I think the House of Dies Drear is a fantastic book because you keep thinking read on read on and sometimes it leaves you cliff hanging and you feel like your eye balls are going to pop out of your head!!!
Kate, Hale (Minnesota) Grade 4

The House of Dies Drear was very nice because it was scary and exciting.
Ayisha, Kuny (Indiana) Grade 5

This book was about a family heading west through Indian country. It was exciting, thrilling, and at some points even sad. There were also many animals such as horses and wolves. I would recommend this book because it has good qualities and a talented author.
Amanda, Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5

This is a very exciting book. No one has ever seen Hugh, the ghost. Hugh, a soldier in the Civil War, hid his watch in fear that the Yankees would steal it. Each year the war appears in ghost form. Hugh wants Benjy to find his watch and restore his family honor. If Benjy doesn't, Hugh will be stuck forever at the old battlefield.
Hadar, Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5

Benjy Stark has to spend his spring vacation with his grandmother in Virginia against his will. The last thing he expects to do is make friends with a ghost. Cadet William Hugh McDowell was killed in a Civil War battle over a century ago. He hid his watch before he died and now he can't find it. Hugh wants Benjy to help him get his watch back.
Max, Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5

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Meet Molly is about a girl named Molly Macintire whose dad is in World War II taking care of the wounded soldiers. I liked this book because it tells you a good reason not to fight. This book has a lot of historical pictures. I would recommend this book for people who like to learn about history.
Christina, Sabal Point Elementary School (Florida) Grade 5

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This was a wonderful book about a runaway slave girl fighting for her freedom. Addy goes to school in Philadelphia and is still treated like she was back on the plantation. I enjoyed the book, especially the end! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Katelyn, Sabal Point Elementary (Florida) Grade 5

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This book tells the real hardships of the families on the oregon trail. It tells the story of death, fear & happy times. By far it's one of the best books I've ever read. You'll cry, you'll smile! If you want to read for pleasure, read this book.
Samantha, Indian Trails Middle (Florida) Grade 8

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This is an exciting story of a girl named Remember Patience Whipple. In the year 1620, she sails to the new world, far, far away from England. Her mother gives her a diary and she writes in it. She meet Native Americans, and drinks the freshest of spring waters. Her story is filled with adventure, laughter and sadness.
Jessica, Carillon Elementary (Florida) Grade 4

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This is a wonderful book about a little girl accepting her father's female friend after her mother's death. This book is for anyone who has had a parent pass away or anyone who just wants to read a good book.
Samantha, Indian Trails Middle (Florida) Grade 8

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This is a great & exciting book about Addy Walker, a 9 year old girl. She & her mother escape slavery after her father & brother get sold. She has to leave her baby sister back at the plantation. To find out what happens to Addy, read this book.
Jennifer, Cornerstone Homeschoolers (Florida) Grade 5

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I really liked reading Johnny Tremain because it was about a young boy my age & I can relate to him. He wanted to reach his goal of being a silversmith. He had to learn to keep going when bad things happened to him. Why would Johnny think it was so bad to have a crippled hand?
Terica, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 8

I really enjoyed this book.  It gave me a good oversight of what it was like some 200 years ago down in Boston.  Johnny was an outstanding character.
Jeffrey, Wescott Junior High Grade 8

The President's Daughter by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The President's Daughter is about a girl named Ethel.  Her dad was a cowboy.  Then, President McKinley died of the Spanish-American War.  Now, Ethel's father was President Theodore Roosevelt.  Her whole family lived in the White House.  Then, Ethel had to go to boarding school.  Every weekend she gets to visit her family.  At school, girls were bullying her.  One day, Sister told Ethel that she found a secret.  Ethel didn't know.  Finally, she found it.
 

