"Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations." Henry David Thoreau

The Witch of Blackbird Pond - by Elizabeth George Speare (FIC SPE)

An exhilarating, spirit-lifting story that tells the adventures of 16 year old Kit, who is trying to fit into her new surroundings in the strict, Puritan, New England Colonies. Kit has lived a life of luxury on the Caribbean Island of Barbados. When her grandfather dies and she goes to live with her Aunt Rachel in Massachusetts, Kit’s problems begin. Her everyday clothes are fancier than other people’s Sunday best, she doesn’t know how do chores as she always had servants and she swims (something only witches are supposed to know how to do). Worst of all, her uncle wants her to marry someone she can’t stand! Kit just wishes she could run away. She does run to Blackbird pond, just for some time alone, and there meets "the witch," a Quaker woman who is different from the other townspeople. Soon people begin to think Kit is a witch, too. But is the witch of Blackbird pond really a witch? Is Kit? To find out read this exciting, suspenseful book! --Reviewed by a seventh grader. (Colonial America)

Lyddie - by Katherine Paterson (FIC SPE)

When Lyddie’s home is attacked by a black bear, hermother sees it as a sign that the world is coming to an end. Her mother and younger sisters flee, but Lyddie and her brother stay on the farm. Determined to pay of their debts and save their homestead, Lyddie goes to Lowell, Massachusetts to work at a textile mill. While working at the mill she learns that it is a very dangerous occupation. When asked to sign a petition for better working conditions, Lyddie must choose whether to play it safe or to do what is right at the cost of loosing her job and therefore the farm. Find out what happens to Lyddie by reading this exciting story about a determined and resourceful young girl. - Reviewed by an eighth grader. (Industrial Revolution)

Sarah Bishop - by Scott O’Dell (FIC ODE)

Watching her home being burned to the ground by a Patriot mob, Sarah thinks that the worst thing possible has happened to her family. She doesn’t realize that soon she will be hiding from the British, be harassed for being a "witch", and have to face wild animals and Indians. Her father dies after being tarred and feathered and Sarah must try to find work.She discovers her brother is in jail, but when trying to go see him the British accuse her of burning down a church. Sarah has to flee for her life. She makes her home at an isolated pond in Connecticut. Although lonely, cold and hungry she must choose whether to stay there or go into town at the risk of her life. Find out what happens in this book filled with the courage and resourcefulness of this brave young girl. -- Reviewed by a seventh grader. (Revolutionary War)

All But My Life - by Gerda W. Klein (B KLE)

Living in her perfect home in Poland, Gerda, a Jewish girl never expects that anything could go wrong. Then the Nazis invade Poland and her world gets turned upside down. All to soon her family is sent to a crowded, disease-ridden ghetto. When she thought conditions couldn’t get worse, her family gets split up and sent to concentration camps. Before they got separated her father, fearing the worst, makes her wear her sturdy winter boots. After being sent to several work camps, Gerda is put on a death march. Most of the girls died on this march, but Gerda stayed strong. She credits her survival to her boots that allowed her to keep walking; those who stopped were shot. Although there are unimaginable hardships in this true story, there is also a heart-warming ending. -- Reviewed by an eighth grader. (Holocaust)

Girl of the Shining Mountains - by Peter and Connie Roop (FIC ROO)

Sacagawea, a young Native American girl was captured at age eleven by an enemy tribe. Won in a gambling game by a French trader, Sackajewea, now 16, is introduced to the explorers Lewis and Clark. They ask her to be their guide and interpreter on their "Journey of Discovery". Battling hardships along the way the expedition finally reaches the Shining Mountains. They had almost come to Sacajewea’s home! Ever since her capture she had believed her tribe lived in these mountains. She prayed she would be able to find The People and stay. Will Sacajawea be able to find her tribe and her home? Find out by reading this stirring adventure about our country’s western exploration. --Reviewed by a seventh grader. (Westward Expansion)

Park’s Quest - by Katherine Patterson (FIC PAT)

Parkington Waddell Broughton, son of a single mother, who lives in Washington, D.C., is on a quest. His quest is much like that of the bold Knights in the fantasies he reads. Park wants to find his father, or at least something about the man he has never seen, since his father died in Vietnam. Getting no information from his mother, Park decides to visit the Vietnam Wall in search of his father’s name and also to confirm that he even existed. Park then learns that he has relatives on his father’s side and is eager to meet his grandfather, but he is also concerned. After all, he must travel to a new place and meet new people who have never acknowledged his existence. Will Park’s family accept him and like him? Will Park actually meet his grandfather with whom he shares a name? Find out when you read this spirit-lifting story of courage, hope and determination. Reviewed by an eighth grader. (Vietnam War)