able to take care of her family when her mother is not. This book also demonstrates the condition that Mexican immigrants were experiencing. This book is a shining story of how one girl can overcome racial and economic differences and come out on top. This is a worthwhile historical fiction book because it focuses on a young girl, and the idea that she can take care of herself. This book also shows some of the social unrest that was beginning to occur due to unfair working conditions.
Number the Stars
Newberry Award Winner
Lowry, L. (1989). Number the Stars. New York: Dell Publishing. (137)
This book is appropriate for students who read at a ten to fourteen year olds level. Number the Stars is a story about two ten year old girls who live in Denmark during 1943. Ellen Rosen and her family and are Jewish, they are forced to flee Denmark and escape to Switzerland. However, while escaping the Rosen’s and their other traveling companions (all Jews) forgot their forged papers, so Annemarie must go on a mission in order to deliver the forged papers to her best friend Ellen, and the other companions. The mission requires Anne Maria to be courageous, while she tries to outsmart the Nazis. This story illustrates the loyalty and courage two ten year old girls share and how that loyalty makes them strong and courageous.
My Brother Charlie
Dolly Gray Award
Peete, H. and Peete,R. (2010). My Brother Charlie. New York: Scholastic Inc.
(31)
Children who are between the age of four and eight will find this
book to be at their reading level. My Brother Charlie focuses on the relationship between Callie and Charlie, her twin with Autism. Callie talks about how sometimes it is hard to be Charlie’s sister because he doesn’t say I love you, and he sometimes ruins her play dates. However, Callie also talks about the many blessings that are associated with Charlie, he can make Callie’s injuries stop hurting, and he has a way with animals. This book does an excellent job of demonstrating that just because someone has Autism does not mean they aren’t capable of doing certain tasks, they just do it in a different way.
book to be at their reading level. My Brother Charlie focuses on the relationship between Callie and Charlie, her twin with Autism. Callie talks about how sometimes it is hard to be Charlie’s sister because he doesn’t say I love you, and he sometimes ruins her play dates. However, Callie also talks about the many blessings that are associated with Charlie, he can make Callie’s injuries stop hurting, and he has a way with animals. This book does an excellent job of demonstrating that just because someone has Autism does not mean they aren’t capable of doing certain tasks, they just do it in a different way.
The River Between Us
National Book Award Finalist
Peck, R. (2005). The River Between Us. New York: Penguin Group Incorporated. (176)
This book is ideal for students between the ages of ten to fourteen. This book takes place during 1861, and the start of the Civil War is looming. The book follows the Puritt family; Noah and Tilly’s father are gone. Tilly and her mother are left to run their farm, and as farm starts to dwindle they meet a mysterious stranger Delphine. This meeting demonstrates how each family has good and evil traits. By the end of the book everyone in the Puritt family, Delphine and her companion have all been touched by the Civil War.
Grandfather's Journey
Caldecott Medal
Say, A. (1993). Grandfather’s Journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. (32)
Grandfather’s Journey is best read by students between the ages of four and eight. The story a Grandfather’s Journey shows how an immigrant can feel at home in his new country, but still missing his birth country. This book explores the idea of being from two places and feeling at home in both, and missing the one you are not in. This story also has illustrations that fit perfectly within the story; the pictures reinforce what the words are saying. One of the strongest aspects of this book is that it talks about the cites Grandfather is seeing in America such as farm field and mountains, so even if the reader is not an immigrant they can still identify with the sites grandfather is experiencing.
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
Michael L. Prinz Honor
Schmid, G. (2004). Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. (219)
This book is suitable for students whose reading level is between the ages of a ten and fourteen year olds. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy is a story that portrays Lizzie as spunky character who is sure of herself, and Turner as someone who is less sure of himself. However, Lizzie is able to help Turner step out of his comfort zone, and in the process the two become close friends. This friendship bond is tested and strengthened when they discover that Turners father and others want Lizzie and her people to leave the island they have lived on for years, so it can become a tourist attraction. Throughout the story Lizzie and Tuner work very hard to protect her island. This story demonstrates the bonds of friendship; it also helps students understand that greed reached a whole new level with the start of the industrial revolution.
Amelia Earhart; The Legend of the Lost Aviator
Orbus Pictus Award
Tanaka, S. (2008). Amelia Earhart; The Legend of the lost Aviator. New York: Madison Press Limited. (48)
The ideal age to read this book is when a student is between the ages of eight and twelve. This story focuses on Amelia Earhart who was a female pilot during the 1930s. This book talks about her childhood and where her love of planes and flying bean, her adulthood accomplishments and her last flight. The story contains direct quotes from Amelia Earhart concerning her beliefs about women’s rights. This book also has an index, and other resources that students can explore to learn more about Earhart.
The Land
Coretta Scott King Award
Taylor. M, (2001). The Land. New York: Phyllis Fogelman Books. (375)
This book is best understood by students who are between the
ages of twelve and seventeen. The Land is a prequel to the well-known
book Role of Thunder, Hear my Cry. This book occurs during the reconstruction era after the civil war. The story focuses on Paul-Edward whose dream is to own his own land. This dream in now possible since slavery is outlawed, and African Americans should have the same rights as white Americans. However, Paul-Edward finds that getting a piece of land to own may not be as easy as he thought it would be. Throughout the story Paul-Edward tries to earn money to purchase land in variety of ways including racing horses to a lumber camp and outsmarting people who don’t want him to own land. During these tribulations Paul-Edward creates some lasting friendships and finds love. Paul-Edwards tale shows the power of optimism, courage and determination. This story helps students understand that even though slavery had been outlawed, African Americans were still facing unequal treatment in many ways.
ages of twelve and seventeen. The Land is a prequel to the well-known
book Role of Thunder, Hear my Cry. This book occurs during the reconstruction era after the civil war. The story focuses on Paul-Edward whose dream is to own his own land. This dream in now possible since slavery is outlawed, and African Americans should have the same rights as white Americans. However, Paul-Edward finds that getting a piece of land to own may not be as easy as he thought it would be. Throughout the story Paul-Edward tries to earn money to purchase land in variety of ways including racing horses to a lumber camp and outsmarting people who don’t want him to own land. During these tribulations Paul-Edward creates some lasting friendships and finds love. Paul-Edwards tale shows the power of optimism, courage and determination. This story helps students understand that even though slavery had been outlawed, African Americans were still facing unequal treatment in many ways.