The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker - ADVISABLE

The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker, 288 pages. Balzer/Bray (HarperCollins), 2026. $19.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (reference to unwed mothers, Nazi baby breeding); Violence: PG (peril, military police violence on citizens, animal cruelty) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

13yo Lucas has lived at the Abbey all his life. He was found as a baby abandoned in a nearby forest. Now, he goes to school and has a job delivering for the green grocer. But, there's not much to deliver. Chantilly, like other cities in France, is occupied by Germans, and the French people are starving and afraid. Except the girls at the Lebensborn, the maternity hospital, who are well fed and healthy. Soon their babies will be taken away from them and given to good German families. Lucas meets Claire, one of the mothers, who believes she will find her baby and be reunited one day. No one can convince her otherwise. And when he sees what the Germans do to a family who may have been hiding Jewish children, Lucas decides to do something about them. 

I really enjoyed this gripping story of a French community during WWII. Action packed throughout - does this boy sleep much? - this coming of age historical fiction was a real page turner. I loved the themes of found family, bravery, perseverance, and courage. With so many great historical fiction books of late, I'm praying for a resurgence in interest, as kids will love this if they'll pick it up. The characters are French 

Lisa Librarian  

Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide by Pablo Leon - ADVISABLE

Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide by Pablo Leon, 238 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Harper Alley, 2025. $19. 

Language: PG (14 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG13 (Genocide, talk of throwing bodies down wells, rape, mutilation, murder - images on page contain blood but are not graphic or disturbing) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Jose and Charlie were born in America, but they know nothing about their mother's life as a girl in Guatemala in the 1980's. When Jose hears about the genocide trial of Efrain Rios Montt he asks his mother, which is upsetting for her, but soon she agrees to tell her story. In 1982 Clara and her sister Elena have heard of the conflict between the government and the guerillas, but they are taken by surprise when their village is attacked and nearly everyone is murdered by soldiers. They manage to escape into the forest but are soon separated. With no provisions and just the clothes on her back, Clara finds herself alone in a dangerous country caught in the middle of a civil war.

I loved the connection of the past to the present. This is a terrible thing for young Clara (probably about 13yo or 14yo) to have experienced, and the telling to her teenage sons tempered the violence a bit. I like the graphic novel illustrations, the book is in full color 

Clara and her sister are Indigenous Mayan. 

Lisa Librarian  

Three Queens by Rebecca Connolly - OPTIONAL

Three Queens by Rebecca Connolly, 336 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $29.

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing, mild innuendo, and mentions of alcohol and molestation); Violence: PG13 (discussions of riots and revolutions; mentions of assault, gun use, and murder; and blood and gore)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

While living in different circumstances in different countries, Abigail Adams, Queen Charlotte of Britain, and Queen Marie Antionette of France bond over their similarities. These women know what power looks like and how difficult it is to not have any when their lives threaten to crack and fall apart. Drawing strength from their unlikely sisterhood, they face their foes with great fortitude.

In Connolly’s author’s note, she puts forth the purpose of this book as to encourage readers to consider these women as real people that faced difficult circumstances and were trying to do their best, despite how history has not been kind to them. For example, Queen Marie Antionette’s “famous quote” of “Let them eat cake” is nowhere to be found, though readers can see how such a rumor could have come into play due to the circumstances the Queen found herself in. While the book builds with conflict in the British royal family and the French revolution, the story focuses on the women who endured much grief and sorrow more than the conflicts causing the unfortunate circumstances. Even knowing that Connolly extrapolates a lot of the content, including the friendship between the women in this story, I appreciate the new lens I have for looking at and trying to better understand history.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares - ESSENTIAL

 

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares, 240 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2025. $22. 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril, Police holding family at gunpoint) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Carlos is living a pretty sweet life. His family lives in Cuba near his abuelo's farm, his best friend lives nearby and he spends weekends at the beach hunting for shark teeth. But when Fidel Castro and his Revolutionaries overthrow the government, Carlos life drastically changes. His father is in danger and the family business is taken. Then his father disappears. 

