Best Middle-Grade Books of 2013 to Make History Come Alive

by Tonya Bolden

A convincing, handsomely produced argument that the proclamation, for all its acknowledged limitations, remains a watershed... Full review >

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by Don Brown ; illustrated by Don Brown

From its enticing, dramatic cover to its brown endpapers to a comical Grant Wood–esque final image, this is a worthy... Full review >

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adapted by Amy Ehrlich ; illustrated by Daniel Nevins

Ehrlich’s transcendent verse translation renders these familiar stories as shocking, perplexing and remarkably... Full review >

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by Russell Freedman

A superb addition to Freedman’s previous volumes on the Revolutionary period. Full review >

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by Helen Frost

Sensitive and smart: a poetic vista for historical insight as well as cultural awareness. Full review >

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by Shirley Hughes

A superb historical thriller. Full review >

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by Beth Kephart ; illustrated by William Sulit

An outstanding and ultimately life-affirming tale. Full review >

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by Suzanne LaFleur

Past meets present and all is well in this lovely and magical tale. Full review >

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by Maryann Macdonald

Based on the real Odette Meyers (nee Melspajz), this thoughtful, affecting piece makes an ideal Holocaust introduction for... Full review >

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by David Meissner ; Kim Richardson

A memorable adventure, told with great immediacy. Full review >

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by Donna Jo Napoli ; illustrated by Christina Balit

Sumptuous of format, magisterial of content, stimulating for heart and mind both. Full review >

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by Matt Phelan ; illustrated by Matt Phelan

Thrilling—a spirited, poignant coming-of-age vignette and an intriguing window into a little-known chapter in vaudeville... Full review >

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by Jewell Parker Rhodes

A magical story of hope from Coretta Scott King Honor winner Rhodes. Full review >

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by Stan Rogers ; Matt James ; illustrated by Matt James

For U.S. readers, an illumination of a little-known history; for all Americans, a treasure. Full review >

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by Tanya Lee Stone

An exceptionally well-researched, lovingly crafted and important tribute to unsung American heroes. Full review >

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by Tim Tingle

The beginning of a trilogy, this tale is valuable for both its recounting of a historical tragedy and its immersive Choctaw... Full review >

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by Rita Williams-Garcia

This thoughtful story, told with humor and heart, rings with the rhythms and the dilemmas of the ’60s through characters... Full review >

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