Cerrito, Angela. The Safest Lie.

Cerrito, Angela.  The Safest Lie.  Holiday House  2015  180p  $16.95  ISBN 978-0-8234-3310-0  ms  Historical fiction  E-BN     

This novel follows the life of one young Jewish girl in Poland during the German occupation during World War Two, as she is moved from her family home to keep her safe from the Nazis.  Anna, who is only nine years old, must take on a new identity as a non-Jew and be housed first by a family in a safe house, then by nuns in a Catholic orphanage, and finally by another family that is involved in the Polish Resistance movement.  Moment by moment, the reader is drawn into Anna’s feelings and thoughts as she negotiates her difficult life and sticks to her assumed identity.  The story is based on the true story of a Polish woman who rescued children from the Nazis, and the author met and spoke with this person before writing the book.  Because of the excellent writing, the reader becomes intrigued with Anna and the other characters she encounters along her way, and feels a deep connection with her and with all the children who suffered as a result of the Holocaust and the war.      

Summary:  This novel follows the life of one young Jewish girl in Poland during the German occupation during World War Two, as she is moved from her family home to keep her safe from the Nazis.        

World War II-Fiction, Holocaust-Fiction                     --Carol Kennedy

Myers, Laurie. Escape by Night: A Civil War Adventure

Myers, Laurie     Escape by Night: A Civil War Adventure    

Henry Holt/macmillan children's pub group 2011  120p  14.99 978-0-8050-8825-0     elem  E-BN  Historical  

   During the Civil War, Tommy and Annie and their dog Samson meet a wounded soldier at the hospital in their church.  They conclude that he is a Yankee and help him and a local slave escape from Augusta, GA. For grades 3-6.   As a wagon load of wounded soldiers rolls past their window, Tommy and Annie see a one-armed man clutching a book.  The book falls and Tommy retrieves it.  Returning it to the man and forming a friendship, Tommy comes to realize that the soldier is really a Yankee.  When he learns the man has a young son he wants to return to, Tommy debates what it means to “do justly, and love mercy”.  He finally decides to help the man escape.
    This Civil War story is perfect for young independent readers.  Simply written, it has enough of the gruesomeness of war to be real, but it is handled very gently.  The moral debate Tommy wages with himself is very well written and balanced with adventure.  It is especially touching when Tommy’s father, Reverend McKnight, recognizes Tommy’s strength of conviction even if he believes his choice is wrong.
   The story is loosely based on the childhood of Woodrow Wilson.
The sparse pen and ink illustrations help the reader picture the characters, setting and action.  They enhance the text for the reader.
An excellent choice for young readers interested in the Civil War. For grades 3-6.              Civil war - fiction     Joan Theal

Morpurgo, Michael. An Elephant in the Garden.

Morpurgo, Michael.  An Elephant in the Garden.  Feiwel&Friends/Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, 2011. 199p. $16.99  ISBN 978-0-312-59369-8  ms (Grades 5-8)   E-BN Historical  

     This is an excellent historical fiction set during World War II.  The story unfolds as an elderly lady in a nursing home relates her story to a friendly nurse and the nurse’s little boy.  When she was a child, her mother worked at a zoo with the elephants.  As the Russian army was advancing, plans were made to destroy all the large animals who could be a threat if let loose in the city.  A young elephant accompanied the family in their escape.
     Two different fonts are used to differentiate when the conversation is in the present time and when it represents the reminiscences of the elderly lady.  This is a very effective format to tell a story.
     The author’s note explains that the genesis of the story came from several factual accounts.  One was an account of a zookeeper saving a young elephant, and there were also first-person accounts of families escaping bombed cities and fleeing before the invading Russian Army.  This note helps the realism in the story, which is excellently rendered.
     Students will first be fascinated to find out about the elephant and then will be hooked on the story.  Like the little boy, they will want to know what happened next.  This makes the novel hard to put down.  Some of the action is predictable to an adult, but it is exciting enough to make the reader want to read on.
     This is an excellent choice for middle-school libraries, Grades 5-8.
Subject: W.W.II -- Fiction   

Joan Theal

 

Klein, Lisa. Lady Macbeth’s Daughter.