I loved this perspective on the Cuban Revolution. Based on the author's father's experiences, How to Say Goodbye in Cuban, really shows the impact political turmoil can have on the residents of a country, especially the children. I loved the author's note at the end with photos of his father and grandfather. I think this will be an important book and rate it an essential purchase. Carlos and his family are Cuban 

Lisa Librarian 

A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania - ADVISABLE

A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania, 409 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2026. $19

Content: G (threats only)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When the Vietnam War ends and the communists take over Laos, 11yo Goa Sheng and her family must flee their beautiful home in Laos.  If their father is captured by the new government, he will probably be executed for working with the Americans. The group misses the last plane out of Laos and instead shuffle from refugee camp to refugee camp for the next year - first in hope that they will be able to return to Laos, and then hoping that they will be able to immigrate to safety and a new home.

PLEASE STOP WRITING NOVELS IN VERSE.  They are not poetic; they do not give the story the depth it deserves.  That being said, I loved seeing another side of the Vietnam war from the point of view of Laotian people. Gao Sheng, who is based on Bidania’s oldest sister, is a character worth meeting.  Both historical fiction and fat books are hard to sell to middle school students, but it is worth taking your time to find readers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Wild Song by Candy Gourlay - ADVISABLE

Wild Song by Candy Gourlay, 263 pages. Carolrhoda Lab (Lerner), 2025. $20

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (danger, off-page beating)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL; ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

16yo Luki may be the best hunter in her remote Philippine village, but as a girl she is not allowed to hunt.  When her hunting is discovered, she is pressured to get married. Instead, she jumps at the chance to join 1000 others from all around the island to travel all the way to St. Louis in America to be part of the 1904 World’s Fair. While Luki gets to see more of the world, as she wanted, she also learns a lot about human nature and even more about what she really wants from the world.

I loved this look into a place and time period I know so little about. I did a lot of research afterwards to calm my curiosity. I wish I knew that students were also going to love this - but mine, at least, don’t read much historical fiction unless it is about a war. I’m sure you knwo some adults who would love this.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Teacher of Nomad Land A World War II Story by Daniel Nayeri - ADVISABLE

The Teacher of Nomad Land A World War II Story by Daniel Nayeri, 192 pages. Levine Querido, 2025 $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

During WWII, Russian and British soldiers invaded Iran in order to protect British owned oil wells. In the process, 13yo Babak and 8yo Sana lost their father when he was killed while teaching nomadic shepherds on a hillside. Essentially orphans, they are separated. After a year of working for their keep, Babak and Sana run away together to join the nomads as they are moving their flocks to winter pastures. But when the leader sends them away they find themselves on their own, trying not to starve, interacting with soldiers - from both sides - and remembering lessons their father taught about understanding people and keeping each other safe. 

I did not know about this part of the war at all! Nayeri weaves a tale of two smart, brave and desperate kids just trying to stay together. I really loved Sana, she was such a great positive force for her brother, always willing to do whatever she could, including scavenging, looking for water and even mediating between her brother and an angry German soldier. Historical Fiction is a hard sell these days, but Nayeri’s name may carry enough recognition to get Teacher of Nomad Land picked up, and then kids who read it will definitely talk about it. 

Lisa Librarian 

War Games by Alan Gratz - ADVISABLE

War Games by Alan Gratz, 368 pages. Scholastic, 2025. $19

Content: PG (danger, tense situations, betrayal) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Evie is so excited to be a gymnast in the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany. She quickly realizes that the facade of the games hides dark secrets and that the Olympic dream, or even the dream of freedom, is not for everyone in Germany. She gets approached by a mysterious stranger who wants her help in stealing a treasure trove of gold right from under Hitler’s nose. With even a bit of that gold, Evie could change her own family’s fortunes for the better. Danger abounds - not just from all of Hitler’s loyal followers and the military, but from someone within.

While set against the backdrop of the Olympic Games, very little of the book is about the Olympics. I was personally very disappointed by that, especially because of how hard the book was sold to me for being about the Olympics. Plenty of danger abounds - students will enjoy that.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karine Yan Glasser - OPTIONAL

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karine Yan Glasser, 432 pages. HarperCollins, 2025. $20

Content: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

11yo Han Yu lives in ancient China at one end of the Silk Road. When his family is quarantined for sickness, he must embark on the dangerous journey on his own to deliver the silk and other goods that could save his family during the crisis. 11yo Luli lives in 1930s San Francisco. The economic downturn threatens to close her family’s restaurant and their dream of owning the building outright, unless Luli can be brave and come up with a great idea.

