HISTORICAL FICTION There may be no better way for teens to learn history than through reading great historical fiction. Based on history; the following selection addresses specific events and periods. An asterisk (*) highlights books on American History All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr An orphaned German boy and a blind French girl are thrown into WWII as they enter their teens. Their separate and ultimately uniting stories, as well as flash-forwards, are expertly pieced together like an intricate puzzle. This novel will appeal to the avid teen reader who like realism and a strong story. *Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks Set on the island Martha's Vineyard during the 17th century, this fictional account of a young girl's life unfolds upon that fleeting moment in history when it appeared as if a civilization materializing from across the sea could transplant itself on top of a native civilization and everything would work out fine. A great narrative and historically informative, it will appeal to all ages of teens. Girl at War by Sara Novic In 1991, a ten-year-old girl lives with her family in Zagreb, Croatia when the Yugoslavian Civil War erupts. She survives the very worst, yet this book, though deeply sad, does not resort to sensationalism. It is also timeless, in that children are caught up in similarly savage wars today. For teens interested in the wider world and for all but the youngest of teen readers. Love and Treasure by Ayelet Waldman What is one necklace worth, found at the end of WWII on a train filled with possessions taken from Hungarian Jews before being sent to death camps? A gifted storyteller, Waldman follows this question through three separate time periods and sheds fresh light on history and humanity. Great for mature teen readers who like both story and intellectual stimulus. Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes Written over a period of thirty years by a decorated Vietnam War veteran, this novel is about a specific company in a specific part of one war but is essentially about the essence of war itself--its siren song as well as its brutal futility. Mature teen readers who want to gain an understanding of the nature of war will appreciate this book. *Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline Kline juxtaposes the life of an orphaned girl in the early twentieth century with a girl in our modern day foster care system in this work of historically-based fiction. For teen girls of all ages. Pope Joan by Donna Woolcross Cross Legend tells of a young woman in the ninth century who disguised herself as a man and rose from obscurity to become Pope. A vivid reconstruction of life in ninth century Europe, this book will appeal to mid and higher level teen readers. The Blind Man's Garden by Nadeem Aslam A tragic and bitingly beautiful book, this page-turner tells the story of an extended Pakistani family at the outset of America's War on Terror. At its core, it is a story about the unextinguishable bright light of human decency flickering amidst a maelstrom of brutality, hate, deception, cruelty, corruption, and ignorance. For the sophisticated, older teen reader with a clear eye for truths of the wider world. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne A Holocaust story told through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy whose father becomes Commandant of a Nazi prison camp, this novel avows the truth in the saying, "Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." For teens of all ages. The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett Covering world history from the World War I through the Cold War, this engrossing fictional account brings history to life and leaves a clear picture of all the forces involved. Great for mature teens who like big books and who like history, this series will give them more than several years of history classes. The Golden Legend by Nadeem Aslam A story of violent religious intolerance set in modern-day Pakistan, this beautifully composed book illustrates the dark depths of corruption and hate possible in any culture. Sophisticate teen readers with an interest in the wider world as well as fine literature will enjoy this book. *The Good Lord Bird by James McBride Winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction, this novel tells the story of John Brown, major contributor to the onset of the Civil War, from the perspective of a young slave who Brown "frees," mistakes for a girl, and takes along as a kind of "good omen" on his various raids. Great for all teens with an interest in American history and in a well-told story. *The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent Based on the true story of one of the first women to be hanged as a witch during the Salem witch trials, the story is narrated from the perspective of the woman's daughter. A vivid portrait of early American history, this book will be appreciated by teens of all ages who are interested in early American history. The Ibis Trilogy by Amitav Ghosh Consisting of three books--Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, and Flood of Fire---this trilogy tells the tale of Britain's forced opium trade with China in the mid-nineteenth century from the indigent farmers of India, forced to grow opium poppies and loose money doing so, to the numerous middlemen hoping to get rich, to the people of China, decimated by the drug and the military might behind it. It is a character-driven tale, rich in language, thought-provoking and immensely satisfying as a read. For all teens who love good historical fiction. The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer A Hungarian-Jewish young man arrives in Paris to study architecture on a scholarship. Sounds good but the year is 1937. Advanced teen readers will gain insight into the experience of Hungarian Jews during WWII while enjoying an intricate story of intrigue, courage, resilience, and romance. The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman Set in post-World War I Australia, a battle-weary soldier and his young bride set up housekeeping on a lonely island where the soldier will manage a lighthouse. Sounds quiet and peaceful, but this story is highly dramatic, heart-wrenching, suspenseful, and deeply satisfying. For mid to older teens The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Inspired by the true story of a young French woman who led many downed Allied pilots to safety over the Pyrenees during the Nazi occupation of France, this page-turning, tear-jerking, thriller-romance delivers big time. Great for the reluctant younger teen all the way to older avid teen reader; with two female heroines, most likely appreciated by girls. If enjoyed, this writer has many more for a reader to enjoy. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay A fatherless English boy grows up in South Africa around the time of the Second World War. He suffers severe bullying in his youngest years but lucks into a series of sterling mentors as he grows up into a strong young man who can more than stand on his own. Addresses the brutality of power and the commonality of humanity. For older or more experienced teen readers. The Secret River by Kate Grenville Nineteenth-century Britain colonized Australia by dropping off prisoners on Australia's shores. The thought was that if they put all their thieves on the other side of the earth, eventually they would breed out the local criminal element. This exquisite novel follows one lad from poverty on the streets of London, to being nabbed for stealing, and finally to figuring out how to survive in a land too foreign to even imagine. A great study on the nature of need and desire and how the pursuit of fulfillment bends character. For older teens.