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2010 Best Children's Books: Historical Fiction

Cover art for A GOOD HORSE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
Kirkus Star A GOOD HORSE
by Jane Smiley, illustrated by Elaine Clayton
"Rich, real and utterly engrossing. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
This sequel to The Georges and the Jewels (2009) is Smiley at her finest—detailed, nuanced, absorbing. Read full book review >
Cover art for REX ZERO, THE GREAT PRETENDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
Kirkus Star REX ZERO, THE GREAT PRETENDER
by Tim Wynne-Jones
"Genuinely wholesome, packed with affectionate humor, tension and joy. (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
After a childhood spent moving constantly across two countries, Rex wonders why his parents can't settle down. Read full book review >
Cover art for MOON OVER MANIFEST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
Kirkus Star MOON OVER MANIFEST
by Claire Vanderpool
"The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
When 12-year-old Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kan., in 1936 to stay with her father's boyhood friend, little does she know her sojourn will take her back, via mesmerizing tales, newspaper clippings, curious mementoes and World War I letters, to Manifest as it was in 1918—and into the life of the mysterious boy nicknamed Jinx. Read full book review >
Cover art for ZORA AND ME
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
Kirkus Star ZORA AND ME
by Victoria Bond, T.R. Simon
"Absolutely outstanding. (Historical fiction. 10-16)"
The childhood of African-American literary giant Zora Neale Hurston is brought to life with this fictionalized account. Read full book review >
Cover art for FINDING FAMILY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star FINDING FAMILY
by Tonya Bolden
"Each carefully posed subject is a fascinating enigma. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
Set in 1905 Charleston, W.Va., this richly lyrical and historically persuasive coming-of-age story explores the ties that bind, break and renew an affluent African-American family. Read full book review >
Cover art for HEART OF A SAMURAI
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star HEART OF A SAMURAI: BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF NAKAHAMA MANJIRO
by Margi Preus, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
"The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy, by Rhoda Blumberg (2001). (historical note, extensive glossary, bibliography.) (Historical fiction. 9-13)"
In 1841, 14-year-old Manjiro joined four others on an overnight fishing trip. Read full book review >