Alphin, Elaine Marie. Ghost Soldier (FIC ALP) How can Alexander tell his father that he has just met the ghost of a Confederate soldier and will be trying to help him when Alexander's father has brought him to North Carolina to impress the woman he wants to marry?
Auch, Mary Jane. One-Handed Catch. FIC AUC) Norman’s life changes in many ways after losing his hand in the meat grinder at his father’s store, but he’s determined to find ways to be “Normal Norman” again. Based on the story of the author’s husband, illustrator Herm Auch.
Avi. The Secret School. FIC AVI) In 1925, it isn't easy finding a teacher for a one room school house in Colorado. In fact, when their teacher leaves and it looks like the school will close, one student steps up an proposes that they keep attending in secret so they'll be able to pass their annual tests and move on to the next grade level. If an adult finds out they might close the school which means they'll have to repeat the grade they're already in. Nobody wants that to happen, but can such a big secret will be hard to keep.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever, 1793 (FIC AND) When yellow fever spread through Philadelphia in 1793, even the doctors didn't know what to do. Mattie Cook who was living with her mother and grandfather at the time tried to leave the city, but when her grandfather and then she got sick, she feared that no one would be safe. What finally happened to Mattie and her family?
Behar, Ruth. Lucky Broken Girl. (FIC BEH) After a horrible accident in which 4 teenagers lost their lives, Ruthie should be thankful that her family all survived. Unfortunately, her badly broken leg means she will have to spend almost a year in a body cast in her room. All those things that she took for granted like eating at the table with her family, going to school with friends, and even using the bathroom on her own are now impossible. Books and art help to pass the time, but it's going to be a very long recovery. Based on the author's own experience.
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life. (FIC BRA) Because of her club foot, Ada has never left her one room apartment. Her mother is too embarrassed for Ada to be seen. So during World War II, when the other children of London are going to live in the safety of the country to escape the danger of living in the city, Ada's mother expects her to stay. When Ada sees her brother boarding the train, she sneaks aboard too. Where will this train take them and what will their new lives be like after they escape the cruelty of their mother? Ada also wonders how long it will all last. 2017 Bluestem Nominee.
Calkhoven, Laurie. Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776. (FIC CAL) When Daniel’s father joins the Patriots to fight for freedom from the British, Daniel is left at home to look after his mother and sister while trying to get information from the British officers who gather at his family’s tavern. Daniel faces even more danger when he discovers a traitor. Another in this series is Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863.
Cavanaugh, Nancy. Elsie Mae Has Something to Say. (FIC CAV) Elsie Mae has big plans for how she wants to spend her summer at her grandparents' house in the Okefenokee Swamp, and those plans do not include hanging around with her alligator fearing cousin who intends to be a preacher just like his dad and can't help practicing on Elsie Mae. All Elsie Mae wants to do is eat huckleberry pie, play with her new dog, and enjoy the swamp living. Unfortunately, her dreams may be shattered if her letter to President Roosevelt fails to get protection for the swamp and the people who live there.
Couloumbus, Audrey. The Misadventures of Maude Marche. (FIC COU) Sallie loves to read dime novels that involve perils and adventure. However, after her aunt is killed in the street, Sallie and her older sister face perils she thought only existed in stories. How will they ever get out of the mess they’re in?
Crisp, Marty. White Star: A Dog on the Titanic. (FIC CRI) Along with the other passengers on the Titanic, Sam is jolted out of his sleep after the great ship strikes an iceberg. It's a life or death situation as everyone tries to escape the sinking ship in the few life boast available, but Sam isn't just trying to save his own life. He's trying to save the life of a dog he's grown to love more than life itself, but it will take unimaginable strength and courage to save them both.
Dumon, Tak. Soldier Bear. (FIC DUM) You’ll fall in love with Voytek, the bear cub that was adopted by Polish soldiers in WWII, who became a full member of the army. Based on a true story and includes photos.
