Wednesday, July 6, 2011

If You Liked...

Historical fiction is often overlooked, especially in today’s paranormal and dystopian world. But in my opinion it is one of the best genres., with all the rich world building and detailed settings, not to mention all the juicy history. Unfortunately, I haven’t read much YA historical fiction recently since I’m trying to read mainly in the genre I write, which is realistic contemporary. For those of you looking for a nineteenth or twentieth century read, look no further. I'm certainly going to catch up on my historical reading and I'm going to start with this list.

If you liked…

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

Seventeen-year-old Louisa Cosgrove longs to break free from her respectable life as a Victorian doctor's daughter. But her dreams become a nightmare when Louisa is sent to Wildthorn Hall: labeled a lunatic, deprived of her liberty and even her real name. As she unravels the betrayals that led to her incarceration, she realizes there are many kinds of prison. She must be honest with herself - and others - in order to be set free. And love may be the key.

Then you might like…
Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan
Left an orphan after the influenza epidemic in British East Africa in 1918, thirteen-year-old Rachel is tricked into assuming a deceased neighbor's identity to travel to England, where her only dream is to return to Africa and rebuild her parents' mission hospital.






Mr. Tucket by Gary Paulsen
It is 1848 and 14-year-old Francis Tucket is heading west on the Oregon Trail. When he lags behind to practice shooting his new rifle, he is captured by Pawnees. It will take wild horses, hostile tribes, and a mysterious one-armed man to help Francis come of age and survive the gritty frontier.






Chime by Franny Billingsley
Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.
Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.

8 comments:

Bluestocking said...

Historical YA does seem to get short shrift compared to contemporary and speculative titles. Thanks for this overview -- will be adding them to the TBR list!

Jennifer Hoffine said...

Love Historical YA to...wish there was more of it.

Caitlin Vincent said...

I looove historical fiction. I literally grew up on it. It's still my favorite genre, even though I've been reading mostly fantasy of late. I'm so glad you threw a little light onto it :)

Melissa said...

My favorite genre (to read and write)! This is a great list--I've heard fantastic things about Chime. I also enjoyed The Revenant, by Sonia Gensler, and I'm loving Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series.

Michelle Julian said...

Thanks for the recs, Melissa. I have to check those out!

Pam Harris said...

Just told my cousin, Quita, to check out this post. She writes historical fiction. Good work! :)

Alex Mullarky said...

I love the sound of Eldric in Chime! I love historical fiction, it is a shame it isn't in the limelight more.

Racquel Henry said...

Wildthorn sounds great! Very Jane Eyre-esque. I'll definitely be checking it out! :)