History has always been one of my children's favorite subjects in school. That's not because they get overly enthused about names and dates and a list of events. It's because we read historical fiction out loud as a family. So, today I'm highlighting three different time periods portrayed through fiction.
Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury is set in England in the 1800's. This book offers mystery, danger, and romance all wrapped up in an historical setting. Set in a time when there was a fascination with Egyptology and mummies seem to be everywhere, this book offers a peek at history that many of us aren't familiar with. I can't quite imagine being invited to a party where the main entertainment includes the unwrapping of a mummy. I highly recommend this book.
Another book set in the 1800's is Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Bolden. This is a story about a march for freedom. Set during the time of the Civil War and slavery, Crossing Ebenezer Creek follows the story of Mariah as she dreams of freedom. We don't think about what happened to slaves as the Union Army took control of Southern lands. Did the slaves just wander, or did someone try to help them find a new life? At what point could a slave really feel freedom? This book could offer answers.
Moving forward in time, my last book today is Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz. This book is based on the true story by Ruth and Jack Gruener. We hear about the concentration camps in Germany, but Poland also had camps. Yanek Fruener was a Jewish boy living in Poland in the 1930's. Everything he loved was taken from him and he was marked with B-3087. His freedom ended as he was sent to the concentration camps. Living through the atrocities that surrounded him, how could he remain hopeful? How could he remain alive to see a future?
Historical fiction is a great way to grow a love of history. I hope you'll give some of these a try.