Fleischman, Sid. Bandit's Moon. (FIC FLE) Most people would be terrified if a band of outlaws arrived, but Annyrose sees it as her chance to escape the terrible woman who locked her in a barn after her brother left there when he went off to find gold in California in the 1850s. Disguised as a boy, Annyrose realizes that she's not the only one people have judged based on their looks and begins to wonder who the real bad guys are. Based on a real person.
Foreman, Michael. The Tortoise and the Soldier. (FIC FOR) Based on the incredible story and friendship of a World War I soldier and a tortoise who met while taking cover during a battle in Gallipoli, The Tortoise and the Soldier will have you turning pages to see what happens next just like the book's narrator.
Fusco, Kimberly. Beholding Bee. (FIC FUS) Bee has been raised by the people at a carnival ever since her parents died. Because of a birthmark on her face, Bee is often teased and relies on Bobby and Pauline to protect her. When both of her protectors leave the carnival, Bee sets off to find a home for herself, her scruffy dog, and a runty pig that she has taken in. The women who take her in are unlike anyone she's ever met, but Bee feels like she knows them. Strangely enough, it seems that Bee is the only one who actually sees Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Potter. How will she ever get alone without Pauline and Bobby?
Gemeinhart, Dan. Some Kind of Courage. (FIC GEM) Joseph Johnson has lost all the people that he loves--his mom, his sister, and his dad--but he is not about to lose the only thing he has left, his beloved horse. When his horse is taken away unfairly, Joseph sets off to track her down. He's not about to let dangerous people, weather, or terrain keep him from reuniting with his horse.
Gutman, Dan. Race for the Sky. (FIC GUT) Johnny Moore’s mom agrees to let him stop going to school as long as he writes in his journal every day. At first Johnny has trouble finding things to write about until he meets two “dingbatters” that are trying to build a flying machine. After that, Johnny has no trouble filling the pages, and you’ll enjoy reading them.
Harlow, Joan Hiatt. Firestorm. (FIC HAR) Justin is the son of Chicago’s wealthiest jeweler, and Poppy is a pickpocket who becomes his unlikely friend all because of a little goat. The relationship is tricky, but the night of the Great Chicago Fire changes everything.
Hart, Alison. Anna’s Blizzard. (FIC HAR) Anna has never been the best student at her Nebraska schoolhouse in 1888. However, when a blizzard traps everyone at school, Anna discovers that she does know quite a bit about survival. Based on a real incident.
Hill, Kirkpatrick. The Year of Miss Agnes. (FIC HIL) Fred and her classmates at the Athabascan fishing village in Alaska during the lates 1940s don't have high hopes about the new teacher being flown in. After all, none of their other teachers has stayed very long at all. However, as soon as Miss Agnes arrives, the children realize that she's not like any other teacher they've experienced. The only question is, "How will they convince her to stay?"
Hoberman, Mary Ann. Strawberry Hill. (FIC HOB) Moving to the country during the Depression helped Allie’s dad find a job. However, the move is difficult for Allie because finding a new best friend in a more diverse neighborhood can be challenging.
Holm, Jennifer. Full of Beans. (FIC HOL) Picking through garbage, taking care of babies, and delivering laundry are a few of the ways 10-year-old Beans Curry has made money. Times are tough in 1930s Key West, Florida, so Beans likes to use what he earns to help out his family, buy a piece of candy, or maybe even go to the movies. When his dad leaves Beans in charge as the "Man of the House" while he goes north to find a job, Beans feels pressure to earn more money, but is he willing to break the law to do it? Also by this author Turtle in Paradise
Krishnaswami, Uma. Step Up to the Plate, Marie Singh. (FIC KRI) Maria Singh loves playing softball, but it's 1945 and World War II means changes for everyone. They're saving everything from paper scraps to cooking grease to support the soldiers fighting overseas. When kids start teasing Maria's little brother, telling him he's not really American because his mother is from Mexico and his father is from Mexico, Maria starts to see that some things are even more important than softball. She's just not sure how to make things rights, especially when she's experiencing bullying, too.
Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. (FIC LOW) In 1943, life for Annemarie's Jewish friend and her family has become unsafe since the Nazis have occupied Denmark. Many questions arise such as Who can they trust? What will happen if they get caught? How far will Annemarie's family go to protect them?