Klein, Lisa. Lady Macbeth’s Daughter.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2009 291p 16.99 978-1-59990-347-7 ms/hs In alternating chapters, Lady Macbeth, and her daughter Albia, banished at birth, tell their stories against the backdrop of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. As Klein notes, “Lady Macbeth’s Daughter is a work of fiction inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth”, which itself is modeled on early chronicles of Scottish history. Although Lady Macbeth and her husband have no children in the play, a line in the play alludes to the possibility that Lady Macbeth had children, and so Klein introduces Albia, a complicated and courageous teenage girl who had been raised by three witches, also known as the Wyrd Sisters. Albia is unaware that she is the daughter of Macbeth and his wife. Wanting sons, but instead having a newborn baby girl with a deformity, he ordered her to be put to death. Unbenowst to Macbeth and his wife, her servant Rhuven, also a Wyrd Sister, saved Albia’s life. Albia later learns of her heritage and rejects the corrupt kingship of her father and fights to overthrow his reign. Although the story is told in alternating chapters from Lady Macbeth and Albia’s points of view, the characters and plot developments are seamlessly interwoven. Scotland’s history comes alive and no prior knowledge of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is needed to enjoy this tale of intrigue, guilt, love and romance. Klein, the author Opheilia and Two Girls of Gettysburg, continues with a strong writing style and complex characters caught up in historical events beyond their control. Zajko, Rosanne

Spillebeen, Geert. Age 14.

Spillebeen, Geert. Age 14.
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2009 216p 16.00
978-0-547-05342-4 ms/hs
Patrick Condon dreams of entering the army and escaping his poor life in Ballybricken, Ireland. Then the opportunity presents itself for Patrick to join the army but he is not old enough to join yet. That is when he takes his brother’s name and age and follows his dream of a military life. Patrick Condon dreams of entering the army and escaping his poor life in Ballybricken, Ireland. A boy is too tall and looks so much older than his age implies, has always dreamed of joining the army. He is so ready but Patrick is only 12 years old. In this village he will never be able to do much. Everyone knows who he is and they know his family. Then the opportunity presents itself for Patrick to join the army in another town. That is when he takes his brothers name, John and follows his dream of a military life. He trains for the military and discovers that this is his dream job. When the War of 1914 breakout in Europe, John returns home and joins in with his home group. The officers suspect that his age is not what he says it is but they need every man they can get. Then John and his friends are deployed to France to fight the Germans and there they all discover what war is really like for all who must fight in them. John’s dream was realized but his life was cut short, he had just turned 14 years. A historical fiction story based on a true story. Very well written and will be of interest to all boys. Diaz, Magna

Kadohata, Cynthia. A Million Shades of Gray.

Kadohata, Cynthia. A Million Shades of Gray.
Atheneum 2010 216p 16.99 978-1416918837 ms/jr
Y’Tin is a thirteen-year-old boy of the Mountain people living in South Vietnam three years after the US has left the country. He wants more than anything to be an elephant trainer, but warfare with the Viet Cong changes his plans. This story is gripping, as we become involved with Y’Tin and his love for his elephant Lady. The writing flows nicely as the reader learns about village life among the Mountain people in South Vietnam in the late 1970s. The story ends with Y’Tin realizing he must make a life for himself based on his own values rather than those of his father, even if it means separation from his family and his country. Kennedy, Carol

Thompson, Ricki. City of Cannibals.

Thompson, Ricki. City of Cannibals.
Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press) 2010 269p 18.95
978-1-59078-623-9 ms/hs
To escape her family’s cruelty, Dell runs away from her isolated mountain home to Reformation London, a city she has been told is inhabited by cannibals. If, like me, you expected a zombie novel from the blurb on the back cover -- prepare for disappointment. The back cover on the uncorrected proof reads: “A cloud of smoke filled the air in front of her and stung her eyes. Dripping fat sizzled, and through the greasy smoke, Dell could see something turning on a spit. It was a human leg -- it was the leg of the woman who sat outside the gate. She looked closer. No. Not a human leg. A leg of mutton. Just mutton. Father was right. This city was Hell, and now she was a part of it. Her eyes blurred with tears, but whether they were caused by remorse or smoke, she couldn’t tell.” If, however, you enjoy historical fiction, particularly with a strong female protagonist and spare, elegant prose -- this book is sure to appeal to you. The heroine, Dell, is un-”common” (descended from a royal lady-in-waiting to Katherine of Aragon) yet her adventures expose her (and the reader) to the voices of the common folk who had to walk the fine line of loyalty to the King (or lose your life) or loyalty to the Pope (or lose your soul) in voices which ring true. The idea of a lovely maiden raised by dwarves stretches credulity (and carries overtones of certain fairy tales...). Dell is exceptionally gullible and trusting, but the adventure sweeps the (forgiving) reader along. Dell’s blossoming romance with a young (Spanish?) man several weeks from taking his vows with the Church is also unlikely. Few novels set in this time period (Reformation England -- Henry VIII ruling Britain) tell the story from a commoner's point of view. Generally, readers are introduced to the fallout resulting from Henry’s ascension to the Head of the Church of England, and his multiple marriages, from the point of view of a leading historical figure, or an insider of the Royal Court. It is this POV that makes the novel stand out. Readers receive an authentic glimpse of the strain commoners faced in staying loyal to their faith and their sovereign simultaneously. From page one, some of the scenes are a bit earthy -- however the language is appropriate for the era depicted. Welliver, Hilary

