Historical Fiction

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: 

Number the Stars tells the story of ten year old Annemarie Johansen's exeriences in Denmark in 1943.  Annemarie's family helps protect her best friend, Ellen Rosen, who is Jewish.  Annemarie, while so young, has to be brave for her friend who is scared and separated from her parents.  Annemarie's mother takes Annemarie, Ellen, and Annemarie's young sister, Kirsti, to her brothers home near the beach.  It is there that Ellen is reunited with her parents and brought to the safety of Sweden.  This historical fiction novel can be used to help draw a connection for young children who may struggle to understand what the world was like for a child during that time.  It is a beautiful story of friendship and standing up for what you believe is right. 

                                  The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles: 

The Story of Ruby Bridges is a historical fiction picture book that I read to my kindergarten class during black history month.  I chose to read this book to my children because they can relate to Ruby Bridges.  Ruby Bridges is one of four black children that were ordered to attend two different white schools in 1960.  She is in first grade and is the only one sent to William Frantz Elementary School.  Federal Marshals escort her inside of the school to protect her from the protesters.  She is the only one in her class because no other parents would send their white children to school with Ruby.  Ruby is so brave that every morning she stops and prays for the crowds protesting.  She prays that God forgives them for what they are doing.  There is a quote by Ruby's mother at the beginning of the book that says: "Our Ruby taught us all a lot. She became someone who helped change our country.  She was part of history, just like generals and presidents are part of history.  They're leaders, and so was Ruby.  She led us away from hate, and led us nearer to knowing each other, the white folks and the black folks. "  When reading this book to my class, I read this quote and told my students that they can be brave just like Ruby and stand up for what they believe in.  The illustrations are by George Ford.  He uses watercolor paints to display the emotions on the faces of all the characters in the book and gives readers a glimpse into what life was really like for Ruby.