Marino, Nan. Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle: & Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me. (FIC MAR) Ever since her best friend moved out and Muscle Man McGinty moved in, life for Tammy hasn’t been same. It’s bad enough that Muscle Man is the biggest liar she’s ever met, but it seems as though no one else has a problem with his lies. Has everyone but Tammy gone crazy?
McSwigan, Marie. Snow Treasure. (FIC MCS) Brave children of Norway helped smuggle their country’s gold to safety by sledding right past the Nazi invaders. Despite many dangers, the children acted as true heroes. Based on a true story.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. Emily's Fortune. (FIC NAY) After her mother passes away, Emily is sent by train and stagecoach to live with her aunt. Emily has no idea that she's about to inherit a fortune, and that fact puts her in danger from her uncle and others who want to take Emily's fortune from her. Sequel=Emily and Jackson Hiding Out
Peck, Richard. A Year Down Yonder. (FIC PEC) Mary Alice has always considered her grandmother from down state Illinois to be a bit unusual. But when she is sent to live with Grandma Dowdell during the Great Depression, Mary Alice finds herself a partner in crime with her grandma as they teach a few lessons to the cheapskates, bullies, and snobs of the small town where Grandma Dowdell lives. More by this author: A Long Way from Chicago and Fair Weather.
Roy, Jennifer. Yellow Star. (FIC ROY) The author uses her aunt’s experiences of living in the Polish ghetto during World War II to tell this story in free verse.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Riding Freedom. (FIC RYA) No one would have guessed that the child who escaped the orphanage and moved to California was not who they claimed to be. Looks can be deceiving! 2012 Bluestem Nominee.
Scattergood, Gloria. The Way to Stay in Destiny. (FIC SCA) At the end of 6th grade, Theo attempts to start a new life in Destiny, Florida, with his uncle, a Vietnam War veteran. Everything is new to Theo, but he finds comfort playing piano in Miss Sister's dance hall even though his uncle forbids it. He finds a kindred spirit in Anabel who would rather play baseball than take dance lessons but keeps this face hidden from her mother. Together the two share a secret as they try to unravel a mystery as part of their school project.
Krishnaswami, Uma. Step Up to the Plate, Marie Singh. (FIC KRI) Maria Singh loves playing softball, but it's 1945 and World War II means changes for everyone. They're saving everything from paper scraps to cooking grease to support the soldiers fighting overseas. When kids start teasing Maria's little brother, telling him he's not really American because his mother is from Mexico and his father is from Mexico, Maria starts to see that some things are even more important than softball. She's just not sure how to make things rights, especially when she's experiencing bullying, too.
Wells, Rosemary. Ivy Takes Care. (FIC WEL) Ugh! Ivy's best friend will be at camp for the whole summer of 1949, which means Ivy will have to find fun on her own. Her plan is to make some money to go to vet school by helping others in her small southwest community to care for their animals like horses and puppies. Unfortunately, Ivy's pesky neighbor Billy Joe always wants to tag along, and that always leads to trouble.
Whelan, Gloria. Listening for Lions. (FIC WHE) The flu epidemic has taken many lives in Africa, including Rachel’s parents. She never imagined she’d be forced to take on a new identity and leave the land and people she loves. Rachel is determined to find a way to return to Africa and fulfill her dreams.
Wolk, Lauren Beyond the Bright Sea. Historical Fiction (FIC WOL) When Crow was just an infant, Osh rescued her from a tiny boat that was sent adrift from another of the Elizabeth Islands off Massachusetts. Osh and Miss Maggie are her only friends since everyone else is afraid Crow might spread a terrible disease that affected the residents of that island. Seeing a mysterious fire on that island starts Crow on a quest to discover her true identity, but her quest puts her in great danger.
Wolk, Lauren Wolf Hollow (FICWOL) Life in Wolf Hollow during the 1940s was peaceful for 11-year-old Annabelle until Betty came to stay with her grandparents. Betty is a bully and gets even vicious after Annabelle stands up to her to protect her younger brothers. Things go from bad to worse when a homeless veteran from World War I is accused of the attacks made by Betty that are becoming more and more serious, but who will be the one guilty of murder? Also by this author: Beyond the Bright Sea.