Elliott, Patricia. The Pale Assassin.

Elliott, Patricia. The Pale Assassin.
Holiday House 2009 336p 17.95 978-0-8234-2250-0 ms/hs In Paris in the early 1790s, as the revolution gains momentum, young and sheltered Eugenie de Boncoeur finds it difficult to tell friend from foe as she and the royalist brother she relies on become the focus of "le Fantome," the sinister spymaster with a long-held grudge against their family. If you were an aristocrat, the last place you would want to be in France in 1789 would be Paris. Yet this is where orphaned teen Eugenie deBoncoeure found herself, abandoned by her guardian and unbenowst to her, promised in marriage to Le Fantome, a phantom assassin with a grudge against her family. Her brother Armand is a royalist who nonetheless favors a constitutional government. Armand does everything in his power to prevent Eugenie’s marriage and attempts to keep her safe amid the violence and destruction surrounding them. As the political climate in Paris becomes more volatile, he ignores the warning signs until it is too late for the two of them to escape. Armand trusts his friend, whom Eugenie despises, to guide her safely to their uncle in England but Le Fantome will not let her go so easily. Her harrowing escape plan barely succeeds and even at the conclusion the reader is aware that danger has followed Eugenie across the channel, even though she does not. Eugenie is a character trying to make sense of her changing circumstances while at the same time holding on to the ideal of romantic love but not realizing that appearances are decieiving. The terror of the revolution comes alive, with the intrigue, suspicion and uncertainty adding suspense to the plot. Well researched, this title is a close-up look at a young girl who fights to survive and who finds love in the process. What her future holds is uncertain and a sequel is suggested. Zajko, Rosanne

Hoffman, Mary. Troubadour.

Hoffman, Mary. Troubadour.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins 2009 290p 16.99 978-1-59990-367-5 ms/hs In 1208 thirteen-year-old Lady Elinor, secretly in love with a troubadour and determined to avoid marriage to an older man, runs away from her family's castle disguised as an apprentice troubadour, unaware of the dangers ahead as the Albigensian Crusade begins its onslaught on her native Languedoc. Thirteen year old Elinor is the daughter of a landowner in Occitania, what is today known as the Languedoc region of Southern France. She enjoys her position as the donzela of the castle, totally unaware that her father’s religious beliefs and those of most citizens of Occitania are about to ignite a crusade against them that will destroy their lives. Elinor’s father is a Believer, a Credente otherwise known as Cathars, who did not believe in the Incarnation of God as Jesus Christ. The Credentes and the Catholics in the region, as well as the Jews, peacefully coexisted but their relations with the pope in Rome was the opposite. The Credente were considered to be heretics by Rome, and when a papal legate who was sent to Langeudoc to convince the ruler of the region to quash Credente beliefs is murdered, the pope calls for a holy war against them. Bertran, a Credente troubadour travels to Elinor’s castle to spread the news of the coming persecution and Elinor’s parents, in order to assure her safety as well as quash her romantic longing for Bertran, betroth her to an older nobleman. Elinor rebels against the arranged marriage and disguised as a boy, she steals away with a group of minstrels traveling to the eastern cities of the province carrying Bertran’s warning. Elinor’s travels and her transformation to a minstrel provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a variety of women and social classes of the thirteenth century, particularly those educated women who were troubadours and whose verse and songs were valued and honored. When Elinor’s disguise is discovered she in turn becomes a troubadour and with her patron Lady Iseut they escape to Northern Italy, one step ahead of the French invaders. Elinor eventually finds happiness and contentment in her new life despite the horrors and tragedies she and her family endured. Hoffman uses the same attention to details that characterize her Stravaganza series, and the detailed backdrop of the Albigensian Crusade provides drama and tension. The emotional connection with Elinor, Bertran and other characters is slight but historical fiction readers will be satisfied with their travel to the south of France. Historical Zajko, Rosanne

Myers, Anna. Time of the Witches.

