Historical Fiction for Summer Reading

Historical fiction is hotter than ever for young readers. Not only do the number and types of history series keep growing, but also on the rise are some exceptionally done history stories. A recent visit to the local public library found these promising titles for summer history reading.

From Winslow Press comes the new series "Dear Mr. President." The first two titles Thomas Jefferson: Letters from a Philadelphia Bookworm, and Theodore Roosevelt: Letters from a Young Coal Miner give the series a strong send-off. Each book follows the same format, which consists of a series of "letters" written to the President by a youngster of the period. In the series opener, President Jefferson corresponds with a young Philadelphia girl, Amelia Hornsby, while Theodore Roosevelt's youthful penpal is Frank Kovacs, who works in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. While fictitious, the premise of the series offers readers a fascinating glimpse of each president's personality, a look at how children lived during the period, and good overview of some of the important events of the president's?-and the nation's?-life. The writing is lively, the characters engaging, and overall these books offer the promise of strong and entertaining historical series. (Grade 5+)

Another series that has been around a little longer with a focus on American history is Viking's Once Upon America series. Set against the backdrop of such sweeping events as the Vietnam War, the Oklahoma Land Rush, and the Great Depression, these works focus on how the big events in history impact on the title's young protaganist. Each book is a nicely done overview of daily life and popular culture, and brings to life through its characters some of the most important and troubling episodes in American history. (Grade 4+)

How would you like to go back in time with Albert Einstien? That's the premise of Cheryl Harness's Ghosts of the 20th Century, a fun and lively look at some of America's "horribly terrific and terrifically horrible" milestones. Filled with facts--some important and some just fun--Harness's approach is sure to appeal to kids of all ages. Aided by its energetic art and a wonderful timeline at the bottom of every page, Ghosts of the 20th Century is one fun way to look at the past. (Grade 5+)

Many young readers may not know who Elvis Presley is, but that's okay. The story of Shake Rag: From the Life of Elvis Presley stands just fine on its own. Amy Littlesugar's story is a moving tale of the young Presley and his early exposure to the world of black music. Shunned by whites as "poor trash," Presley spends his time across the railroad tracks in Shake Rag, the heart of the town's African American community. At first drawn in by the music he hears on the black radio stations broadcasting in Memphis and later through a black religious revival passing through town, Presley begins to spend more and more of his time in Shake Rag. When his mother buys him a second-hand guitar, Elvis enters a new world, one which eventually makes him famous. Aided by the moody and dreamlike watercolors of Floyd Cooper, Shake Rag is a thoughtful story that deals with the themes of loneliness, trying to fit in, and following your dreams. (Grade 2+)

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