2010 Best Children's Books: Historical Fiction (page 2)

CHILDREN'S

Released: May 25, 2010

TURTLE IN PARADISE

by Jennifer L. Holm

"Sweet, funny and superb. (Historical fiction. 9-13)"

Eleven-year-old Turtle falls in with the Diaper Gang—her boy cousins Beans, Kermit and Buddy and their friends Ira and Pork Chop—when she is packed off to stay in her mother's hometown of Key West because her housekeeper mother has a new job with a woman who doesn't like kids. Read full book review >

CHILDREN'S

Released: Aug. 1, 2010

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 >

CHILDREN'S

Released: Sept. 1, 2010

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 >

CHILDREN'S

Released: Oct. 12, 2010

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 >

CHILDREN'S

Released: Oct. 12, 2010

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 >

CHILDREN'S

Released: Oct. 26, 2010

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 >

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2010 Best Children's Books: Historical Fiction (page 2)