Myers, Anna. Time of the Witches.
Walker & Co 2009 197p 16.99 978-0-8027-9820-6 ms/hs

The story of Drucilla helps readers understand the tension in Salem Village during the time period when witches were called out. Readers will also experience the power of group mania. Drucilla, an orphaned girl, loses her mother at birth. She is raised by Gabe’s mother. In time both children are orphans depending upon themselves for comfort. As they past from home to home they learn skills and grow closer together. It was not easy on them to be separated when their last foster family broke up. Gabe and Drucilla were given to two separate families in town. The people involved were relatives by blood but enemies in action. Unfortunately Drucilla went to the home of Ann Putnam. The Putnams lived across the street from the parish house. As a result the daughter, Ann, and Dru became friends with the minister’s daughter and niece, Abigail, and slave TiTuba. Mistress Putnam was was a vengenful person who was an instigator in starting the calling out of witches. She worked with Reverend Samuel Parris to bring a reign of terror to the small Massachusetts town as innocent folks were declared witches and hanged. The author has written a book that will help young readers to understand that peer pressure and group powers can sway people to a course of action that is not always true to the facts involved. They will also she that Dru, an orphan, wanted to be needed more than anything in the world. In addition the readers will get an insight into a historical event. Historical McNeil, Linda

Grant, K. M. White Heat

Grant, K. M. White Heat
Walker & Co 2009 260p 16.99 978-0-8027-9695-0 ms/hs Raimon, having escaped being burned as a heretic, gives up the search for his lover, Yolanda, and joins Sir Parsifal in the Occitan rebellion against the French takeover of Languedoc. Book 2 of the Perfect Fire Trilogy concentrates more on the characters than the historical conflict. Grant weaves the historical fact of the century Albigensian crusade into the fiber of this seemingly doomed love story. Raimon, gives up searching for Yolanda, and agrees to help Sir Parsifal, the Keeper of the Blue Flame to fight against the French forces trying to take over Languedoc (Occitan). Yolanda, in the meantime, fearing Raimon dead, is taken off to Paris, where she agrees to marry Sir Hugh des Arcis. Sir Hugh turns out to be a much kinder character than he seemed in The Blue Flame, and this change sets up a love triangle, and a showdown for the third book in the trilogy. The characters become stronger in this volume, and the dangers of the rebellion, Raimon’s trials and Yolanda’s ambiguity make for a thrilling and compelling ride back to the 13th century. Well-researched, well-told story that will keep readers of the first volume eagerly awaiting the third and final volume in the trilogy. This volume can stand on its own, but readers will want to go back and read the first volume. Historical Naismith, Pat

Blue Flame (Perfect Fire Trilogy, Book 1)

Grant, K. M. Blue Flame (Perfect Fire Trilogy, Book 1)
Walker & Co 2008 246p 16.99 978-0-8027-9694-3 ms/hs

Religious persecution is not a new phenomenon. Set some forty years after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, this novel provides engaging, suspenseful, well-written historical fiction with excellent characterizations and a well-paced plot. It takes place in thirteenth century Occitan and tells the story of Raimon, the son of a Cathar weaver and Yolanda, the daughter of a Catholic Count. Religious persecution is not a new phenomenon. Set some forty years after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, this novel provides engaging, suspenseful, well-written historical fiction with excellent characterizations and a well-paced plot. It takes place in thirteenth century Occitan and tells the story of Raimon, the son of a Cathar weaver and Yolanda, the daughter of a Catholic Count. Yolanda's father Berenger is tolerant of the different beliefs among his subjects but when the legendary Blue Flame, supposedly kindled at the death of Jesus, reappears in the possession of the knight Parsifal, things change. A Catholic Inquisitor is dispatched to the Occitan, and the torture and burnings of the heretics begin again. This religious Crusade will pit families and friends against each other once again. Complicating the problems is the desire of the French king to acquire this rich region and add it to his empire. The death of Berenger leaves the Occitan in the hands of his weakling son Aimery and bad becomes even worse. Raimon is accused of killing the chief Inquisitor and condemned to death by fire and Yolanda to an unwanted marriage. Rescued from the pyre by Parsifal, Raimon, and Yolanda are cruelly separated and readers will have to wait very impatiently for the second book in the series. S.Ogintz

Dragon in Chains.

