Projekt 1065: A Novel of World War II

Projekt 1065: A Novel of World War II

by Alan Gratz

For students who enjoyed Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz this book is sure to be enjoyed.  The story is about a young boy named Michael who is part of the Hitler Youth, however he is actually a spy, along with his parents.  Michael learns of a secret Nazi mission called Projekt 1065.  Michael believes that he must learn more about Projekt 1065 in order to help the war.  This is a fast based, intense book that is sure to keep the interest of students.

Moo

Moo by Sharon Creech

I found Moo to be a funny, light book about a family moving from an urban area to a rural area. Reena is expecting her move to Maine to bring her days lounging on the beach, but she ends up being volunteered by her parents to help their neighbor.  The book written in prose tell a tale of moving and finding out what others can bring to our lives.

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.

Outrun the Moon

Outrun the Moon
By Stacey Lee

     Outrun the Moon takes place in 1908 in San Francisco.  Mercy Wong is determined to break free from the cycle of poverty her family seems destined to. Mercy is strong-willed young girl who works her way to getting a scholarship into St. Clare's School for Girls in the hopes that becoming educated will allow her to make a better life for her family, especially her younger brother.  But, after a horrific earthquake hits the San Francisco area, Mercy has to deal with suffering and pain, and figure out what she wants to do with her life.  Outrun the Moon is an excellent historical fiction book for students interested in learning about a time period many are most likely unfamiliar with.

The Red Queen

The Red Queen

By Victoria Aveyard

     In this dystopian book the world is divided by blood, the red or silver.  The red bloods are commoners ruled by the silvers who have superpowers over them. Mare Barrow is a red who is a commoner and finds herself working in the Silver Palace. While working there she discovers that she has a power that threatens to destroy the balance of power.  The Red Queen has similarities to other books taking place in an alternate society. So, if you like The Hunger Games, The Selection, or Divergent you most likely will enjoy Red Queen.