Historical+Fiction

Stories which take place in a particular time period in the past. Often the basic setting is real, but most of the characters are fictional.
 * Historical Fiction**

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__On to Oregon__, by Honoré Morrow is a story about a boy named John and his struggles to get his family to Oregon. This story takes place on the Oregon Trail in the 1840's. When John's parents die, he has to take his six siblings on to Oregon.

This book was good and bad. It had a fairly good plot, but the main character's characteristics made the story less enjoyable. John was always mean to everybody, but his journey to Oregon was a good adventure. Also, there was racism. If you like a good adventure, you may want to read this book, but if, like me, you don't like racism and mean main characters, you may not want to read it.

By Sophia G.-C.

BL 6.1, Points 8.0

__Beware, Princess Elizabeth__, by Carolyn Meyer, takes place in England from 1547 – 1587. Elizabeth is the main character who wants to be queen. But, her half-sister, Mary, becomes queen before Elizabeth. So, Elizabeth is angry that she wasn’t the next heir. However, since Mary is of a different religion, the citizens plan to overthrow her and make Elizabeth queen. Because Mary’s place on the throne is threatened, she locks Elizabeth in The Tower of London. Then, Elizabeth is forced to use her wits to avoid being executed. What do you think will happen to Elizabeth?

__Beware, Princess Elizabeth__ is an intriguing account of a medieval princess’s life. It tells how siblings can still be an annoyance after they grow up. Elizabeth’s half-sister, Mary, is constantly trying to rid the kingdom of Elizabeth. Also, it can be gory at times. If people break a law, they either get burned alive or beheaded (however, it is not described in great detail). It is very suspenseful. For example, when Elizabeth gets interrogated or locked in the Tower, the reader never knows if she is going to get executed or not. If you enjoy exciting historical-fiction, you might like __Beware, Princess Elizabeth.__

By Lauren S.

BL7.2 8.0 points

__Countdown__, by Deborah Wiles, takes place in Maryland, 1962. Franny is the main character, an eleven year-old girl, who wants to live through the nuclear bomb and also wants her best friend, Margie, to like her. But, her crazy Uncle Otts is driving the whole family mad with his wacko army commands. So, Franny and her family consent to build a bomb shelter. Franny also cannot get Margie to be nice to her. The cute boy across the street is no help either. How do you think Franny’s life will turn out?

I enjoyed reading __Countdown__, even though it was set in a sad time. One reason I like this book is it deals with a girl’s personal life as well as everyone’s fears of the bomb. For example, Franny has problems at home with her family, and also talks to friends and family about their fears of the nuclear war. Another reason I liked reading this book is it keeps me interested. Franny has lots of action in her life, whether it’s flying over a gravel pit or going through her sister’s private letters. My third and last reason I enjoyed reading this book is, it tells information about a hard time on America as well as entertaining the reader. Franny has an entertaining life, and there is also little interludes of information throughout the book. I loved __Countdown__ and recommend it for readers ages nine and older.

By Lauren S.

BL 4.4 9.0 points