Historical Fiction

Curtis, Christopher Paul. (2007). Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press.

Summary:
Christopher Paul Curtis transports readers back to Buxton, Canada – a safe haven for runaway slaves during the late 1800s – through an eleven year old boy named Elijah. The first free child born in Buxton, Elijah is known for vomiting all over Frederick Douglas. Elijah takes a journey into the United States, where slavery is still prominent. Christopher Paul Curtis’s use of descriptive words helps readers become one with the book; readers will feel as though they are with Elijah on his journey. Book includes an author’s note that provides background information about Buxton.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): 3rd – 6th
Awards:
2008 Newbery Award Honor Book
2008 ALA Notable/Best Book
2008 Coretta Scott King Award Winner – Author
2008 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winner

Peck, Richard. (2001). Fair weather. New York: Dial Books.

Summary:
Richard Peck transports readers back to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in the book Fair Weather. Thirteen year old Rosie Beckett and her family live on a small farm in Illinois and had never been farther than Decatur, but now they have been invited to Chicago. Traveling with their granddad, Lottie, Rosie, and Buster take the train to Chicago. The story follows their experiences at the World’s Columbian Exposition where they met people like Buffalo Bill and Lillian Russell, ride the first ferris wheel, and eat food they have never heard of before (i.e. hamburgers). Spending a week at the Exposition changed Rosie – she not only grew up a little, she realized there is more to the world than what was on her family’s small farm and what she experienced at the Exposition.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): 5th – 8th
Awards:
2002 ALA Notable/Best Book
2003-2004 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee