Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thorton Wilder

Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thorton Wilder

Summary: This is a classic tale of fate. It starts with a Limeanmonk who scientifically tried to figure out the mystery of the accident of a bridge collapse and its victims. The next chapters describe the 5 people who died in the accident. In the end it shows that all are linked in a way. The final chapter summarizes everything that happened and perhaps that they were all fated to die together.

Genre: historical fiction

Rank: 3/5

Would you recommend this book to a friend? yes

Review: I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading and learning of poeple's lives of long ago. Also the book would interest those who want to learn more about fate and the way that everyone is linked. I only gave this a 3 because it it didnt really interest me as much as I thought even though there were some parts that were really good. All in all I think books that are mostly historic are boring.

Reviewed by Anna S. in grade 10

Meet Samantha: An American Girl by Susan Adler

Meet Samantha: An American Girl by Susan Adler

Summary: When you look at the cover, you look at a girl who seems happy and she is wearing early 19th century clothing. When I looked at the cover I just knew I wanted to learn everything about her and her family. And that is exactly what happened when I picked it up and started reading it.

Genre: historical fiction

Rank: 3 out of 5

Would you recommend this book to a friend? yes

Review: I gave this book a 3 because even though it was a good book, there were some parts that really bored me. I just wanted to stop reading and put it down and pick up another book. I would recommend this this book to a friend because just because I didn't like it, doesn't mean they won't.

Reviewed by Nicolletta D. in grade 6

Star in the Storm by Joan Hiatt Harlow

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: Maggie and her dog, Sirius, are best friends. When she takes him for a walk one day two wild dogs scare a sheep and it jumps off a cliff, therefore all dogs get banned from her small, coastal town. Maggie hides Sirius away. When a boat crashes Maggie knows that Sirius can save the people on the boat but will she risk losing her dog?
Rank (0-5): 4
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: This book took place during the time of the Titanic. It was not a set back though. The author tied together many things in the story but it all made sense. I enjoyed it very much. I intend to read more of her books. I would recommend this book to girls only.
by Samantha B. in grade 8

Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: Will is a scrawny orphan who lives as a ward in Castle Redmonk under the care of Baron Drald. On the day of choosing what career is suited best for him, he is selected to be men taught by the mysterious Ranger Halt. Will must learn the reanger ways and face challenges he could never imagine.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: I think this book is awesome! It's fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat constantly. it gets you itching to read the second book and is a real page turner. I'm going to read them all. I think I'll die if John Flanagan does not write a fifth book!!!
by Rebekah K. in grade 6

Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: The sequel to "Sarah, Plain and Tall." Sarah, a young woman marries Anna and Caleb's dad. They are enjoying life on the prarie when a drought hits. They watch all their neighbors leave when finally they decide to leave, Papa decides to stay.
Rank (0-5): 2
Would you recommend this book to a friend? No
My review of this book: I read this book because I wanted to read it before I thought it could become too childish. I was wrong this book was already too childish for me. The other smashed a lot of events into a little book. There were not many details though. I also didn't read the first book so I thought it was very confusing. I may read another of her books.
by Samantha B. in grade 8

Where Eagles Dare by Allistair Maclean

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book Summary: _"Where Eagles Dare" is based in World War II. It is about a mission for a British Squad to penetrate into the German High Command and rescue an American General. It becomes clear though that this rescue mission is something more.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: Allistair Maclean did a superb job in "Where Eagles Dare". The plot was very good, having twists until the very end.The characters were developed very wel. Each of the squad's members were different from the wisecracking Lieutenant to the cunning Captain. This novel is no ordinary soldier book. Instead it is based on an espionage with double and triple crossers. All in all, the book was excellent.
by Rohith V. in grade 8

Cassandra's Sister by Veronica Bennett

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: Cassandra's Sister creates the story of Jane Austen. It describes the events that shape the course of her life.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: Cassandra's Sister was a bit difficult to get into, but I am very glad I stuck with it. Veronica Bennett made my emotions parallel with Jane's feelings. Some vocabulary was unknown to me. However, this was not too much of an issue for me. The story commemorates some memorable events and kept me captivated the entire way. I cannot wait to read Jane Austen!
by Caly M. in grade 8

A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibboston

Genre: historical fiction, romance
Book Summary: Anna fless Russiato England during the Russian Revolution, To pay back her friend she takes a job as a servent in a wealthy household.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: It's a very good book that makes you want to keep reading. The cahracters feel like friends you've had forever. It's also very thrilling and intense. The book is very beautifully written.
by Rachel S. in grade 8

As Ever, Gordy by Mary Downing Hahn

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: When Gordy moved away from College Hill to live with his grandmother, his life was happy. In North Carolina,he could start his life with a clean slate. But then, he learns he is moving back to College Hill, where people knew him as the trouble maker. Will he remain in his old trouble making ways or will he change for good?
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: This book is a sequel to Stepping on the Cracks, and I like that it\'s
> > from Gordy\'s perspective, rather than Margarets. People who read the first books should definitely read this, and people who didn't should start from the beginning of the series and then read this. Though this book was set about 50 years ago, I still found the book easy to relate to. This book was really interesting!
By Jackie L. in grade 7