Will Ethel be used to her school?  What is the secret?  To find out, read this fantastic novel.  My favorite part is when she met Sister because she missed her in Connecticut.  I like this book because it was like a pioneer story. 
Chethani, Woodlands Elementary (Florida) Grade 4

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This is a book about the Boston Massacre in 1770. Rachel Marsh, an indentured servent to the Adamses, befriends a British soldier named Matthew Kilroy. Rachel is looking for a friend in Matthew but he is in love with her & this affects their friendship. After Matthew is accused of manslaughter during the massacre he is sent back to England. Rachel realizes that she has found 'a place' in society. This book is my favorite of all time and I'm not just saying that. I would recommend it to children age 12+. I wish a sequel could be written.
Kristen, Rose Hill Junior High (Washington) Grade 7

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I think this book is great. It appeals to people of all ages. It has great descriptive details of the battles & times of the Civil War. Details of all the events were easy to understand & were very interesting to read. The book was hard to put down once you started reading it. It has no bad language in it. It tells of all kinds of emotions - happiness, sadness, joy, hope, despair & hate. I just think that this is a great book & I encourage all who can to read it.
Mark, Amanda Clearcreek High School (Ohio) Grade 9
 

Worth by A. LaFaye

The setting of the story, Worth, is in Nebraska.  Nathaniel broke his leg off in an accident during a storm.  He couldn't help around with his parents.  So, his dad brought home an orphan boy.  His name was John Worth.  Nathaniel felt worse, and was jealous that John got the attention of his dad.  But then, John and Nathaniel became friends by reading together.  They also saw fence cutters and warned others.  Nathaniel hoped that John wouldn't go away. 

My favorite part is when Nathaniel and John became friends.  I like this book because it was a pioneer story.
Chethani, Woodlands Elementary (Florida) Grade 4

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I loved this book! Ann Rinaldi writes the best historical fiction. I had always thought of the Salem witch trials as neat but this book gave them a whole new meaning. It is the story of 14 year old Susanna English, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, living in Salem in 1792. She tells the story of how her father & mother were accused as witches. I have read this book about 7 times and I'm not done yet!
Kerrie, Oswayo Valley High (Pennsylvania) Grade 12

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I personally think that this is a wonderful, inspiring book. It is about a girl who is captured by Indians & is separated from her brother who is captured with her. At first she believes the Indians to be wild savages, but she soon sees that they are just like her & her people - just with different skin colors & customs. But when her people attack the Indians, she is furious for she has bonded with them over the months there. If you want to know how it ends, read the book.
Victoria, South Seminole Middle (Florida) Grade 7.

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This is a suspenseful novel that touches your heart and even makes you cry.  When Annemarie Johansen wants nothing more than to be with her best friend Ellen Rosen the Nazi's invade Denmark.  Since Ellen is a Jew the Nazi's attempt to take her and her family away.  Annemarie finds herself saving many people lives because "it is easier to be brave if you don't know everything" says Uncle Henrik.  I read this book weeks ago and I still remember this beautiful, creative line.  This is the best book you will ever read.  This book makes you interested and pulls you in and now you want to do more and more research on the Nazi's invading Denmark.  A similar novel is I Am David.  The movie will make you cry, I warn you, it is very touching.
Dora, Lake View Middle School (Michigan) Grade 7

I loved the book & cried at the end. The main characters were Cassie, Little Man, T. J., Stacey, Mr. Morrison, The Wallaces, The Berrys, Christopher-John, Mama, Big Ma & Papa. It's about how black & white people did not get along & also what would happen if a black person did something wrong. At the end someone is accused of killing someone else. Does the accused one live or die?
Jessica, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was very interesting & funny. The main characters are Cassie, T. J., Big Ma, Christopher-John, Little-Man, Papa & Mama. This book is about racism & involves hatred between black & white. What will happen after Cassie & her brother dig a hole in the dirt road?
Anquinette, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7
 

I loved reading this book because it tells you of a girl's life during the Civil War. The main character is Emma Simpson. She lived right by the field where the Civil War happened. Emma wanted to be in the war, but would the war allow women?
Sophia, Jackson Heights Middle (Florida) Grade 7

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The main characters are Ellike & her Mom who are Jewish. It is about all Jewish people going through the Holocaust & suffering. It is up to Hitler if he is going to set them free, but he did not.
Nicole, Lawton Chiles Middle (Florida) Grade 7

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I think that any girl would like this book.
Shayna, Sterling Park Elementary (Florida) Grade 3

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This book is about an orphan boy who is taken in by a Quaker family. I read it for historical fiction. While he is living with this family he has to help look for some runaway indentured servants from England. He then learns that the slaves are his own age & he must help set them free. He gives up his prized possessions to help the young slaves. He also learns that the man that has taken him in is an honest & to be respected man. It is set in 1767 in Colonial America. I think it was exciting & adventurous. It is very scary at times.
Blake, St. Margaret Mary (Florida) Grade 4

