Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys is a young adult historical novel set in the 1950s in New Orleans. The story follows the life of Josie Moraine, a determined and resourceful young woman who dreams of escaping her mother's brothel and pursuing a better future through education. Despite the odds stacked against her, Josie works at a bookstore and navigates the complexities of the city's underworld, all while trying to uncover the truth about her father's identity.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully woven narrative set during World War II. It follows the lives of two protagonists: Marie-Laure, a blind French girl forced to flee Paris with her father, carrying with her a priceless jewel from the Museum of Natural History, and Werner, a German orphan with an extraordinary talent for radio technology who becomes a soldier in the Nazi army. Their paths eventually converge in the occupied French town of Saint-Malo.
To Kill a Mockingbirdby Harper Lee is a classic novel set in the racially segregated American South during the 1930s. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl, and revolves around her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer defending Tom Robinson, a Black man wrongly accused of abusing a white woman. Through Scout's eyes, the novel explores themes of racism, injustice, and moral growth as the Finch family faces prejudice and hatred from their community for defending Robinson.
Prisoner B-3087 is a historical novel based on the life of Jack Gruener, also known as Yanek. Yanek lived in Poland during World War II and was 10 when his hometown of Krakow fell to the Germans. He quickly becomes separated from his family and has to endure the unbearable conditions of numerous concentration camps that include the infamous Auschwitz and Dachau. Yanek is finally liberated at Dachau as a young adult when the Americans take control.
White Bird by R.J. Palacio serves as one of the sequels to Auggie & Me, a book based off of the Wonder series. This book focuses on, Sara, who is Julian’s (Auggie’s main bully) grandmere. Sara grew up in France, which at the time was occupied by Nazi Germany. Sara grew up in a Jewish family that was quite well off. She had a loving family that provided her a good childhood. At school, she had lots of friends and was well known. However, in her class she sat next to Julien, who was disabled and constantly bullied.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a historical fiction novel based on Nazi Germany during World War II. The book has a unique approach to storytelling as the narrator of the story is actually Death. The character Death narrates the story of a girl named Liesel, who early on was placed into a foster care home. Instead of the usual perspective of a Jewish person in Germany for a book like this, the book actually focuses on the viewpoint of a German which I found quite interesting.
Refugee by Alan Gratz is a historical fiction novel that focuses on the lives of 3 children who all have one thing in common, seeking refuge in a foreign country. The first character introduced is Josef, a jewish boy living in Germany during the Holocaust. The book follows his journey as he and his family board the MS Saint Louis in an effort to escape Germany and find refuge in Cuba, however things turn for the worse as they are denied entry into Cuba.
Atonement by Ian McEwan is a captivating novel that explores themes of love, guilt, and the consequences of actions. Set in England during World War II, the story revolves around Briony Tallis, a young aspiring writer who makes a false accusation that changes the lives of her sister Cecilia and their childhood friend Robbie Turner forever. The novel delves into the ripple effects of Briony's lie, spanning decades, and the characters' struggle for redemption and forgiveness.
Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan is a young adult fantasy novel set in the fantastical world of Ikhara, featuring the main characters — Lei and Wren Hanno, Lei’s girlfriend. It is the sequel to Girls of Paper and Fire, the first book of a trilogy with the same name.
A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen is a book about the rise of the Berlin Wall. At 12 years old, Greta finds her family divided in a matter of a night. Her mother, her brother, and her live on the eastern side, which is controlled by the Soviets. Her father and her other brother had gone to the west to find work, but could not return.
