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Best Teen & Young Adult 20th Century United States Historical Fiction

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963
The Newbery. and Coretta Scott King Honoree about the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan—. from Christopher Paul Curtis, author of Bud, Not Buddy , a Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott Award Winner. That happened in the mid-'90s when Christopher Paul Curtis released his first book, The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 ." Christopher Paul Curtis's alternately hilarious and deeply moving novel, winner of the Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Honor, blends the fictional account of an African American family with the factual events of the violent summer of 1963.
Reviews
"A funny book with lively characters that teaches about an important event in US history."
"While reading this book I felt as if I was going through the life of the Watsons."
"One of my favorite parts is when Kenny, the main character, explained the how to survive a blizzard prank."
"Very good to spark the tough discussions of differences and the things our country is experiencing as I write this review."
"There are some too silly parts, like an older brother who gets his tongue stuck on a frozen rear view mirror, and installing a record player in a car. The mother threatens to burn the older brother who is caught playing with matches again. In the end the big brother who was a problem earlier now feels compassion and concern for his little brother and helps him deal with his feelings."
"This was a very entertaining book that kept you reading."
"I particularly enjoyed how the Civil Rights part of the boom rains an undertone until the end."
"What a superbly written story of a very unique family whose characters are so beautifully defined."
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Okay for Now
National Book Award Finalist. "[A] stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovering and rescuing one’s best self. Then, late in high school, I wanted to be a vet—mostly because of the James Herriot books and the PBS show, I suppose. Then, in college, I decided to become a lawyer—until my senior year, when I switched to an English major to become a teacher, which I did become. A: In my school, we were tracked—meaning that we were put into classes depending on how well we had done in testing. We were the poorest readers, and so since I was told I wasn’t any good at this, I didn’t read much. The Freddy the Pig books, the Doctor Dolittle books, any Greek mythology I could get my hands on, and the Norse mythology that I liked better, the biographies in the Childhood of Famous Americans series, the tales of the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Andersen, the Herbert series and the Henry Reed series, Robinson Crusoe and The Swiss Family Robinson, Howard Pyle’s The Adventures of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, Bambi (which is a lot better than most people think it is), anything by Jack London or Jules Verne or H. G. Wells, the Horatio Hornblower books, Treasure Island , and of course the Hardy Boys series and the Tom Swift series, which I collected whenever I could. Most American writers—Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, Jack London—all wrote about five hundred words a day. There are some children’s book writers—like Enid Blyton—who supposedly wrote ten thousand words a day. On my desk are a dictionary and a thesaurus, books by Emerson and Whittier and Longfellow and Darwin, Henry David Thoreau’s journals, a collection of Churchill’s war speeches, two volumes of Shaker hymns, some Tolkien, some Avi, some Katherine Paterson, some Elie Wiesel, The Giver , and a statue of a greyhound that has been in my family for four generations. Nathaniel Hawthorne, in his first great book, called life "a veil of gloom and brightness." Geez, read Where the Wild Things Are , or Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel , or just about any Grimm folktale, or Crow Boy , or Bridge to Terabithia , or Nothing but the Truth , or No, David , or Octavian Nothing , or The Tale of Despereaux , or Stitches , or The Storm in the Barn , and then try to tell me that writers for kids should try not to be too serious. If I give one title, then all the other books get sort of cranky and jealous, and they start to rearrange themselves loudly at night to push each other off the shelves. Then I have to pick them all up in the morning instead of walking the dogs and then the dogs get irritated and they take their sweet time on the walk so I get back home late and miss most of breakfast and the kids get to school after the bell has rung and the day just goes downhill from there. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reviews
"The story is filled with quirky characters and invaluable lessons about love, life and survival."
"Bought this book to use with my students."
"I had the pleasure of meeting Gary Schmidt and frankly making a fool of myself."
"Get this book and give copies to everyone middle school and up!"
"Loved it!"
"My 11 year old really enjoyed this book."
"However, his admiration for the baseball player Joe Pepitone and his love of the birds of John James Audubon give him the hope to get through some of the fatalistic direction this "skinny thug" was heading."
"The author introduces the young reader to all the pettiness and kindness of small town America, all the love and destruction inherent in so many families."
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The Diviners
A young woman discovers her mysterious powers could help catch a killer in the first book of The Diviners series--a stunning supernatural historical mystery set in 1920s New York City, from Printz Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Libba Bray. Bray sustains a breathless energy throughout this ambitious series-starter, deftly evoking the exuberance of 1920s city life and the evil lurking beneath it." ― Entertainment Weekly * "1920s New York thrums with giddy life in this gripping first in a new [series] from Printz winner Bray...The intricate plot and magnificently imagined details of character, dialogue and setting take hold and don't let go. * "The compelling and dramatic supernatural plot explores self-actualization, predestination, the secrets everyone hides, and, of course, good versus evil. *Everyday moments and a romance or two help lighten the mood of this creepy, dark, twisted tale of things that go bump in the night. " [A] lavish supernatural thriller...Wisecracking Evie is a likable heroine, and all signs point to intriguing complications and more malevolent spirits on the rise in succeeding books.
Reviews
"Being as chunky as the book is, it's fitting that the story encompasses so much from bloodied history to evisceration of evil to a very diverse set of characters. As the Solomon's Comet is to make its pass of earth, the time for Armageddon to be unleashed on the planet draws closer and someone has returned to fulfill the evil prophecy. But nothing is ever as simple as that and so there's a string of murders to solve in a city full of strange occurrences, unknown powers and wicked intentions. When Evie gets into trouble for her drunken attempt to vilify a young man, her parents choose to send her away to her bachelor uncle all the way to New York City to cool things down in Ohio. The language, the fashion, the lifestyles just work together as a single unit to transport the reader to that time with breathtaking ease."
"There were some parts that were a bit predictable, but the thing I loved most about this story is the same thing I loved about Libba Bray’s last series as well."
"What stopped me from giving this book 5 stars was how long it took for the story to take off."
"A really fun read with charming characters and genuine mystery."
"The truth of the killer might be too "out there" to believe, but Evie and the rest of the Creepy Crawly crew aren't afraid of the unexplainable... they live to explain it! In fact, I think it makes the book seem a lot lighter than it truly is, so please know this is a very, very creepy period piece. I think if you go into her character thinking she is obnoxious, the book is going to be tough to get through, but if you see her as a willful young woman, you will enjoy her more. The supporting characters in this book are really fun and will make the story even more dynamic than the story with just Evie. For many students who live in their bubbles without much thought to times long past, I love a fun period piece that takes a historical time and combines it with an exciting story."
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Best Teen & Young Adult 21st Century United States Historical Fiction