Auch, Mary Jane. One-Handed Catch. FIC AUC) Norman’s life changes in many ways after losing his hand in the meat grinder at his father’s store, but he’s determined to find ways to be “Normal Norman” again. Based on the story of the author’s husband, illustrator Herm Auch.
Avi. The Secret School. FIC AVI) In 1925, it isn't easy finding a teacher for a one room school house in Colorado. In fact, when their teacher leaves and it looks like the school will close, one student steps up an proposes that they keep attending in secret so they'll be able to pass their annual tests and move on to the next grade level. If an adult finds out they might close the school which means they'll have to repeat the grade they're already in. Nobody wants that to happen, but can such a big secret will be hard to keep.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever, 1793 (FIC AND) When yellow fever spread through Philadelphia in 1793, even the doctors didn't know what to do. Mattie Cook who was living with her mother and grandfather at the time tried to leave the city, but when her grandfather and then she got sick, she feared that no one would be safe. What finally happened to Mattie and her family?
Behar, Ruth. Lucky Broken Girl. (FIC BEH) After a horrible accident in which 4 teenagers lost their lives, Ruthie should be thankful that her family all survived. Unfortunately, her badly broken leg means she will have to spend almost a year in a body cast in her room. All those things that she took for granted like eating at the table with her family, going to school with friends, and even using the bathroom on her own are now impossible. Books and art help to pass the time, but it's going to be a very long recovery. Based on the author's own experience.
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life. (FIC BRA) Because of her club foot, Ada has never left her one room apartment. Her mother is too embarrassed for Ada to be seen. So during World War II, when the other children of London are going to live in the safety of the country to escape the danger of living in the city, Ada's mother expects her to stay. When Ada sees her brother boarding the train, she sneaks aboard too. Where will this train take them and what will their new lives be like after they escape the cruelty of their mother? Ada also wonders how long it will all last. 2017 Bluestem Nominee.
Calkhoven, Laurie. Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776. (FIC CAL) When Daniel’s father joins the Patriots to fight for freedom from the British, Daniel is left at home to look after his mother and sister while trying to get information from the British officers who gather at his family’s tavern. Daniel faces even more danger when he discovers a traitor. Another in this series is Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863.
Cavanaugh, Nancy. Elsie Mae Has Something to Say. (FIC CAV) Elsie Mae has big plans for how she wants to spend her summer at her grandparents' house in the Okefenokee Swamp, and those plans do not include hanging around with her alligator fearing cousin who intends to be a preacher just like his dad and can't help practicing on Elsie Mae. All Elsie Mae wants to do is eat huckleberry pie, play with her new dog, and enjoy the swamp living. Unfortunately, her dreams may be shattered if her letter to President Roosevelt fails to get protection for the swamp and the people who live there.
Couloumbus, Audrey. The Misadventures of Maude Marche. (FIC COU) Sallie loves to read dime novels that involve perils and adventure. However, after her aunt is killed in the street, Sallie and her older sister face perils she thought only existed in stories. How will they ever get out of the mess they’re in?
Crisp, Marty. White Star: A Dog on the Titanic. (FIC CRI) Along with the other passengers on the Titanic, Sam is jolted out of his sleep after the great ship strikes an iceberg. It's a life or death situation as everyone tries to escape the sinking ship in the few life boast available, but Sam isn't just trying to save his own life. He's trying to save the life of a dog he's grown to love more than life itself, but it will take unimaginable strength and courage to save them both.
Dumon, Tak. Soldier Bear. (FIC DUM) You’ll fall in love with Voytek, the bear cub that was adopted by Polish soldiers in WWII, who became a full member of the army. Based on a true story and includes photos.
Fleischman, Sid. Bandit's Moon. (FIC FLE) Most people would be terrified if a band of outlaws arrived, but Annyrose sees it as her chance to escape the terrible woman who locked her in a barn after her brother left there when he went off to find gold in California in the 1850s. Disguised as a boy, Annyrose realizes that she's not the only one people have judged based on their looks and begins to wonder who the real bad guys are. Based on a real person.
