Kids Books - Historical

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

By John Boyne

This book is set in World War ll and is about a young German boy by the name of Bruno. Bruno is forced to leave his home in Berlin for reasons no one will tell him. Bruno is very mad and upset about living somewhere completely different. He decides that he will try to make the best out of this situation. He comes across a boy on the other side of the fence whos name is Shmuel. Bruno doesn't exactly know why Shmuel is on a different side and why he can't come to Bruno's side. John Boyne does an amazing job capturing and displaying the emotions throughout the book. I give this book 5 stars because of the amazing and captivating writing.

The Pearl (The Originals)

The Pearl (The Originals)

By JOHN STEINBECK

wow, i don't know what to say besides THIS BOOK WAS EXCELLENT!!! In every single chapter drama and even a little accidental comedy is introduced. There are constant twists, changes in characters ('wink wink kino') and I am always satisfied with the chapter. I would recommend this book to any kid over 10 and any adult or teenager. I am sure you will at least love it!

The Red Umbrella

The Red Umbrella

By Christina Gonzalez

This is the kind of book that will make you cry. I really loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It shows you an example of what some people have to go through in other countries. You really need to read this book.

The Cay

The Cay

By Theodore Taylor

This was an sad yet interesting book. It gave a great message that under different colored skin, we are all the same. At some parts, I almost cried and at other parts, and was very happy. I don't want to give away to much, but here's a little summary. A white boy named Philip gets stranded on an island with a black man named Timothy. Philip has learned to stay away from black people, but Timothy is quite different. They go through extraordinary things together and grow fond of each other. I would recommend this book to 4-6 graders and to people who like adventure and historical fiction. I personally loved this book.

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

By Lauren Tarshis

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 is an amazing and fast-paced book that kept me on the edge of my seat! It follows a boy named George who finds himself aboard the Titanic when disaster strikes. The story is full of suspense, danger, and real historical details that made me feel like I was there. It’s easy to read and super exciting—perfect for kids who love action and history. I couldn’t put it down!

Wintering (Yearling Books)

Wintering (Yearling Books)

By William Durbin

I love this book! :) Its my comfort book, and has even taught me a bit of french. I occasionally find myself quoting Beloit's "je suis l'homme". This book singlehandedly got me hooked on stories based in the early 1800s.

Pedro's Journal: A Voyage with Christopher Columbus, August 3, 1492-February 14, 1493

Pedro's Journal: A Voyage with Christopher Columbus, August 3, 1492-February 14, 1493

By Pam Conrad

Kamalu

I really liked it this would be a book I would tell some to read for for auto biography.I would want to be on a boat with someone who made history .It would be a great adventure to sale on a boat and meat native people but the best would be looking for gold.So If I were you I would read this book.

Number the Stars

Number the Stars

By Lois Lowry

This.. this... is a beautiful story about trust, believing in yourself, the horrors of war.. and most importantly, it's about the friendship between Annemarie and Ellen, and how families can get through the most horrible of crises if they just.. believe. This book takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark in the middle of World War II. The king is Christian X, who is loved by his people.. but unfortunately, King Christian X couldn't stop soldiers from Germany to be stationed in Denmark. It was either the soldiers or war, which King Christian X knew he couldn't win. In this time, Annemarie and her family are living a moderately peaceful, normal life.. until their normal life is shattered by a new law - that all Jewish people must be captured. One by one, the Jewish people start going missing, and Annemarie and her family need to protect Annemarie's best friend, Ellen, who is Jewish. So Ellen is disguised as Lise, Annemarie's oldest sister who died in the hands of Germany. But when a German soldier comes to investigate and Ellen is almost caught, Annemarie and her family know that the only way to save Ellen now is to take her (through a boat) safely to Sweden. But they learn people are being caught on boats going to Sweden.. but they will have to risk it. Annemarie MUST deliver a very important package to her uncle (who is driving the boat) that might save Ellen's life.. before it's too late! Lois Lowry is one of my favorite authors, because she can write brilliant masterpieces.. honestly, I think this book is possibly her best yet. It's cleverly written so that it can make readers cry, laugh, rejoice, and feel horror, without missing a beat, constantly throughout the story. I felt like I was experiencing the pain of Annemarie, the fear of Ellen, and the author made me feel like I was basically in the story, watching the events happen. Oh, and the ending.. is very touching.. possibly one of the best endings I have read in any book. I would definitely recommend Number the Stars to any reader that understands the value of life, family, and friendship.

Inside Out and Back Again

Inside Out and Back Again

By Thanhha Lai

I read this book at least 5 times. It's that good. Before I continue, I should say that I really enjoy Historical-Fiction books, so this review might turn out to be highly opinionated on that. This book is written in verse, and it's probably my first book that I have read that is written in verse. I think that was a good move for Thanhha Lai, because she could use all of the descriptive words effectively (and amazingly) to describe how the main character, Ha, feels. It's very important to know what the main character feels like, especially because they must have a mixed range of feelings in this situation (Having to immigrate to a foreign country and having to learn a how to make a new living, a new language, and a new way to act). Ha is immigrating from Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Ha's dad is also M.I.A. (missing in action; he was part of the Vietnamese army). Ha's dad used to bring home various things back from his visits to America, when he went on duty. But one time, Ha's dad never came back. Ha lives with her current family, herself, her mother, and her brothers (I must apologize in advance, I do not remember their names, except for brother Quang, or how many there were for that matter, their ages also,). Ha's family is somewhat poor, especially since market prices have been raised a lot since it was "Normal" in Vietnam (this is also emphasized and described in the book, by Ha's perspective). I love re-reading this, also because I always miss a few details, and I get to learn them the next time I read. Speaking of reading, I saw a fellow classmate reading this book earlier today. I was ecstatic that she was reading it- my other friends who have read it did not like it as much as I did, unfortunately- So I walked straight over and told her how amazing I thought the book was, and then I continued and just stood there for AGES blubbering on about how much I loved it, until -of course- my teacher came over and told me to get back to my seat and start working. Overall I would give this book a 5 out of 5 rating, and I would also recommend it to anyone who shares a love for historical fiction books (sorry that audience was a bit vague, I couldn't think of anything that fit). Please let me know if you have read - or are reading- this book. I would LOVE to know what other people would think of this book as well! -Kiwi ( Wow, this ended up being a LONG book review )

A Night Divided

A Night Divided

By Jennifer A. Nielsen

Gerta's family is split. Gerta, Gerta's mom, and one of Gerta's brothers are on the east side, and Gerta's dad and Gerta's other brother are on the west side. The wall divides them. Earlier that week, Gerta's brother and dad went over to the west side to look for work, but the wall went up before they could get back, dividing their family. People try to escape from the west, but the soldiers are not afraid to kill. Even after its been up for a year, Gerta still finds herself staring at the wall, wishing she was on the other side. One day when she was walking to school, Gerta sees her brother and dad for the first time since the wall went up. Her dad does a silly dance they used to do together, but he keeps emphasizing on the "dig" part. After other clues come, Gerta concludes that her dad wants her to tunnel across to the west side, along with her mom and brother. But the bloodthirsty soldiers could very well end Gerta's life, so the risk is huge. But since this is her only chance to get across. Gerta and her brother Fritz try to tunnel their way to freedom, with many challenges and consequences along the way. This page turning book will keep your heart beating, and you can really feel Gerta's emotions. I love this book SO MUCH, and I know you will too. I recommend this book to boys and girls ages 9+.

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