Entries Categorized as 'Historical Fiction'
Posted by Becca
Categories: Historical Fiction, Older Readers, Review
Tags:Award Winner, Christopher Collier, James Lincoln Collier, Revolutionary War, Sad
Add a comment »
Our rating: 
Tim Meeker lives in a small town with his parents and his only sibling, Sam. The town is sympathetic to the Tories, so Mr. Meeker is astonished to hear that Sam is going to fight on the American side in the coming war for independence from Britain. Once Sam leaves, Tim has to take on more responsibility. Not only does he have to do Sam’s chores at the family tavern, but he also needs to choose which side he will support in the Revolutionary War. Should he side with Sam, or should he side with the rest of the town?
This story, told through Tim’s eyes, is a good account of what the ordinary civilian would experience during the Revolution. I marked it for older readers because, although it doesn’t take place on the front lines of battle, there are some unpleasant details. Altogether, My Brother Sam is Dead is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Posted by Ruth
Categories: All Ages, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mysteries, Review
Tags:Animals, Award Winner, Egypt, Eloise Jarvis McGraw, Good Read Aloud
1 Comment »
Our rating:
Ranofer, a young Egyptian boy, wants nothing more than to become a goldsmith like his father was. But his cruel half-brother Gebu has other plans, and soon Ranofer is bound to a dreary life in the stonecutter’s shop. When suspicious acts of Gebu’s turn up, though, Ranofer—with the help of his only two friends, Heqet and The Ancient One—determines to prove Gebu guilty. Dangers await, but Ranofer is willing to risk everything for his freedom.
The Golden Goblet impressed me as a very good book. It’s easy to get caught up in Ranofer’s plight, sympathizing with him and wondering how it will turn out. It also provides a neat look into ancient Egypt and what things were like then, yet it does so without distracting from the story at all. I’d say it’s an excellent read, and definitely worthwhile.
Posted by Rebekah
Categories: Advanced Readers, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Review
Tags:Animals, Horses, Long Read, Walter Scott
Add a comment »
Our rating:
Sir Wilfried of Ivanhoe returns from France with his friend, King Richard, in the hopes of re-winning his father’s favor and securing the hand of the lovely Rowena. But danger is quick to follow him. Richard’s brother, John of Anjou, is scheming to rebel against Richard, and Ivanhoe soon finds himself embroiled in the feudal battles of merry England. Chases, escapes (some closer than others), plots, renegade knights, and a surprise appearance by Robin of Locksley give this book more than a dash of adventure.
Sounds good, right? But before you rush off and buy it, let me warn you. It has misplaced romance out the ears. One whole subplot is a knight trying to win a Jewess by fair means (at first), then foul. Unless you don’t consider kidnapping her and and letting her father almost be tortured foul . . . Nothing inappropriate actually happens, but it’s up to you whether you want to wade through all the long talks between them.
Now, on a happier note, there’s some rip-snorting adventure in here. Well-written, edge of your chair, “What’s going to happen next?” adventure. With enough comedy to keep things from getting too heavy. True, it’s written in the older style, but there are very few classics that aren’t, and it lends so much to the story.
Posted by Becca
Categories: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Review, Younger Readers
Tags:Arnold Lobel, Easy Read, Funny, Good Read Aloud, New Amsterdam, New York, Out of Print, Peter Stuyvesant, Quick Read
Add a comment »
Our rating:
Peter Stuyvesant is the new director-general of New Amsterdam. He arrives in town to find the fort crumbling away, garbage in the streets, and animals roaming everywhere. Peter Stuvyesant sets out to fix this town, despite the lazy townspeople.
This book is written in rhyme. The text and pictures will keep you laughing. At the beginning of the book, there is a historical note about Peter Stuyvesant and the town of New Amsterdam. Make sure that you read this. It gives a good background for the rest of the book.
Posted by Rebekah
Categories: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Incredibook!, Older Readers, Review
Tags:Animals, Horses, Howard Pyle
Add a comment »
Our rating:
This is the story of Myles Falworth, son of Lord Falworth, and how he rose from obscurity to high favor with the King. When Myles was eight years old, Lord Falworth gave aid to a knight who had been part of a plot to overthrow King Henry the IV. The King discovered this and confiscated Lord Falworth’s lands, reducing him to near-poverty, and, moreover, decreed him a traitor. Lord Falworth was forced to go into hiding, taking with him his wife and young son. The family found succor with a priest and remained in a small house in England. When Myles reached sixteen years old, his father decided to send him to Lord Mackworth (an old friend of Lord Falworth’s) with the request that he take Myles into his service as a squire. Lord Mackworth complied, at considerable danger to himself, and Myles came to live in Mackworth’s great castle. Years passed and Myles grew from a boy to a man and discovered that he was destined to play a high part in the politics of merry England. Soon King Henry himself knights Myles, and begins a chain of events that will effect many, many people.
Now, I put this in as older readers, but really it’s good for people as young as twelve. It’s written in the Old English style, which makes it a little difficult, but I love this book. There is so much action in it! My review sounds very dry and stuffy. From the first, Myles takes a stand for right and defends it with all his heart. Whether it’s challenging the right of a squire to order other squires about, or taking to the lists in a great tournament to redeem his father’s good name, you’re rooting for Myles all the way.
content rss