Foreman, Michael. The Tortoise and the Soldier. (FIC FOR) Based on the incredible story and friendship of a World War I soldier and a tortoise who met while taking cover during a battle in Gallipoli, The Tortoise and the Soldier will have you turning pages to see what happens next just like the book's narrator.
Fusco, Kimberly. Beholding Bee. (FIC FUS) Bee has been raised by the people at a carnival ever since her parents died. Because of a birthmark on her face, Bee is often teased and relies on Bobby and Pauline to protect her. When both of her protectors leave the carnival, Bee sets off to find a home for herself, her scruffy dog, and a runty pig that she has taken in. The women who take her in are unlike anyone she's ever met, but Bee feels like she knows them. Strangely enough, it seems that Bee is the only one who actually sees Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Potter. How will she ever get alone without Pauline and Bobby?
Gemeinhart, Dan. Some Kind of Courage. (FIC GEM) Joseph Johnson has lost all the people that he loves--his mom, his sister, and his dad--but he is not about to lose the only thing he has left, his beloved horse. When his horse is taken away unfairly, Joseph sets off to track her down. He's not about to let dangerous people, weather, or terrain keep him from reuniting with his horse.
Gutman, Dan. Race for the Sky. (FIC GUT) Johnny Moore’s mom agrees to let him stop going to school as long as he writes in his journal every day. At first Johnny has trouble finding things to write about until he meets two “dingbatters” that are trying to build a flying machine. After that, Johnny has no trouble filling the pages, and you’ll enjoy reading them.
Harlow, Joan Hiatt. Firestorm. (FIC HAR) Justin is the son of Chicago’s wealthiest jeweler, and Poppy is a pickpocket who becomes his unlikely friend all because of a little goat. The relationship is tricky, but the night of the Great Chicago Fire changes everything.
Hart, Alison. Anna’s Blizzard. (FIC HAR) Anna has never been the best student at her Nebraska schoolhouse in 1888. However, when a blizzard traps everyone at school, Anna discovers that she does know quite a bit about survival. Based on a real incident.
Hill, Kirkpatrick. The Year of Miss Agnes. (FIC HIL) Fred and her classmates at the Athabascan fishing village in Alaska during the lates 1940s don't have high hopes about the new teacher being flown in. After all, none of their other teachers has stayed very long at all. However, as soon as Miss Agnes arrives, the children realize that she's not like any other teacher they've experienced. The only question is, "How will they convince her to stay?"
Hoberman, Mary Ann. Strawberry Hill. (FIC HOB) Moving to the country during the Depression helped Allie’s dad find a job. However, the move is difficult for Allie because finding a new best friend in a more diverse neighborhood can be challenging.
Holm, Jennifer. Full of Beans. (FIC HOL) Picking through garbage, taking care of babies, and delivering laundry are a few of the ways 10-year-old Beans Curry has made money. Times are tough in 1930s Key West, Florida, so Beans likes to use what he earns to help out his family, buy a piece of candy, or maybe even go to the movies. When his dad leaves Beans in charge as the "Man of the House" while he goes north to find a job, Beans feels pressure to earn more money, but is he willing to break the law to do it? Also by this author Turtle in Paradise
Krishnaswami, Uma. Step Up to the Plate, Marie Singh. (FIC KRI) Maria Singh loves playing softball, but it's 1945 and World War II means changes for everyone. They're saving everything from paper scraps to cooking grease to support the soldiers fighting overseas. When kids start teasing Maria's little brother, telling him he's not really American because his mother is from Mexico and his father is from Mexico, Maria starts to see that some things are even more important than softball. She's just not sure how to make things rights, especially when she's experiencing bullying, too.
Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. (FIC LOW) In 1943, life for Annemarie's Jewish friend and her family has become unsafe since the Nazis have occupied Denmark. Many questions arise such as Who can they trust? What will happen if they get caught? How far will Annemarie's family go to protect them?
