It’s History, only not…..

April brings rain and history. Well, history in story form. It’s Historical fiction month here at MPL and of course we have suggestions for you. Did you really need to ask?


Novels:
Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson
The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbel Bartoletti
Miss Spitfire by Sarah Elizabeth Miller
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Al Capone Does my Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
In darkness, Death by Dorothy Hoobler
My brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier

Graphic Novels:

Maus : A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman
Peace Maker by Nanae Chrono
Laika by Mick Abadzis
300 by Frank Miller
Ruse by Mark Waid
Samurai Champloo by Masaru Gotsubo

Steinbeck's Ghost

Steinbeck's Ghost by Lewis Buzbee

"Rule number one when saving the world: always have cookies" - Lewis Buzbee

Here is a very recent historical fiction novel that plays homage to a man who helped create public libraries in the United States: John Steinbeck. A few years ago, Salida Regional Library, the first public library system in America, almost had to shut it's doors forever because of financial problems. Sounds familiar, right? This book tells the story of how a community united together to fight against its destruction. The fight is led by a young man named Travis who had the courage to stand up for what is right. We see how one person really does have the ability to make life altering changes in his community, especially if we can push fear aside and take a chance. It's even more vital when the choice is not easy and the odds are stacked against you. After all, isn't that the truest definition of success?

Talk about your library lovers book.

Tugging String

A tugging string : a novel about growing up during the Civil Rights era by David Greenberg

I LOVE this book!

One of the more ingenious historical fiction books in a long time, David R. Greenberg presents a memorable story about growing up in the Civil Rights era. Not only does he tell a powerful story of twelve-year old Duvy, which in and of itself is a fantastic tale, but it's the presentation of historical information that really makes this book a gem. This is historical fiction re-invented. Instead of bombarding you with facts in the story, Greenberg uses footnotes to fill you in what was happening in the 1960’s. It's almost as if he's assuming he has a smart audience and uses the footnotes to fill in the gaps rather then trying to stuff a decade into the plot. Not everyone needs to have history spelled out for them, and Greenburg seems to respect that. Being able to choose when you want to be taken away from the story for a history lesson really makes the read enjoyable. Another bonus feature to this book is that he also includes numerous real life photographs from the time period.

Stagger into history

The Second Bend in the River by Ann Rinaldi

No doubt about it, historical fiction can be a tricky business. If you're like me, then you hate to read a book that reminds you of sitting in history class. There's a fine line between telling a great story and being bored to tears. So please let me introduce you to a historical fiction master. Ann Rinaldi's words transform historical facts into staggering, moving and motivating stories. Her settings and adventures leap off the page and you will find it hard to put her books down. This particular tale takes an honest look at the life on the Ohio frontier as we step into Rebecca Galloway's world. Based on the real life relationship between Rebecca and Tecumseh, one of the most infamous chiefs of the Shawnee tribe, we see that strong women have been motivating great leaders for centuries. A perfect book to get ready for Thanksgiving, it is easy to be swept away by this love story.