Fox, Daniel Dragon in Chains.
Ballantine see Random 2009 399p 15.00 978-0-345-50305-3 hs/adult
In a world dominated by a great, chained dragon beneath the straits between the mainland and the small island of Taishu, magic is stirring. Supernatural creatures and unexpected forces of nature change all the participants in this exciting tale of fantastical rebellion and romance in feudal China. In a world dominated by a great dragon chained beneath the straits between the mainland and the small island of Taishu, magic is stirring. Fog, the dragon's breath, covers everything in a deep miasma of enchantment. Enslaved by pirates after the murder of his scribe master, Han becomes the ship's boy after a duel with a magician's apprentice. Li Ton, the leader of the pirates, has bigger things in mind than just simple piracy. Involved in the conspiracy that has sent the young emperor of China fleeing his land, he wishes to make sure of the emperor's death. Supernatural creatures and unexpected forces of nature change all the participants in this exciting tale of fantastical rebellion and romance. When Han is forced to break the magical chains holding the dragon captive, she will rise and try to end all life on the surface.
First, volume in a proposed series, this dark and densely written novel provides engaging, suspenseful, well-written historical fiction with excellent characterizations and a well-paced plot. It will hold the reader's attention from beginning to end and leave them hungry for more. There are scenes, however, of graphic violence and sexual encounters although they are appropriate to the time period and the story. S.Ogintz

Two Girls From Gettysburg.

Klein, Lisa. Two Girls From Gettysburg.
Bloomsbury see St. Martins, 2008, 393p, 16.99, 978-1-59990-105-3 ms/hs

When the Civil War breaks out they find themselves on opposite sides of the war. Lizzie was committed to the Union cause and saving her family’s struggling business. Rosanna return to the South to marry her daring Confederate officer. It is a heart moving story of two young girls growing up in a time of national tragedy and family struggles.
Lizzie and Rosanna are both cousins, and best friends. The two girls have forged a friendship when one cousin is sent to live with her sister in Pennsylvania. Their teenage years were typical for the time and place. However, things changed drastically when the War between the States broke out causing families to be split and hardships to be endured by everyone.
When the war breaks out Lizzie finds herself and her family committed to the ideals of the North. Rosanna on the other hand finds herself moving back to the South and falling in love with a dashing Confederate officer.
In following the struggles and encounters these two girls have to endure, the reader can better understand the physical hardships and emotional struggles families had to endure as the war progressed through the farmlands of our nation. Readers will feel the emotions of the two girls as they fight to maintain a life for themselves and the ones around them. It was a harsh time. But, the author was also able to show that it was a time where love could counterbalance tragedy. L. McNeil

The Parliament of Blood

Richards, Justin. Parliament of Blood, The
Bloomsbury see St. Martins, 2008, 358p 16.99 978-1-59990-140-4 ms/hs

Vampires in London! Are you sure? George Archer, Liz Oldfield, and Eddie Hopkins (coconspirators from The Death Collector) join forces with George’s mentor at the British Museum to foil the overtaking of the British Parliament by Vampires. Oddly enough it all started with the disclosure of a mummy from the Department of Unclassified Artifacts.
This is a second book from the author of The Death Collector. In this book, the same cast of characters commences upon another adventure in Victorian London. Generally, one would assume that working in the antiquities section of the British Museum would present a mundane working environment. This does not seem to be the case when a mummy from Saqqara is unwrapped in the Egyptian Room.
The drama immediately starts to unfold on page 22+ as Sir Harrison Judd stumbles while helping to uncover the mummy causing blood to drip on the mummy. Immediately, the wrappings seem to dissolve and a weathered parchment like face appears. Then the wrappings tremble and emaciated a hand appears from under the fabric. At this point chaos ensues and George is off on a whirlwind adventure that is both mysterious, intriguing, and heart stopping at times.
The story will appeal to readers of the occult genre. The characters in the story are very believable and will have the readers identifying with their struggles. L. McNeil

