The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Told from the points of view of four different teenagers growing up in Alaska in the 1970s, this takes a look at what it’s like for Ruth, who is unknowingly following in the footsteps of her ancestors (and ends up in a nunnery), Alyce, who desperately wants to become a professional dancer, but has to work … Read more
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Classic Historical Fiction Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) There was only one who once outsmarted dear Sherlock Holmes. Her name was Mrs. Irene Norton. And this is how… Later in the day the King of Bohemia came to visit Sherlock because he had to tell him of a great matter. His late ex-girlfriend forged a letter … Read more
Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle Adventure Classic Fantasy Historical Fiction Mystery Romance Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) King Arthur is a brilliant work that contains one of the most culturally recognized characters. Along with Merlin and his sword in the stone it makes this classic an amazing story. It has something for almost any type of reader. I would highly refer it to anyone who is … Read more
Smoke by Dan Vyleta Fantasy Historical Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Set in an alternate Victorian England, Smoke is both a read-alike for Harry Potter and a study of class structure within society. It can be enjoyed just for the impressive story-telling or studied by a book club with plenty of meaty subjects to explore. In the story, wicked thoughts or deeds are exposed for all to see when smoke and soot … Read more
Christmas After All: The Diary of Minnie Swift Dear America series by Kathryn Lasky Historical Fiction Review # 1 * * * * Stars (Great!) I love how this book is combined with history. The Great Depression was a very hard time, and this book describes some of the hardship very well. I am overjoyed to have books like this one. Without them, we wouldn’t be interested in our history. And before we know it, … Read more
Nest by Esther Ehrlich Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Tween (Grades 5-8) * * * SPOILER ALERT! * * * Eleven year old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein is an avid birdwatcher growing up with her older sister in the early 1970s on Cape Cod. The Orensteins’ lives are forever changed when Chirp’s mother is diagnosed with MS (multiple-sclerosis). Mom – a dancer – sinks into a deep depression when her … Read more
A Brief History of Montmaray The Montmaray Journals, book #1 by Michelle Cooper Historical Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Sophie is one of the last of the FitzOsbornes – a little known family of royals living in a dilapidated castle on the tiny island of Montmaray somewhere off the coast of Spain. She begins chronicling her life on the island after receiving a journal for her 16th birthday. It’s 1936, Hitler and his … Read more
The FitzOsbornes in Exile Sequel to A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper Historical Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) In Sophia FitzOsborne’s last journal entry in A Brief History of Montmaray, she described the traumatic exodus she and her family made as the Germans bombed their island kingdom of Montmaray. Forced to take refuge in Great Britain with their Aunt Charlotte, the FitzOsbornes are having some difficulty adjusting to High Society. Also, … Read more
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken Adventure Classics Historical Fiction Suspense Thriller * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Bonnie’s cousin Sylvia comes to live with her when Sylvia’s elderly aunt Jane feels she can no longer care for her properly. Bonnie’s own parents are leaving on a sea voyage – in an attempt to improve her mother’s health – and the girls are to be left in the care of a distant … Read more
Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Rosalind is English, but she has been raised in India her whole life. Years ago, her brother Edward was sent back to England to receive his schooling, but he became ill and passed away. Their parents – especially their mother – have never truly gotten over his death. As a result, Rosalind’s mother has kept her close … Read more