Category: Historical Fiction

Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume

October 7, 2025

Beginning in New York City in 1927, Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour follows Alice, a 10-year-old girl whose curiosity has been dampened by the recent loss of her mother. In an effort to help Alice regain her zest for life, her father sends her overseas to France to stay with his eccentric friends, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, their three children, and their pet monkey, Mistigris. … More Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour by Lesley M.M. Blume

Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illus. Nahid Kazemi

September 5, 2024

Qayum’s storytelling is straightforward and direct. She refrains from exploring the inner terrains of her characters’ minds, or using literary devices to convey the gravity of grief and pain. Instead, she states the facts of the events of their lives using a subdued tone, and that in itself is enough to put readers in the characters’ shoes. … More Zia’s Story by Shahnaz Qayumi, illus. Nahid Kazemi

Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford

July 4, 2024

Each one of her ancestors comes to life through their respective poems, with their own voices, wants, and beliefs. In this, the picture of Weatherford’s family feels whole and complete. Weatherford shares earnestly what she both knows and imagines to be her family’s thoughts and experiences, urging the reader to connect and empathize deeply with the text’s characters. … More Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford

The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O’Leary and Briony May Smith

February 1, 2024

As I opened the first page, the first thing to strike me was the illustrations. They are so beautiful and delightful to admire. It took me longer than I expected to finish reading the book because I was so transfixed by them. The illustrations provide a lovely aesthetic that enhances the story and setting of the book, breathing life and character into the Brontë children. … More The Little Books of the Little Brontës by Sara O’Leary and Briony May Smith

This Game of War by Ed Butts

May 30, 2023

Remembrance Day ceremony is tomorrow, but Teddy Nugent already has plans of his own. Instead of joining his classmates and teacher in going to the ceremony arena to listen to boring speeches, watch a procession of war veterans and sing ‘In Flanders Fields’, Teddy plans to attend the War Games competition at the Super Comics store and compete against the best players in town. … More This Game of War by Ed Butts