So, what does this have to do with YA books? Well, history has been chronicled for us since ancient times. Life changing events have been recorded for us to remember, reflect, and form opinions about how it will affect our future. This week I want to talk about three books that tell a story from history.
The first book tells the story of the Titanic from the voices of the survivors. Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson gives a unique perspective to a tragedy. This book tells the story of the sinking of the Titanic using the stories and pictures of those who were actually there. From the anticipation of boarding the ship to the statistics of those who lived and died, this book goes beyond the story to allow you a glimpse at the lives of the people.
It is interesting to think about how inventions can impact history. Tommy: The Gun That Changed America by Karen Blumenthal tells the story of the early machine gun. The story is set in the time of the great depression, prohibition, and the mob. The gun's inventor had a vision for a weapon that would aid American soldiers, but it wasn't just soldiers who found a use for a gun that could shoot multiple rounds without reloading. This is an interesting start to a discussion that remains relevant today.
The final book I want to mention today is Battle of the Bulge by Rick Atkinson. This story has been told and retold through books and film and many of us know someone who lived during the time of WWII. This book tells the story with historical accuracy in a readable narrative. It's more than just historical fiction because it is what really happened. If you enjoy reading about this time period, you will enjoy this book.