As much as I enjoyed reading about Han Yu, especially, I know that historical fiction is a hard sell for the general student body. A few students will be intrepid enough to enjoy it, though. The idea of how long Han Yu’s journey took is just staggering to me. Some will probably compare it to Samir, Seller of Dreams, but I liked Nine Moons so much more.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Queen’s Granddaughter by Diane Zahler, - OPTIONAL

The Queen’s Granddaughter by Diane Zahler, 304 pages. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), MARCH 2026. 

Content: G (mild danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: FEW

When 12yo Blanca finds out that her grandmother, dowager Queen Eleanor, is on her way to her home of Castile to choose her older sister Urraca as the bride for Louis the IX, the heir of the French throne, Blanca is devastated.  She is even more devastated when Eleanor instead chooses Blanca to be that bride. Together the two, with an entourage, embark on a perilous journey from Castile to Paris. While Blanca is also accompanied by her maid and friend Suna, a Castilian Jew, danger, in the form of Eleanor’s enemies.

As much as I usually like historical fiction, I was not interested in Blanca’s story.  Historical fiction can already be hard to interest students, but this story lacks a heart and drama that will normally draw them in. I found Zahler’s Wild Bird to be more interesting, but still hard to sell.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Where the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan - SEVERAL

Where the Heart Should Be by Sarah Crossan, 400 pages. HarperCollins, 2025 $22. 

Language: R (15 swears 2 'f'); Mature Content: PG (reference to having sex, kissing) Violence: PG (peril, threats) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

16yo Nell has been hired at the big house as a scullery maid. It's 1846 and the Irish potato famine is killing all the crops. The rich British land owners are not affected, but all the Irish are starving. Nell's income is barely keeping her family alive. Lord Wicken's heir has recently moved into the Big House, 17yo John Browning who has his sites set on Nell. He's kind and sweet and they both realize that their growing love is forbidden. 

A realistic depiction of the poverty and death experienced by the Irish. The contrast between the rich and the poor was heartbreaking. Sarah Crossen's novel in verse is a nice love story with some real emotion, enhanced by the free verse poems. Although histrocial fiction is not a favorite these days, I think I can easily hand sell it as a romance. Nell is Irish, Johnny is British. Both are white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Wild Bird by Diane Zahler, - OPTIONAL

Wild Bird by Diane Zahler, 320 pages. Square Fish (Macmillan), 2024. $9 (pb)

Content: PG (many plague deaths, imprisonment, burning at the stake lightly described)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Rype is what she is known as now.  The only survivor of the plague in a Norwegian village, she is now on a trader’s boat on its way to England.  When the plague comes on board and kills the captain, though, Rype and the captain’s son escape to a random shore, rather than waiting to be murdered by the mutinous first mate. Now they must walk their way through a Europe savaged by the plague, hoping to find kind souls to help them along the way.

Rype’s age is not specified, but she is probably 11? 12? Zahler has masterfully tackled a subject that is hard to get students interested in - historical fiction is not an easy sell.  I personally loved this and I know other adult readers will also empathize - but you will only have a handful of students who will read it on their own. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Artifice by Sharon Cameron - ADVISABLE

Artifice by Sharon Cameron, 464 pages. Scholastic, 2023. $14

Language: PG13 (46 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Romance, kisses); Violence: PG (Occupation of Nazi's, violence toward Jewish people, peril for Dutch citizens)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

18yo Isa is in Amsterdam during WWII. Her mother is dead and her father, a painter and art dealer is addicted to morphine, so paying the taxes on the gallery and making enough money to meet their basic needs falls to her. She sells a painting to the Germans. It is a forgery, but they don't know it, at least she thinks they don't. But when Michel, one of the Nazi soldiers shows up at her door, and remembers her from when he visited from Vienna with his father, her world starts to crumble and she finds herself meeting Michel's demands, as well as helping her friends who work with the Dutch resistance.