Marino, Nan. Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle: & Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me. (FIC MAR) Ever since her best friend moved out and Muscle Man McGinty moved in, life for Tammy hasn’t been same. It’s bad enough that Muscle Man is the biggest liar she’s ever met, but it seems as though no one else has a problem with his lies. Has everyone but Tammy gone crazy?
McSwigan, Marie. Snow Treasure. (FIC MCS) Brave children of Norway helped smuggle their country’s gold to safety by sledding right past the Nazi invaders. Despite many dangers, the children acted as true heroes. Based on a true story.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. Emily's Fortune. (FIC NAY) After her mother passes away, Emily is sent by train and stagecoach to live with her aunt. Emily has no idea that she's about to inherit a fortune, and that fact puts her in danger from her uncle and others who want to take Emily's fortune from her. Sequel=Emily and Jackson Hiding Out
Peck, Richard. A Year Down Yonder. (FIC PEC) Mary Alice has always considered her grandmother from down state Illinois to be a bit unusual. But when she is sent to live with Grandma Dowdell during the Great Depression, Mary Alice finds herself a partner in crime with her grandma as they teach a few lessons to the cheapskates, bullies, and snobs of the small town where Grandma Dowdell lives. More by this author: A Long Way from Chicago and Fair Weather.
Roy, Jennifer. Yellow Star. (FIC ROY) The author uses her aunt’s experiences of living in the Polish ghetto during World War II to tell this story in free verse.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Riding Freedom. (FIC RYA) No one would have guessed that the child who escaped the orphanage and moved to California was not who they claimed to be. Looks can be deceiving! 2012 Bluestem Nominee.
Scattergood, Gloria. The Way to Stay in Destiny. (FIC SCA) At the end of 6th grade, Theo attempts to start a new life in Destiny, Florida, with his uncle, a Vietnam War veteran. Everything is new to Theo, but he finds comfort playing piano in Miss Sister's dance hall even though his uncle forbids it. He finds a kindred spirit in Anabel who would rather play baseball than take dance lessons but keeps this face hidden from her mother. Together the two share a secret as they try to unravel a mystery as part of their school project.
Krishnaswami, Uma. Step Up to the Plate, Marie Singh. (FIC KRI) Maria Singh loves playing softball, but it's 1945 and World War II means changes for everyone. They're saving everything from paper scraps to cooking grease to support the soldiers fighting overseas. When kids start teasing Maria's little brother, telling him he's not really American because his mother is from Mexico and his father is from Mexico, Maria starts to see that some things are even more important than softball. She's just not sure how to make things rights, especially when she's experiencing bullying, too.
Wells, Rosemary. Ivy Takes Care. (FIC WEL) Ugh! Ivy's best friend will be at camp for the whole summer of 1949, which means Ivy will have to find fun on her own. Her plan is to make some money to go to vet school by helping others in her small southwest community to care for their animals like horses and puppies. Unfortunately, Ivy's pesky neighbor Billy Joe always wants to tag along, and that always leads to trouble.
Whelan, Gloria. Listening for Lions. (FIC WHE) The flu epidemic has taken many lives in Africa, including Rachel’s parents. She never imagined she’d be forced to take on a new identity and leave the land and people she loves. Rachel is determined to find a way to return to Africa and fulfill her dreams.
Wolk, Lauren Beyond the Bright Sea. Historical Fiction (FIC WOL) When Crow was just an infant, Osh rescued her from a tiny boat that was sent adrift from another of the Elizabeth Islands off Massachusetts. Osh and Miss Maggie are her only friends since everyone else is afraid Crow might spread a terrible disease that affected the residents of that island. Seeing a mysterious fire on that island starts Crow on a quest to discover her true identity, but her quest puts her in great danger.
Wolk, Lauren Wolf Hollow (FICWOL) Life in Wolf Hollow during the 1940s was peaceful for 11-year-old Annabelle until Betty came to stay with her grandparents. Betty is a bully and gets even vicious after Annabelle stands up to her to protect her younger brothers. Things go from bad to worse when a homeless veteran from World War I is accused of the attacks made by Betty that are becoming more and more serious, but who will be the one guilty of murder? Also by this author: Beyond the Bright Sea.