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This is a great book and I highly recommend it. It tells the tale of a 14 year old girl who happens to be the youngest of her sisters Olga, Tatinia & brother Alexei. As you may have guessed her father is the Tsar of Russia. Germany declares war on them. They do many things to make the best of this time but they long for the summer palace that overlooks the sea. (The cartoon movie is much different than the book.) Anastasia takes you through her happy times, which includes getting her spaniel, Jimmy, and sad times, which could be her father giving up the throne and - oops, I'd better not say anymore. Read the amazing book of Anastasia & when you're through with the book itself be sure to take a peek in the back where there are amazingly rare and interesting facts. Read this book and you won't forget it.
Kitty, Rock Lake Middle School (Florida) Grade 6

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This novel gave a point of view from many different people that were involved in the war. It included information about how they helped in the war, how they changed during the war & the differences from many different characters. This is a much different book from any I've read before because it had 16 different characters. The author mixes these character stories in a way that is hard to understand. The book helped me to discover the differences of the people that had the same problems in the book. You have to read it to find out how each character finds a way to solve their problem.
Jared, Highlands Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
 

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This is a good book for kids who like to read about people's lives. This book is about a kid that works at a train station.
Stephen, Keeth Elementary (Florida) Grade 5
 

"Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt" by Jean Fritz is a wonderful book. It tells about all his fascinating adventures. The book starts with his childhood, follows him through college, and through his political life. Jean Fritz includes all of his important accomplishments as well as the little things he did. I give this book two thumbs up.
Tim, Jackson Junior High (West Virginia) Grade 7
 

"A Boy At War" by Harry Mazer is about a boy named Adam and his life living like he was in the military. Japanese Bombers destroyed Pearl Harbor in this book. When Adam's father died, Adam felt alone and afraid. I think you should read this book because it keeps you glued to your seat. When you read this book you start to think what happened when the Japanese Bombers bombed Pearl Harbor.
Chaz, Jackson Junior High (West Virginia) Grade 7
 

I read "Remembrance" by Theresa Breslin for my novel project and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This story took place during World War II and is a real tearjerker at times, but that's what makes it such an appealing book. There are also a lot of other elements to the story so it's hard to place it in a specific genre. This versatility offers a little bit for everyone. Plus, you learn a lot about the war in this book, which makes it educational as well. But, even if you're just looking for a good read, I'd definitely recommend "Remembrance" to you.
Samantha, Jackson Junior High (West Virginia) Grade 7

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"My Heart is on the Ground: The Diary of Nannie Little Rose" is a really great book. As Nannie tells of her experiences learning the white people's culture you feel as if you're there with her. You feel every emotion that she feels as she takes on each obstacle every day brings.
This story is a good way to understand what the Indians or anyone has to go through to learn another set of customs and be forced to forget her own. As every triumphant and tragic event happens to Nannie, you feel as if it happened to you. I would definitely recommend this dramatic book to anyone.
Kelsey, Jackson Junior High (West Virginia) Grade 7

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"Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers is a great book about history. This book is about five soldiers in the middle of the Vietnam War. The only problem I have with this book is the use of military terms. Many of these terms are never explained. Despite this problem, this is a great book and should be read.
Chris, Jackson Junior High (West Virginia) Grade 7

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"Soon Be Free" by Lois Ruby is a great book. Once you pick it up you basically can't put it down. It goes back and forth between the 1800's to the present. It tells of a young Quaker boy, struggling to help four black slaves to freedom. Then it goes back to a present day family who are living in a house that they turned into a bed and breakfast that was once a stop along the Underground Railroad. Some nasty guests are snooping around the house for a document that takes them back to the past. Will the girl, Dana, find it before the guests do? I implore you to pick up this book and find out. I absolutely loved it, and I promise you will too.
W. W., Jackson Junior High (West Virginia) Grade 7
 

Fighting Ground by Avi

This book is about a boy that wants to fight in the Revolutionary War.  Three Hessians then capture him and he has to figure out how to escape. 

I like this book because it is adventurous and you wonder what is going to happen next.
Daniel, Grade 5
 

Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse

A House of Tailors by Patricia Reilly Giff

A House of Tailors is about a young girl named Dina who is fourteen years old.  Her uncle sent a letter to her sister, Katherina saying that she can come to America.  Dina was very sad, but she went instead of Katherina.  Everyone missed Dina so much.  Dina went by boat from Germany to America.  Her uncle wasn't very nice.  But, Barbara was very nice.  Dina's family wrote letters to her.  Dina also sewed.  Later, the uncle said Dina was going home.

