Showing 1–8 of 8 titles

• Audience: Middle
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Award year: 2021

• 

  Becoming Muhammad Ali

  By James Patterson (Author), Kwame Alexander (Author), Dawud Anyabwile (Illustrator)

  In alternating verse and prose narratives, Cassius Clay and his friend Lucky create a portrait of the confident child determined to become a boxing champion during the Jim Crow era. 

  • Fiction, Biography, Historical Fiction
  • Notable Children's Books 2021
  • Middle
  • ISBN: 9780316498166
• 

  The Blackbird Girls

  By Anne Blankman

  As a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, two girls set aside prejudices when they are forced to live together away from home and family.

  • Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Notable Children's Books 2021
  • Middle
  • ISBN: 9781984837356
• 

  Echo Mountain

  By Lauren Wolk

  Having lost everything in the Great Depression, Ellie's family moves to the mountain. When her father is left comatose after a tragic accident, they embrace neighbors and nature in order to survive and revive him.

  • Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Notable Children's Books 2021
  • Middle
  • ISBN: 9780525555568
• 

  Letters from Cuba

  By Ruth Behar

  In a series of letters, young Jewish refugee Esther describes life in 1930s Cuba as she helps her father earn money by sewing dresses so their family can join them and escape persecution in Poland.

  • Fiction, Biography, Historical Fiction
  • Notable Children's Books 2021
  • Middle
  • ISBN: 9780525516477
• 

  Overground Railroad

  By Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author), Shayna Small (Narrator), Dion Graham (Narrator)

  A soundscape painted with the bustle of a train, chatter of passengers, and the poetic voice of Shayna Small moves listeners through a train journey North amidst the Great Migration. 

  • Historical Fiction, Audiobook
  • Notable Children's Recordings 2021
  • Middle, Younger
  • ISBN: 9781430144250
• 

  Prairie Lotus

  By Linda Sue Park

  Hanna, a biracial Chinese American, and her White father move to the Dakota Territory in the 1880’s to start over after her mother’s death. Hanna struggles to find her own strengths and voice within an unwelcoming community.

  • Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Notable Children's Books 2021
  • Middle
  • ISBN: 9781328781505
• 

  Show Me a Sign

  By Ann Clare LeZotte

  Based in the actual Deaf community that existed on Martha’s Vineyard during the 1800’s, Mary lives a singularly typical life. Never considering the deafness she is born with to be a disability until a prejudiced scientist arrives, Mary finds herself the focus of a study against her will.

  • Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Notable Children's Books 2021
  • Middle
  • ISBN: 9781338255812
• 

  We Dream of Space

  By Erin Entrada Kelly (Author, Illustrator), Celia Krampien (Illustrator)

  In the days before the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the Thomas siblings navigate the dangerous space of middle school and the fractured constellation of their family.

  • Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • John Newbery Medal 2021 (Honor Title), Notable Children's Books 2021
  • Middle
  • ISBN: 9780062747303