Annotated Bibliography
Adler, David A. Heroes of the Revolution. Holiday House, 2003.
David Adler’s historical nonfiction story for children, Heroes of the Revolution, analyses the revolution in America and the courageous individuals involved in it. The book includes the histories of prominent individuals such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson (Adler). Due to the writer’s clear and engaging writing, the text is a great resource for youngsters interested in the founding of America and the individuals who helped make it successful. Throughout each hero’s unique tale, the narrative demonstrates their heroism, persistence, and challenges in the fight for liberty. Heroes of the Revolution introduces youngsters to the characters and incidents of the American Revolutionary War via an approachable narrative and striking illustrations.
DuMont, Brianna. Weird but True! Know-It-All: U. S. Presidents. National Geographic Society, 2017.
Brianna Dumont’s fascinating. Weird but True! Know-It-All: U. S. Presidents novel provides a unique and entertaining look into the lives and legacies of America’s presidents. Readers learn odd and intriguing details about each president in this book, including everything from their favorite foods to their most unusual hobbies. The book describes everything, from the first president’s wooden teeth to the president who kept an alligator as a companion. (DuMont). Due to Dumont’s engaging and entertaining writing style, the book is perfect for young readers who want to learn more about history enjoyably and engagingly with vibrant illustrations and much information.
Newton, Vanessa. Let freedom sing. Blue Apple Books, 2009.
This book discusses African Americans’ fight for civil rights in America(Newton). Let. The book introduces children to the pivotal events and personalities of the civil rights movement, including Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and the March on Washington, through striking instances, colorful artwork, and straightforward yet effective language. The book strongly emphasizes the value of nonviolent protest and the ability of music to unite people. Let freedom sing is a stirring and motivational ode to the courage and tenacity of those who stood up for fairness and equity in America.
Strong, Jeremy. Romans On the Rampage. Puffin, 2015.
The book is about a Roman boy named Perilus who is passionate about chariot racing. Despite lacking the resources to participate in the sport, he practices in a homemade chariot pulled by a family goat(Strong). Perilus looks up to a skilled charioteer named Scorcha, but when Scorcha goes missing on the day of a major race, Perilus gets a chance to take his place. The story follows Perilus as he fulfills his dream of riding in the Circus Maximus but also faces challenges and unexpected twists.
Thompson, Kate. Wanted! Penguin Random House, 2010.
Wanted! by Kate Thompson is a historical fiction novel set in Ancient Rome, following the story of a young baker named Marcus. Marcus receives a prized horse named Incitatus from a dying slave boy, not realizing the danger that comes with it (Thompson). The horse belonged to Emperor Littleboots, a notorious ruler who would stop at nothing to protect his prized animal. As Marcus tries to keep the horse safe, he must navigate the dangerous political landscape of Ancient Rome and avoid the Emperor’s wrath.
Sutcliff, Rosemary. Eagle of Ninth. Oxford University Press, 2007.
The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff is a historical fiction novel that takes place around 117 AD, telling the story of the disappearance of the Ninth Legion, stationed in Eburacum, as they march north to suppress a rebellion of the Caledonian tribes(Sutcliff). In the 1860s, a Roman Eagle is discovered, prompting a young Roman officer named Marcus Aquila to embark on a dangerous quest to discover what happened to the lost legion and its honor. Along the way, he befriends his slave, Esca, and the two men form a bond that transcends the divide between conqueror and conquered.
Scarrow, Alex. TimeRiders. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2011.
TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow is a science fiction novel that follows three teenagers – Liam, Maddy, and Sal – who have all been given a second chance at life to work for an agency that prevents time travel from destroying history(Scarrow). The novel centers around Project Exodus, which has gone wrong, transporting 300 Americans from 2070 to 54 AD to overthrow the Roman Empire. When half of them arrive in the wrong period, the TimeRiders get trapped in the Roman past. Armed with the knowledge of the future, they must find a way to restore history and return it to their period.
Twain, Mark. Prince & the Pauper. Bantam Classics, 1983.
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain tell the story of two boys, Tom Canty and Edward Tudor, who look identical but come from different backgrounds. Tom is a poor pauper, while Edward is the prince and heir to the English throne(Twain). Fate intervenes, and their identities become confused, leading to the prince being thrown out of the palace in rags while Tom is mistaken for a royal prince. The novel follows their adventures as they try to reclaim their rightful places, encountering many challenges.
Genres of Children’s Literature
Anderson, John David. Ms. Bixby’s Last Day. Turtleback, 2017.
Bixby’s Last Day is a contemporary fiction book for children by John David Anderson. The story follows three sixth-grade best friends – Topher, Steve, and Brand, who learn that their beloved teacher, Ms. Bixby, has pancreatic cancer and will not return to school. The boys decide to make her last day as a teacher unforgettable(Anderson). They procure her favorite things through misadventures – a cheesecake, McDonald’s fries, a copy of The Hobbit, and Jack Daniels whiskey. They visit her at the hospital, share her favorite food and drink, and spend time together. The novel highlights the importance of cherishing moments and the impact a teacher can have on a student’s life.
Magaziner, Lauren. Case Closed #1: Mystery in the Mansion. HarperCollins Publishers, 2018.
