 | Scott O'Dell (Paperback) Genre: Fiction - Historical Fiction; Book Theme: Native American "Sing Down the Moon" by Scott O'Dell is a historical fiction about Navajo Indians in the 1860's. Main character Bright Morning is a brave American Indian girl. She escapes from slavery after being captured by Spaniards. Then she is forced to move to Fort Sumner in a long march known as the Long Walk. She eventually flees for freedom. "Sing Down the Moon", an engaging Newbery honor book, appeals to children in 4th grade and up. |
 | Alice Dalgliesh, Helen Sewell (Paperback) Genres: Fiction - Picture Story Books, Historical Fiction; Book Themes: Pilgrims and Indians, Thanksgiving Stories The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh and Helen Sewell is a Caldecott Honor award-winning picture story book about the journey on the Mayflower, the settlement on the Plymouth Colony, and the Thanksgiving feast. This historical fiction book is written from the point of view of one pilgrim family. Giles, Constance and Damaris Hopkins board the ship Mayflower with their parents. The Mayflower becomes very crowded when the other ship Speedwell goes back to England. On the voyage, a baby is born to the Hopkins family and is named Oceanus. The pilgrims endure a harsh winter in Plymouth. When spring comes, the settlers plant crops. Two Indians, Samoset and Squanto, come to visit and help. The Indian chief, Massasoit, promises to be friendly. The story ends with the joyous Thanksgiving celebration. Alice Dalgliesh's texts are detailed and enjoyable. The Thanksgiving Story is a good book for children in kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade. |
 | Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Paperback) Genre: Fiction - Historical Fiction; Book Themes: Family, Frontier and Pioneer Life "Little House on the Prairie" is a classic children's book about pioneer life on the wide-open Kansas prairie. Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family are faced with everything from malaria to prairie fire. Laura's vivid descriptions bring to life what the pioneers had to go through many years ago. "Little House on the Prairie", an ALA Notable Children's Books award-winning book, is one of the favorite chapter books for children in the genre of historic fiction. Kids in grade 3 and up will enjoy this charming story. |