The Kite Rider (audio book)

McCaughrean, Geraldine. The Kite Rider.
Full Cast Audio, 2004, 6 cds, $45.00, 978-1-933322-15-5.
This story of thirteenth-century China is engaging, suspenseful, well-done historical fiction with excellent characterizations and a well-paced plot. The tale of adventure and betrayal and the lengths to which a boy will go to save his family draws the listener into the story immediately. This Full Cast Audio version does an excellent job of translating the written book into the spoken word. The characters are well voiced and convincing and the original music adds much to the story. It is an enthralling rendition of a wonderful book.
Twelve-year-old Haoyou watches in horror as his father is chosen to be the wind tester for his ship and then dies strapped to a bamboo hold cover. The ship's first mate Di Chou wants to marry Haoyou's mother and does everything to get her including murdering her husband. Haoyou must prevent her awful fate. When he begins to build kites to provide for his family, Di Chou then burns his house down. Haoyou is forced to fly as a kite rider himself to ensure that Di Chou is removed from their town. The owner of a visiting circus sees him and offers him a chance to save his family from poverty by flying high to earn money, fame, and freedom. They will travel throughout the country and perform for the great Kublai Khan.
This story of thirteenth-century China is engaging, suspenseful, well-done historical fiction with excellent characterizations and a well-paced plot. The tale of adventure and betrayal and the lengths to which a boy will go to save his family draws the listener into the story immediately. Haoyou will grow from a frightened boy to the Khan's eye in the sky. When he finally returns to Dagu to protect his family from the reappearance of Di Chou, he is much changed and willing to risk all.

This Full Cast Audio version does an excellent job of translating the written book into the spoken word. The characters are well voiced and convincing and the original music adds much to the story. It is an enthralling rendition of a wonderful book. This is a must purchase for any middle school library that contains audio books. SO

The invasion of Sandy Bay. by Anita Sanchez

Sanchez, Anita. The invasion of Sandy Bay.
Calkins Creek (Boyd's Mill), 2008, 147p, $16.95, 978-1-59078-560-7.

In 1814, as the War of 1812 rages, twelve-year-old Lemuel Brooks tries to save the sleepy fishing village of Sandy Bay, Massachusetts, where he, himself, is an outsider, from bumbling British invaders.
The War of 1812 caused economic hardship for the inhabitants of Sandy Bay, Mass. However, because the men of the town were “mariners”, or fishermen, they had a special exemption from military service. Nonetheless, a British privateer who fired a cannon at the town in 1813 caused the citizens of Sandy Bay to muster a militia for their defense. But the militia was no match for the British frigate Nymph, who paid a visit to the seaside town in 1814. Lemuel Brooks, a young boy learning the fishing trade, is captured by the British, along with Bill Tar, an elderly fisherman while they are out to sea. The British force Lemuel and Bill to pilot the Nymph through the shoals and into a hidden cove, at which point Lemuel and Bill escape to raise the alarm. The British invasion destroys the fort and the church steeple, but ends in a draw: nine marines are captured when their cannon backfires and the British capture nine of the local militia. The captured British marines are jailed in the tavern owned by Lemuel’s mother, and it is from this vantage point that Lemuel witnesses a most unusual, and illegal and traitorous prisoner exchange, accomplished with subterfuge right under the nose of the officious Colonel Appleton from Gloucester. When Appleton becomes suspicious, Lemuel, who first saw the British as the enemy, now sees them as ordinary people like the citizens of Sandy Bay, does his part to create a diversion to aid in the prisoner exchange. The writing is engaging; the characters are secondary to the plot, which is based on historical events. The author details the events in the Afterword and she provides additional background information that fleshes out the action and the characters in the book. This lively, entertaining story of a young boy is framed against a little known period in American history and provides a detailed account of the lives of citizens who didn’t get a notation in Social Studies texts.
Recommended for libraries needing historical fiction with the War of 1812 setting. RZ

The dreadful revenge of Ernest Gallen. by James Lincoln Collier

Collier, James Lincoln. The dreadful revenge of Ernest Gallen.
Bloomsbury (St. Martins), 2008, 232p, $16.99, 978-1-59990-220-3.