My favorite part of this book is when Katherina was coming to America because she hadn't seen Dina in a long time.  I like this book because it talks about Dina living through hardships with her uncle.
Chethani, Woodlands Elementary (Florida) Grade 4

Cabin on Trouble Creek by Jean Van Leeuwen

Cabin on Trouble Creek is about two boys named Daniel and Will.  They live with their Pa.  Their Ma and siblings live in Pennsylvania because there is no cabin to live in.  Pa and the boys start to build a cabin.  Then Pa left the boys to build the cabin while he brings Ma and their siblings home.  The boys work diligently and intently.  Daniel and Will ate rabbit stew, deer and fish.  They met an American Indian named Solomon.  Solomon gives the two boys moccasins.  Daniel and Will keep exerting themselves building the cabin.  Then they become fretful.  Ma, Pa and their siblings are not still not coming.

My preferred part is when they made spears to defend themselves.  I would like to say, "Read this book and determine why their parents and siblings weren't coming."  I like this book because it is a pioneer story.
Chethani, Woodlands Elementary (Florida) Grade 4
 

Silent Wings Savage Death by Dr. Alfred J. Nigl

Silent Wings Savage Death is basically a two part book.  The first part of the book is primarily about the history of the combat glider.  Combat gliders were only used for a very short time period according to the authors.  Once the helicopter was perfected the glider became obsolete.
 

The second part of the book is a day to day journal of the 319th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, which saw action during WWII in most of the ETO, or European Theater of Operation.  I would have liked to have seen more personal recollections by former members of the 319th GFAB, but the day to day journal offers a lot of insight into the behind the scenes operation of an artillery battalion. 

If you like history especially WWII history, then this is a good book to read.  I highly recommend it.
Shawn, Winneconne High (Wisconsin) Grade 10

The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins by Walter Dean Myers

This book is one of the many titles belonging to the "My Name is America" journal series.  The book is about a young man named Scott Collins who hails from Roanoke, Virginia, where up until the war he led a pretty normal life, just enjoying his childhood.  After he was drafted, he went to basic training and was sent to England where they stay until more orders were given to them.  Scott wound up right in the middle of Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, France during WWII.  The story starts with Scott on a landing craft motoring up to Omaha Beach.  They encounter heavy fire from German machine gun bunkers that were built on the hills above the beaches.  Scott makes it to the beach head and the unit that he winds up with makes it to the top of the hill and defeats all of the German opposition.  The total losses at Omaha Beach were around 2500 dead and many more wounded.  Scott spends the rest of the story working his way through the French countryside, pushing the Germans further and further back into the territory that they had taken over.  During this time, Scott worries about his friends who he has lost track of since the beginning of the invasion, his family back in Roanoke and himself.  The fear and the worrying and the experiences that Scott has had in the war change him greatly, so much that he does not really know who he is anymore.  In the end, Scott gets a ticket home, though I will not reveal why.

I would recommend this book to middle school students.  It was a very easy read for me and most older students and adults will find that the story doesn't have enough detail to get a satisfying read.  None the less, I enjoyed the book and it served me well for an English project that I had to do.
Sean, WMRH (New Hampshire) Grade 11

Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

Sign of the Beaver is based on the late 1700's and is about a young boy named Matthew whose family is moving from Massachusetts to Maine.  He and his dad are going to Maine to build a cabin and ready their home before the father goes to pick up the mother, little sister and newborn baby.  Matthew's father has to leave him at their new cabin.  While his father goes to pick up the family, Matthew has LOTS of adventures, such as meeting Indians, fighting grizzly bears, and other exciting adventures.

I REALLY enjoyed the book.  I recommend it to anyone.
Eliana, Lakeview Academy (Washington) Grade 4

The Sacrifice by Kathleen Benner Duble

The Sacrifice is a historical novel about the Salem witch trials of 1692.  Abigail, 10, and her sister, Dorothy, along with their Aunt Lizzy are accused when two girls from Salem are brought to their town, Andover, to identify witches.  Abigail courageously speaks against the evil of these false accusations in order to end the fear and lies.  Have a box of tissue ready; this is must read!
Bear, Teague Middle School (Florida) Grade 6