Historical Fiction Book Review

HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK REVIEWS

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE.  Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books. ISBN 9781402523205

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Set in medieval England, this is the story of a young homeless teenager with no family and no name.  Only known as “Brat” she happens to meet a midwife in the dirtiest of places and convinces her to let her do some work for food.  The midwife agrees and takes her own as her “apprentice”.  This is the story of the transformation of the girl called Brat, then Beetle and then finally Alyce.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The unabridged audiobook in CD format was narrated by Jenny Sterlin.  Sterlin spoke distinctly with a theatrical voice that changed in style and tone from character to character.  The recording was clear with no background noise or static.  There were no sound effects only the voice of Sterlin. 

The author gave vivid details setting the scene of the day.  She described the landscape and homes in vivid detail so that the reader could mentally picture the setting.  The actions of the characters were described so well that the reader can picture movements and facial expressions.

One such captivating part of the book was when Alyce helped a woman in an inn deliver her baby.  The author captured the emotions Alyce was feeling as well as the emotions of the others in the inn who were helpless in assisting Alyce.  The reader could feel the fear from the pregnant woman, Alyce and everyone else.  The narrator captured the emotion of the authors words well.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newberry Medal Book

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Earthly humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction into a world seldom seen in children’s literature.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “Kids will be caught up in this story, fast- paced narrative about a hero who discovers she is not ugly or stupid or alone.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students should spend time exploring more books about medieval England. 

*Other historical novels about medieval England include:

Mattern, Joanne.  MEDIEVAL TIMES: ENGLAND IN THE MIDDLE AGES.  ISBN 9781433350054

Schlitz, Laura Amy. GOOD MASTERS!  sWEET LADIES!:  VOICES FROM A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE.  ISBN 9780763615781

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. 2018. FINDING LANGSTON.  New York, NY:  Holiday House.  ISBN 9780823439607

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Langston and his father set out to make a new life for themselves.  After the loss of their beloved mother and wife they struggle to make their way in the world.  Langston soon discovers a poet by the same name and other African American poets who ultimately help him, and his dad find some comfort.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author does an outstanding job depicting the setting.  It is 1946 and Langston and his father are apart of The Great Migration.  The author explains that during this time in history many African Americans left the south and migrated to the north, particularly to Chicago where they were able to find work.  The author describes vividly the conditions of the Chicago surroundings vs the surroundings from the main characters hometown in Alabama.  Readers who ever had to change schools and move away from the only home they ever knew will feel sympathy to the plight of the 11-year-old Langston. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “The impact on the reader could not be more powerful. A memorable debut novel.”

KIRKUS review: “A great migration novella with a vivid, believable protagonist.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*A discussion should be had about The Great Migration and why it occurred. 

*Other historical fiction books about African Americans include:

Duncan, Alice Faye. MEMPHIS, MARTIN, AND THE MOUNTAIN TOP:  THE SANITATION STRIKE OF 1968. ISBN 9781629797189

Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE JOURNEY OF LITTLE CHARLIE. ISBN 9780545156660

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer L.   2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780375836886

2.  PLOT SUMMARY                                                             

It is 1935 and Turtle is sent to live with relatives she has never met before down south in Key West, Florida.  She embarks on many adventures with her new relatives and a cast of characters with unusual names and unusual actions.  Turtle learns a lot about everything during this time.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The story is so captivating.  The author does an amazing job setting up life in Key West, Florida.  The language and culture of this time period in this part of the United States is hilariously explained.  They use words like alligator pear, conch and rumrunner.   There are people who go by names like Beans, Pork Chop, Slow Poke, Pudding, Jelly and Johnny Cakes. 

Readers who are the only child in a single parent home will relate to Turtle’s relationship with her mom and the rest of her family.  The book explores the love of an extended family.  There are also lessons on tolerance and forgiveness. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in KIRKUS review: “Sweet, funny and superb”

Starred review in BOOKLIST review: “Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading the book, students should reflect on Turtle’s actions and write an essay on how to get along with difficult relatives. 

*Other books for young readers by this author include:

Holm, Jennifer L.  FULL OF BEANS. ISBN 9780553510398

Holm, Jennifer L.  PENNY FROM HEAVEN. ISBN 9780375836879

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hiranandani, Veera.  2018. THE NIGHT DIARY.  New York, NY: Kokila. ISBN 9780735228511

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Twins Nisha and Amil embark on a journey with their family to a new home.  In 1947 India is freed from British rule and splits into two countries, Pakistan and India.  The family must leave the India they knew now called Pakistan and move to an India that they do not know. 

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author tells the story in Nisha’s point of view through journal entries that the character writes to her deceased mother.  Telling the story through the eyes of a twelve-year-old gives an interesting perspective on the historical contents of the book.  A child sees these things quite differently from an adult.  Young readers will appreciate this point of view.

The Indian culture comes alive in the descriptions of the food, clothes and religious practices of the time.  The main character Nisha loves to cook so in her journal entries she describes in detail how a meal is prepared and the best way in her opinion to prepare it.  During the journey, Nisha explains how she could not tell if one was Hindu, Sikhs or Muslim because the clothes were so dirty, ragged and worn that traditional dress was unrecognizable.  Throughout the novel she explains religious practices by her Grandmother Dadi who is Hindu and by her cook Kazi who is Muslim.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in KIRKUS review: “Believable and heartbreaking… A gripping nuanced story of the human cost of conflict appropriate for both children and adults.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “This rich, compelling story, speaks to the turbulence surrounding India’s independence and to the plight of refugees, should be in all libraries.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading this novel, a discussion about having to leave your home and migrate to another place can be had.  Some students may be willing to share their own experience of migrating to this country.

* Other novels by this author include:

Hiranandani, Veera.  THE WHOLE STORY OF A HALF GIRL. ISBN 9780385741286

Hiranandani, Veera.   LUNCH WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. ISBN 9780448466953