Case Closed #1: Mystery in the Mansion is a mystery book that allows the reader to become part of the story, helping Carlos Serrano and his friends solve their first investigation. Carlos’s mom gets sick, putting their detective agency at risk of closing down(Magaziner). A millionaire in town has been receiving death threats, and someone seems to be after a buried fortune. The investigation contains tricky riddles, cagey suspects, hidden secrets, and impossible choices, making it a puzzle-filled adventure. The reader can choose which suspects to interview, what questions to ask, and which clues to follow in this hilarious and interactive book.
Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer. HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.
One Crazy Summer is a historical fiction book set in 1968. It tells the story of three sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, who travel from New York to Oakland, California, to spend a month with their estranged mother, Cecile Johnson. The girls are taken aback when asked to buy takeout for dinner and then are “taken” to the People’s Center, a community center where the Black Panthers serve breakfast, provide childcare, and teach children the tenets of the Black Panthers(Williams). As the story unfolds, the girls face racism, police brutality, and political activism while learning about their mother’s past and the importance of family. The book ends with the girls hugging their mother before leaving for home.
Kelly, Erin Entrada. Lalani of the Distant Sea. HarperCollins Publishers, 2019.
This is a fantasy book about Lalani Sarita, a young girl living on the fictional island of Sanlagita People dream of sailing to paradise on Mount Isa, but sailors never return. When a strange creature on Mount Kahna grants Lalani a wish, she discovers magic comes with a price. After her mother falls ill, the villagers turn on her, and she runs away, searching for Isa to find the flower that might save everyone. Lalani must navigate dangerous creatures and plants to create her path and overcome challenges.
Peterfreund, Diana. Omega City. Balzer & Bray/Harperteen, 2017.
Omega City by Diana Peterfreund is a science fiction novel that follows 12-year-old Gillian Seagret as she tries to redeem her father’s reputation by uncovering the work of the mysterious Cold War scientist Dr. Aloysius Underberg (Peterfreund). Along with her brother, best friend, classmate, and older brother, Gillian embarks on a dangerous journey leading them to a vast underground bunker, where they encounter gun-toting enemies and malfunctioning old technology. The book is an edge-of-your-seat adventure that pairs consistent action with a smartly crafted treasure hunt, with enough space-themed elements to appeal to science fiction fans.
Paul Revere’s Ride. Capstone Press, 2007.
Paul Revere’s Ride is a historical account of the eponymous character’s famous journey to warn the townspeople of the incoming British soldiers during the American Revolution. The book describes Revere’s meticulous planning with his fellow soldiers and then follows his ride, detailing the encounter between British and American soldiers. The book is written in a poem style with a structured rhyme scheme to offer an engaging and memorable retelling of the events leading up to the American Revolution’s Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Gibson, Jessica, et al. Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina. HarperCollins Publishers, 2020.
In the children’s book Ready to Fly, Sylvia Townsend shares her remarkable tale of overcoming racism to realize her ambition of pursuing a career as a ballerina. Ultimately, Sylvia realized her appreciation of reading and became a librarian afterward. Later, Sylvia merged her passions for reading and dancing by performing dance and distributing textbooks to kids in poor regions, such as the Bookmobile Ballet. The tale emphasizes Sylvia’s perseverance to achieve her goals and benefit her neighborhood.
Gibbs, Stuart. Last Musketeer. HarperCollins Publishers Limited, 2011.
Last Musketeer is a historical fiction adventure novel set in 17th-century Paris. The story follows Greg Rich, who is transported back in time with his parents due to a magical crystal in their possession. When his parents are imprisoned and sentenced to death, Greg enlists the help of the Three Musketeers: Aramis, Porthos, and Athos, to rescue them. The boys navigate through medieval Paris, facing battles, swordfights, and historical facts about the city. Author Stuart Gibbs blends fact and fiction, creating a thrilling and atmospheric tale full of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Work Cited
Adler, David A. Heroes of the Revolution. Holiday House, 2003.
Anderson, John David. Ms. Bixby’s Last Day. Turtleback, 2017.
DuMont, Brianna. Weird but True! Know-It-All: U. S. Presidents. National Geographic Society, 2017.
Geoffrey, Trease. Cue for Treason. Penguin Books, Limited, 2002.
Gibbs, Stuart. Last Musketeer. HarperCollins Publishers Limited, 2011.
Gibson, Jessica, et al. Ready to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina. HarperCollins Publishers, 2020.
Kelly, Erin Entrada. Lalani of the Distant Sea. HarperCollins Publishers, 2019.
Magaziner, Lauren. Case Closed #1: Mystery in the Mansion. HarperCollins Publishers, 2018.
Newton, Vanessa. Let freedom sing. Blue Apple Books, 2009.
Paul Revere’s Ride. Capstone Press, 2007.
Peterfreund, Diana. Omega City. Balzer & Bray/Harperteen, 2017.
Scarrow, Alex. TimeRiders. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2011.
Strong, Jeremy. Romans On the Rampage. Puffin, 2015.
Sutcliff, Rosemary. Eagle of Ninth. Oxford University Press, 2007.
Thompson, Kate. Wanted! Penguin Random House, 2010.
Twain, Mark. Prince & the Pauper. Bantam Classics, 1983.
Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer. HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.
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