A ghost comes to the rural town of Magnolia, intent on revenge and he wants young Gene Richards to help him achieve his goal, but Gene has other ideas.
The Dreadful Revenge of Ernest Gallen will haunt believers of ghost stories until the last page. Gene Richards, a young boy who lives with his mother and grandfather during the Great Depression. His life revolves around baseball and hanging out with his best friend Sonny Hawkins. Little do Gene and Sonny, and their friend Samantha know, but the sleepy rural town of Magnolia is hiding a secret, a secret that will soon be exposed thanks to an unknown, threatening voice that begins to haunt Gene. The voice belongs to an unnamed man and hints at untold power over Gene. The voice comes and goes and very quickly shows Gene that it can make him do anything that the voice wants him to do. The haunt eventually reveals to Gene that he wants him to kill his grandfather, a thought which horrifies Gene and which he does his best to resist. The voice also harasses other members of the community, causing deaths and accidents, all the while dropping hints to Gene that sets Gene, Sonny and Sam on an investigation to uncover a secret that involves the ghost and members of their families as well as an injustice that was never acknowledged. With Sonny’s help, Gene breaks free of the haunt’s power, but not without a great sacrifice for Gene. This first person narrative includes well-developed characters, a fast paced plot and an eerie, uneasy atmosphere that will propel readers to accompany Gene and his friends as they unravel the mysterious secret that has been unspoken for many years. Middle readers who are looking for a haunting ghost story will be mesmerized by the possibility of visitations from the other side. RZ

The Locket: Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. by Suzanne Lieurance

Lieurance, Suzanne. The Locket: Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire.
Enslow, 2008, 160p, $27.93, 78-0-7660-2928-6.
Historical fiction

This is a historical fiction book that provides an insight into the tragic event that occurred on March 25, 1911 in a New York City garment factory fire.
The author has created an insightful story that will appeal to young readers as well as providing them with a clear understanding of the working conditions at the time. The trials and stresses of a Russian-Jewish immigrant family are accurately portrayed so that the reader can understand the poor working conditions and cultural disconnects.
One of the most important aspects of this series is the support pdf for educators. In today’s busy schools, it is so hard to fit everything into the schedule. Teachers will be most appreciative of the tools and support provided for them.
The book is appropriate for ages 9-12. American history is taught in both the upper elementary grades and middle schools. Some districts are getting away from syncing a period of history to a particular grade. This book would fit right into such a situation.
Lastly, there is an undocumented rule for fiction by students. “They want a book that is 100 pages or less for their reports.” The book’s size and text are appropriate. However, the book itself is all text. It needs some sketches or graphics to breakup the pages or introduce chapters. Most readers would like a little eye candy along the way. This is the third in the HFA series. I have read the other two books and find them excellent books for upper elementary and middle school readers. LM

Healing Water by Joyce Moyer Hostetter

Hostetter, Joyce Moyer. Healing Water.
Boyds Mill, 2008, 217p, $17.95, 978-1-59078-514-0.
Historical Fiction

The story takes place in the 1860’s in Hawaii at the Molokai leper colony. When Pia is diagnosed with leprosy and arrives on Molokai he fights for survival with anger and self-reliance. Conditions start to improve when Father Damien comes to the island.

Pia idolizes his older cousin Kameka. He is absolutely crushed when Kameka doesn’t visit him in the hospital or see him off when he is sent to the leper colony on Molokai. Pia survives his early months on self-reliance and pure hatred of everyone. At the colony there is no law, everyone looks out for himself stealing anything they can. Eventually, Pia seeks companionship and shelter with Boki who treats him as a slave. After 4 years, Kameka arrives on Molokai to care for his wife who has leprosy. Pia cannot forgive him and snubs Kameka. After Kameka is attacked and beaten by Boki and his cronies, Pia nurses him back to health and a truce is established.
Then Father Damien comes to the island and begins to make changes. He sees to it that the dead are buried properly, they are given proper funerals, more provisions begin to be sent to care for the patients, and they see love acted out. At the end of the story, Pia finally forgives Kameka
After the story there is a glossary of Hawaiian words used in the story, information on the Hawaiian language, a timeline of the leper colony on Molokai, and a chronology of the life of father Damien. The historical background of the novel is also given.
Excellent story where historical fiction on Hawaii will be used. The reading level is about 6th grade, but the subject matter makes it more suitable for grades 8-12. JT