Salt to the Sea

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys writes yet again another historical fiction novel on a topic widely unknown.
Salt to the Sea focuses on the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff ship during WWII.  The numbers of  life lost on this ship total more than 9,400 and a large portion of them were children and teeenagers.  The novel is told through the eyes of four young characters who are trying to escape as Russian soldiers push Nazi's forces back.  Throughout the book the reader will learn about each character and the challenges that people faces during WWII.  The ending will leave readers with a piece of history they may never have found out about and they will want to discuss it with other who have read the book. 

The Siren

The Siren by Kiera Cass

The Siren, written by the author of The Selection series is bound to be enjoyed by many.  The novel is about young Kahlen who is rescued from drowning by the Ocean, but in return she must serve 100 years as a siren.  Being a siren means she must lure humans to death at sea.  Kahlen abhors what she must do, but finds some peace with the other siren sisters.  Siren's can't speak, age, or marry so when Kahlen falls for a human, she has to decide how much she's willing to risk.  If you have read other Kiera Cass novels and enjoyed them, you'll enjoy this one as well.

Ashes

Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson

The third and last book in the Seeds of America Trilogy.  I have waited three years for this last book to be completed and it was worth the wait.  Isabel and Curzon are on the run hoping to find Isabel's sister Ruth.  Once Ruth is found Isabel wants to find freedom for her sister and herself, however she doesn't even know if her sister is still alive.  The journey that Isabel goes through to find her sister is dangerous and bounty hunters are out to capture slaves and the war is raging.  The perseverance of humans and the love of family is described in amazing detail.  This series is one that you will not only learn a great deal of history from, but you'll fall in love with the characters too.