Lair of Dreams: A Diviners Novel (The Diviners)
Everyone's in love with the city's newest It Girl...everyone except the other Diviners. * "Bray illuminates the dark side of the American Dream in her long-awaited sequel to The Diviners, weaving xenophobia, industrial progress, Jazz Age debauchery, government secrets, religious fervor, and supernatural horror into a sprawling and always entertaining narrative. * "The ambitiously broad focus of this novel strikes just the right balance in its division of narrative might, developing each of the dizzyingly large cast of diverse characters with an impressive attention to detail and with period-specific, witty dialogue.
Reviews
"The authorities, under immense pressure from the government and the American people, are forced to strike down on the area where this “sleeping sickness” is believed to have originated: Chinatown- New York City’s Chinese population is left feeling like second-class citizens, like they are not human beings. But more than just the emotional ramifications, people are being taken out from their homes, their papers checked, and the question of further immigration very much hangs by a thin thread. She forces us to stand in the place of an African-American teenager, who is constantly cautious, constantly thinking over each of his moves because he knows people will look for just an excuse to damn him in his own country. Evie has come forth as a Diviner; she has her own radio show, and her talents and charming personality have dubbed her America’s “Sweetheart Seer.” Sam Lloyd is as insufferable as ever for Evie, but certain circumstances as well as just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, put the two together in a way they, nor their friends, saw coming. Theta is dealing with her past, all while trying to maintain a relationship with Memphis, who is trying to deal with the return of his powers. Her newfound fame made her already over-confident personality downright insufferable. By then, the momentum had almost completely died down, and I found myself wanting to finish this tome rather than wanting to know what happens next. Nonetheless, this a series I would recommend to everyone because it is dense, masterfully written and a unique take on YA historical fiction."
"Lair of Dreams was not quite as terrifying as the The Diviners (which kept me up at night and gave me nightmares...so, yeah, this is a plus in my book), but just as fun and full of the characters I came to love. I especially enjoyed Henry stepping up to a more central role in book 2 and seeing his and Ling's friendship and trust develop throughout their dream walks in the book."
"At times I do feel disconnected from the story though because I feel like Libba Bray goes off into her own Lair of Dreams and starts writing a bit purple."
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Best Teen & Young Adult Theater Fiction

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
Inspired by the original Hogwart’s textbook by Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original screenplay marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling is the author of the bestselling Harry Potter series of seven books, published between 1997 and 2007, which have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, are distributed in more than 200 territories and translated into 79 languages, and have been turned into eight blockbuster films by Warner Bros. She has written three companion volumes to the series in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in aid of Comic Relief; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard in aid of her children's charity Lumos.
Reviews
"I did not read this until after I had seen the movie, so I had the visuals playing in my head as I read, down to Newt's awkward lovability and Jacob's wonder."
"Once again Ms. Rowling delivers a fantastical world within our own."
"In whatever form, this world created by JK Rowling will always be amazing."
"Great prequel of Potter universe."
"Huge Potterhead!"
"Fantastic Beasts was exactly what I expected from the author."
"Though I would suggest going to see the movie first, so you can read the screenplay in the characters voices."
"Amazing and exciting story!!"
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Best Teen & Young Adult Multigenerational Family Fiction