Bluefingers- A Ninja's Tale by Cheryl Aylward Whitesel

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: This book is about a young boy named Koji. He wanders into the woods one day and is kidnapped by a ninja! Koji must now learn to become one of them, but all Koji wants to do is to go home. Which path will Koji take? Will he ever get to go home?
Rank (0-5): 4
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: I would recommend this book to a friend if they were interested in ancient Japan. This book is good because internal sstruggle defines the story while Koji goes through ninja camp. I like it because the author paints clear pictures in your mind as she tells what's going on. I would recommend this book to a friend but it it's a really boyish book I think.
By Elizabeth R. in grade 7

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: Moose Flannigan is a 12 year-old boy who lives on Alcatraz Island, home to convicts in jail such as Al Capone. Moose makes friends with the Warden\'s daughter Piper who comes up with crazy plans evolving the convicts. In this book, Moose must figure out how to continue to make time to play baseball with his new friend Scout and please his mom by continuing to look after is sister Natalie. Everyone is counting on him to do a good job but can he do it when he still misses his old home in San Francisco. But can he do it or will he crash and burn?
Rank (0-5): 3
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: I think this book was a good novel. Some parts were a little strange but i think that overall, the book was good. My friend lent me this book and I read it in 3 days bacause the chapters are so short that you keep want to read more and more. I would recommend this book to anyone but I think they should keep and open mind while reading it.
By Samantha M. in grade 7

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: This book is about a boy named Philip. War comes to where he lives and he and his mother leave on a boat to safety. Sadly, the boat is destroyed by Germans. He ends up on an island with a man named Timothy and because of a head injury, Philip becomes blind. He learns to survive and become friends with Timothy. In the end, Timothy dies, Philip is rescued and brought home, Philip can see, and Philip learns to never judge people.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: The Cay is a great book. I would highly recommend it to teachers because it teaches a bit of history and there is a moral to the story. I like the description and how the author made me feel sad when Timothy died. Maybe it's just me, but I think the author could have taken a couple more compositional risks. All in all, The Cay is a great book.
By Lauren in grade 6

Witch Child by Celia Rees

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: Mary is a witch at the time of the Salem Witch Trials. She thought she was escaping prejudice in England, but it follows her across the sea.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: An amazing book. I got a complete rush at some of the parts. It's so cruel what people used to do and what the still do.
By Jessica in grade 9

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

Genre: historical fiction, horror
Book Summary: Gemma has to bind the magic to the temple. This task seems easy, but there are a few problems like an evil spirit who wants the magic for herself. Gemma must remember to trust no one inside and outside of the realms.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: This book is the perfect sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. It is amazing how Libba Bray gives so many clues in the book that are not portrayed until the end, but make perfect sense. This is a great read, and all should read.
By Elizabeth in grade 8

Haunted by Meg Cabot

Genre: Horror, Historical fiction
Book Summary: Being a 16 year old is hard enough unless you can speak to the dead, which makes life even harder. The good thing is that a ghost hottie lives in my room. I'm Susannah Simon and that's my life.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: This book is so interesting and keeps the book in your hands. It's suspenseful with a bit of drama. Things you expect will, won't happen in the way you thought. Meg Cabot has written many books, and this is one of her best.
By Elizabeth in grade 8

Ophelia by Lisa Klein

Genre: historical fiction
Book Summary: This is Ophelia's life story. It tells about herself and Hamlet before and after he came into her life.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: Bravo, Lisa Klein! This author puts a strong female role as the author of the story. It is her life not just Hamlet. A great first book. I couldn't put it down.
By Jessica in grade 6

Jahanara, Princess of Princesses by Kathryn Lasky

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: This book is about princess Jahanara who lived in India. It is her diary that she used to express her troubles to.
Rank (0-5): 3
Would you recommend this book to a friend? No
My review of this book: I liked the book, but I thought that it could have creatively engaged the reader a little bit more.
By Caitlin in grade 6

The Breadwinner by Arvella Whitmore

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: This book is about a girl named Susan Purkett who lives during the great depression. In the book she has to provide her family with enough money to stay alive.
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: This book was awesome because it really showed the hardship and sadness that ran loose during the Depression. It was so interesting that you could read it time and time again.
By Caitlin in grade 6

Elizabeth the I, Red Rose of the House of Tudor by Kathryn Lasky

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Summary: This book is about Queen Elizabeth the first when she was a young girl growing up in the House of Tudor
Rank (0-5): 5
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
My review of this book: I thought this book was very well written. I liked the way that they showed that there is much more to being a princess than most people think. I thought that hte author wrote it in a way that appealed to readers of all ages.
By Caitlin in grade 6