An exciting historical fiction, based on actual people. I liked Cameron's author notes at the end, giving us the rest of the story of the real people, and more about the pieces of art that were hidden, forged or sold.  There isn't any war action (except for a couple of night air attacks on the city of Amsterdam), but there is lots of danger and scary door banging.  A nice read, but a bit long for middle school.

Characters are Dutch, Austrian or German. 

Lisa Librarian 

Black Sunflowers by Cynthia LeBrun - OPTIONAL

Black Sunflowers by Cynthia LeBrun, 475 pages. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2024. $22

Language: PG-13 (18 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (dead bodies, threats of death, overarching fear, alcohol consumption); Violence: PG-13 (beatings, starvation, war related violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: FEW

For the first 6 years of Veronika's life, she lived a quiet life on her family farm surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Unfortunately, her family lived in Ukraine, which is under Soviet control. Stalin's communist policies targeted the Ukrainian people and led to starvation and fear. As she grows up, Veronika experiences the reality of these policies first hand. The tragedy of the oppressive government takes its toll on the people Veronika loves, but she survives and learns to live within that terrifying reality. 

I liked that it's a true story and historically accurate. I learned about what it was like to live during the Holodomor. I also loved the authentic, loving relationship between Veronika and her family. It's more of a memoir than a novel and it definitely reads like that. There's no real plot and it basically just tells Veronkia's life story. I don't see that any kids would read it on their own. It's likely only people who are interested in this historical time period would read it. Veronika is 6 years old when the book starts and 19 at the end. Veronika and her family are Polish Catholics living in Ukraine. 

Andrea R 

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar - ADVISABLE

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, 272 pages. Penguin, 2024 $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (threats of violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

In 1492, Benvenida and her family are forced out of Spain during the Spanish Inquisition because they are Jewish. Benvenida wrote poetry some of which she left behind, and sang songs, all of which she brought with her. Eventually her family finds their way to Turkey. 

In 1923, Reina meets a boy to watch fireworks on the celebration of Turkish Independence. Her father says she has embarrassed the family and ruined her reputation. She is sent to Cuba with an Aunt, the family's oud and the songs her mother taught her. 

In 1961, 12yo Alegra, Reina's daughter volunteers to be a Brigadista and teach literacy to the uneducated people out in the country, but her father, fearing the family's safety as he has spoken out again Fidel Castro sends Alegra to Miami with a Jewish Rescue organization. 

In 2003, Paloma, wanting to learn more about her family history is excited to go on a family trip to Toledo Spain. 

I was worried that the multiple perspectives were going to be a problem, however, Behar ties the stories together with a particular song passed down through the generations and I loved how beautifully that worked to foster continuity. I loved that the girls were related, it helped make each additional perspective not as new, more of a continuation - although I was worried how many jumps between each generation when it started in 1492! Readers who like Ryan's Echo or Gratz's Refugee will enjoy Across So Many Seas as well. Includes extensive author's notes with links to her research. The characters are Sephardic Jews.

 Lisa Librarian

By Fire: The Jakob Hutter Story by Jason Landsel - OPTIONAL

By Fire: The Jakob Hutter Story by Jason Landsel, 168 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Plough Publishing, 2025. $20.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Jakob Hutter had given up after seeing too many die while fighting for their beliefs. When Ursula runs into Jakob on her way to find the Anabaptists, Jakob regains hope in the God he knows. With the Anabaptists, Jakob finds a place of peace, but his enemies will not stop.

This historical fiction graphic novel brings mostly true events to life, inspiring readers with real examples of courage and determination. By using a visual medium, parts of the story are able to be told exclusively with wordless panels of illustrations. Landsel also includes extra material in the back of the book with text written by both protagonists and antagonists depicted in the book, timelines, maps, and more.

All of the characters are European. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, innuendo, and nudity. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, corpses, battle scenes, torture, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson - ESSENTIAL

The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson, 325 pages. Penguin, 2024. $20

Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG (Fight between characters resulting in an accidental death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS, ADULT - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

16yo Calvin, a black teenager, passes as white in 1955. His family moves to an all-white suburb for a safer life, but maintaining their secret is exhausting. Calvin seeks solace with new friends and Lily, his crush, while uncovering the town's dark racist history. Torn between safety and truth, Calvin faces dangerous choices about identity and morality. The novel powerfully connects historical realities to personal struggles with race and belonging. This was an extremely powerful book which had me very tense and emotional throughout - at first because of Calvin trying to "pass" and later when the boys were on their "mission".