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963
The Newbery. and Coretta Scott King Honoree about the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan—. from Christopher Paul Curtis, author of Bud, Not Buddy , a Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott Award Winner. That happened in the mid-'90s when Christopher Paul Curtis released his first book, The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 ." Christopher Paul Curtis's alternately hilarious and deeply moving novel, winner of the Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Honor, blends the fictional account of an African American family with the factual events of the violent summer of 1963.
Reviews
"A funny book with lively characters that teaches about an important event in US history."
"Well written,but only a small glimpse into the events."
"While reading this book I felt as if I was going through the life of the Watsons."
"One of my favorite parts is when Kenny, the main character, explained the how to survive a blizzard prank."
"Very good to spark the tough discussions of differences and the things our country is experiencing as I write this review."
"There are some too silly parts, like an older brother who gets his tongue stuck on a frozen rear view mirror, and installing a record player in a car. The mother threatens to burn the older brother who is caught playing with matches again. In the end the big brother who was a problem earlier now feels compassion and concern for his little brother and helps him deal with his feelings."
"This was a very entertaining book that kept you reading."
"I particularly enjoyed how the Civil Rights part of the boom rains an undertone until the end."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Teen & Young Adult Jewish Fiction

Wolf by Wolf: One girl’s mission to win a race and kill Hitler
Yael, a former death camp prisoner, has witnessed too much suffering, and the five wolves tattooed on her arm are a constant reminder of the loved ones she lost. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female racer, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele's twin brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move. "― Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy. "Ryan Graudin opens one of the darkest chapters in history and spins a what if into an incredible tale of survival, identity, and purpose. "The rush of an action movie combined with a flawlessly executed history, this is the book I've been waiting for. Filled to the brim with tension and intrigue, nonstop action, and a vivid cast of characters, you'll feel every bump in the road they ride. * "Graudin ( The Walled City ) crafts another fast-paced, enthralling tale of sacrifice and dogged determination as she fuses alternate history and spy-thriller suspense. A provocative rumination on self-preservation, the greater good, and the boundaries that keep heroes from becoming as cruel as those they fight.
Reviews
"What if the fate of the world depended on one young girl and her success in her mission to destroy Hitler."
"I thought the concept of this book was awesome, however, it took so long for something to happen that I lost interest."
"Basically, the axis powers win World War II instead of the ally powers. She must race AND win the Axis Tour Motorcycle race to meet Hitler and complete her mission."
"I could not put this book down, I read it in a matter of days."
"My high school teen loved this book."
"I finished this book in less than four hours."
"12 year old summer reading.. she liked it."
"It also goes over the what could have been of one of the defining moments in world history and makes you glad you live in the world you do."
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Best Teen & Young Adult 19th Century United States Historical Fiction

The Long Winter
Laura, Pa, Ma, Mary, Carrie, and little Grace face the winter as best they can, but soon, blizzards have covered the town in snow that piles up to the rooftops, cutting the town off from supplies and trade. Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957) was born in a log cabin in the Wisconsin woods.
Reviews
"I grew up on the Little House books and still like to go back and reread them occasionally, for their wisdom, their entertainment value and for their glimpses of a long gone lifestyle. She's okay when she's just reading the book, but when she tries to "sing" (and there is a surprising amount of music in the Little House books), especially when she's singing as "Pa", it's almost unbearable."
"I am delighted that the Little House series is finally on Kindle."
"Love the Little House series."
"Always loved this book!"
"As I read of the end of the Ingall's harsh winter, I felt joy for them, that all had survived."
"Unfortunately, some pages were out of order."
"Love these books and the Kindle version is wonderful!"
"I have read this book a hundred times at least and I always tear up a little at the end when the Chinook wind wakes Laura at night to signal spring has arrived!"
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Best Teen & Young Adult United States Civil War Period Historical Fiction

The Seeds of America Trilogy: Chains; Forge; Ashes
As battles rage up and down the Eastern seaboard, Isabel, Curzon, and Ruth flee, separate, fight, face unparalleled heartbreak and, just like war, they must depend on their allies—and each other—if they are to survive. Chains also received the 2009 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and Laurie was chosen for the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award.
Reviews
"Excellent series!"
"Great book to use with a Civil War study."
"Award winning author with very moving book series for the middle reader (8-12)."
"Loved the books."
"Delivered quickly, adored immediately."
"I read these books as an adult and enjoyed every minute and every page."
"LOVE ALL THESE BOOKS THEY ARE AMAZING!!"
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Best Teen & Young Adult United States Colonial & Revolutionary Period Historical Fiction

The Seeds of America Trilogy: Chains; Forge; Ashes
As battles rage up and down the Eastern seaboard, Isabel, Curzon, and Ruth flee, separate, fight, face unparalleled heartbreak and, just like war, they must depend on their allies—and each other—if they are to survive. Chains also received the 2009 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and Laurie was chosen for the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award.
Reviews
"Excellent series!"
"Great book to use with a Civil War study."
"Award winning author with very moving book series for the middle reader (8-12)."
"Loved the books."
"Delivered quickly, adored immediately."
"I read these books as an adult and enjoyed every minute and every page."
"LOVE ALL THESE BOOKS THEY ARE AMAZING!!"
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