Wednesday Book Club: Historical Fiction

We will soon be finishing up our study of A Single Shard, and each student will get to choose from the following books for our next foray into historical fiction. You do not have to purchase these books; the library should be a good source. Just make sure to get an UNABRIDGED copy.

In an attempt not to overwhelm the K12 students in the class, I've tried to incorporate some of their selections here. I believe it will be possible for them to complete the assessments on these books after we read them.

If you haven't noticed yet, I have a strong preference for British children's literature, which you'll see even more in the coming months, so here I've tried to balance with several American selections.

Click on the links if you want to read more reviews at Amazon. Here is the list, and a few reasons why I like each one:

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Signet Classics): The only full-length novel about Sherlock Holmes, so it's a great way to get hooked on his mysteries. I like it best among his stories. British 19th c; K12

Favorite Father Brown Stories (Dover Thrift Editions). Chesterton. Mysteries. A Catholic priest as the hero. What more can you ask? Some in THIS house like him even more than Sherlock Holmes. Only 6 short stories in this little version. British; 19th c.

Treasure Island (Enriched Classics): Ships, pirates, treasure, a REALLY bad bad guy, a young boy hero. No one should escape childhood without knowing this book well. British; 18th c.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: How does being attacked and intimidated by the Ku Klux Klan effect a large, close African-American family already struggling with poverty? This one hit me hard when I realized that some of my relatives struggled as sharecroppers in the same culture, and were definitely on the wrong side of the clash. American South, 1930s.

I, Juan de Pareja (Sunburst Book): An intelligent and thoughtful slave serves his Spanish master, who happens to be a painter. Not only is the whole history of painting aspect fascinating, but the characterization is wonderful. I love the sacrifices of the man who gives his life to his master while keeping his own dignity - how can he NOT become bitter even though he is not allowed to pursue his own talents? One of few books about the injustice of slavery which doesn't suggest revenge or despair as the only options. Lots of food for thought here. 17th c. Spain, Italy.

Midshipman Quinn: Collection (Bethlehem Budget Books): British Royal Navy, honor, chivalry, spies, genius boy hero, all set during Napoleonic wars. (This book is NOT available through the Steubenville library, but I have access to 2 copies - assuming Schlich's are willing to share). Bethlehem Books are quite popular in this town; perhaps you know of other copies floating around? I definitely think it's worth buying, and am glad to have it for my younger kids. British, 19th c.

Either Pride and Prejudice (Bantam Classics), my favorite Jane Austen (and a good introduction to her, I think. British, 18th c.), or Little Women (Signet Classics), a tiny bit easier to read than P&P, and also delightful and charming. I'll let the readers decide!

To Kill a Mockingbird heavy stuff (racism, rape), movingly written. What I call a "Life Book," one you must read every few years. American South, 1930s. (8th and up, please.)

I could list another 10 or so, but we have to make choices! The students should choose one in the next 2 weeks so we can make sure we get enough copies.