I really appreciated the historical references such as Emmitt Till and Martin Luther King Jr. which grounded the story in its time period and highlighted the relevance. I also appreciated the author's ability to educate readers, especially white readers, on the Black experience in America. I highly recommend this book to all readers of any color, race, young and old. Robert is Calvin's brother and he is black. Eugene and Harry are brothers who are black. Ben, Mary, Alex and Darin are white.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian 

Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren - ADVISABLE

Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren, 423 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2024. $20.

Content:  (Being honest - it’s summer.  I didn’t keep track of any content issues and don’t remember anything being egregious or of note - I don’t have an ebook version, so I can’t search for any content)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When their trading post burns down again, 14yo Mary Jane, her mother, and her grandfather head south early for the summer.  When they arrive at Fort Snelling, 500 miles south, Mary Jane’s Ma has a letter from her sister, asking for help, so Ma decides to send Mary Jane farther south to Fort Edwards. Mary Jane’s journey is fraught with a roller coaster of bad deals and unexpected kindnesses - and things at her aunt’s home are a disaster. The mix of kindness and scoundrels continues - and Mary Jane uses her brains and wits to tackle each new challenge.

Adults who have read Huckleberry Finn and who love historical fiction will admire Mary Jane and enjoy the story. Mary Jane fleshed out reminds me of the most heroic of heroines.  The part where it crosses paths with Huck I found to be the least satisfying.  Because of its size and being historical fiction, I believe that only a handful of high school students will be attracted to it.  But, it will find its audience with older women who know and love their classics. On a personal note - I found the parts about historical antagonistic attitudes towards Mormons (being one myself) to be spot on, but tempered with Jahren showing the generosity those hated people showed to Mary Jane’s family when they were in dire need. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Mysterious Life of Dr. Barry by Lisa Williamson - OPTIONAL

The Mysterious Life of Dr. Barry by Lisa Williamson, 137 pages. Pushkin Books, (rerelease) 2024. $

Content: G (minor arguments, c-section mentioned, main character spends her life disguised as a man)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Margaret wanted more than living at home caring for her mother, so when the chance came, she reinvented herself in the guise of a man and enrolled in medical school in Edinburgh. For the next 50 years, Dr. Barry pursued a career as surgeon - battling against society’s perception of him as just a boy, keeping most people at arms-length, having only few close friends, and always dealing with politics in the towns and military units in which he was placed. While a few may have suspected, it wasn’t until Dr. Barry’s death that their secret was revealed.

Williamson manages to avoid any pronouncement about whether Dr. Barry was just disguised as a male, or whether they were transgender. The author had to create dialogue and embellish a bit to flesh out the few details known of Barry’s life; thus, this is fiction, rather than a biography. Regardless of Barry’s origins, they are important for performing the first successful C-section - both mother and baby survived despite the non-existence of anesthesia. The illustrations make the book feel very young.

Dr. Barry is from Scotland.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Beneath a Crescent Shadow by A. L. Sowards - MANY

Beneath a Crescent Shadow (The Balkan Legends #1) by A. L. Sowards, 342 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $23.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

The death of his father left Konstantin (19yo) in charge of their people before Konstantin was ready. With brigands destroying crops and homes, winter around the corner, and needing to pay tribute to the sultan in the spring, Konstantin doesn’t know how he can possibly take care of all his people’s needs. His grandfather arranges a marriage between Konstantin and Suzana (17yo), whose dowry will solve many problems, but is financial security worth marrying a stranger?

Sowards obviously did her homework to make her story align with history, aside from the fun fictional embellishments and drama. The history seeps through naturally, keeping readers engaged through relevant narration of politics and military strategy. Konstantin’s sense of right and wrong is challenged through his story, and I wept with him over the difficult choices he had to make.

Konstantin and Suzana are Serbian. The majority of characters are Serbs, with several Turks and Germans as well. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, illegal activity, sexual harassment, innuendo, and mentions of rape. The violence rating is for assault, miscarriage, mentions of domestic violence and suicide, battle scenes, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen