Hugs and Shrieks (aka, historical fiction)

Recently a student asked me for some historical fiction/non-fiction book combinations. Sweetie, your request was right up my alley. (Really, I just about grabbed you in a crazed hug and shrieked with joy.) 

At the bottom of this post, I'll list the FIRST of these combinations. For now, read a little about an author I admire: DEBORAH WILES. She rocks my library world and rocks it hard.

Ever since I read Each Little Bird That Sings, I've been a fan of Deborah Wiles. Perhaps it's her southern voice? Maybe it's the humor? I'm not sure it matters--her characters and tight plots draw me in and keep me recommending her books for years.

Last year I read Countdown. Um, A-MAZ-ING. This genre is called "documentary fiction" and readers experience history as they read the story of Franny Chapman. Check out her Pinterest board for both Countdown and the upcoming sequel. Yeah, I'm salivating. I love me some history AND fiction!

Countdown Book Trailer

Countdown Ideas

Historical Fiction/Non-Fiction Combo Numero Uno:

Cold War

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Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin 

Check out Yelchin's website for great explanations of socialism and Stalin. This site is so complete and completely written for young people. 

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The Wall by Peter Sis

This book is a graphic memoir of Sis' childhood behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia. Wowsa. It's lovely. Here's a great site for the book from Macmillan. (Super YouTube videos--I had to stop myself from putting them here or you might never get to the actual books!)