By Michael Shaara- Pulitzer Price Fiction for 1975.
The book is about the days in the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. The story is told from the points of view of the military men who were involved in the war from the North and the South. Here, old friends face each other in battle. Each decision made by these men, is burdened with a lot of emotions and thoughts. The humanity of the characters and the obstacles they faced renders this book a great historical fiction.

By Dalene Matthee

The setting of the story is South Africa in the 1880’s. The novel describes the exploitation of Afrikaaner woodcutters and the extermination of elephants. 
Saul Barnard, a proud woodcutter, stands alone, trying to stop the destruction of the forest by woodcutters and gold prospectors. What is so compelling about the book is the passion and love for the forest expressed by the author. We know so much about the mistreatment of Africans by whites, but not about the adversity faced by hardworking Afrikaaners. It is ironic that later on the world condemned them for their treatment of blacks.

By Karen Hesse

An inspiring story of a 14 year old girl Billie Jo who lives in constant dust storms during the Depression, faces poverty, the death of her mother, the deterioration of her father, and her own physical pain. Billie Jo is a survivor who still has hopes in spite of her hardships. 
Being a foreign born, I never knew about the  "Dust Bowl" and learning about it from a perspective of a young girl, was a great historical lesson.

Book by Irene Hunt

This novel set during the Civil War describes the realities of war and the pain that tore whole families apart. Through the loving eyes of a young boy who cares for his brothers and other family members, we see the dilemmas of choosing sides, the shame in desertion, and the loss of life.  When we think about wars, we concentrate on the winners, losers, heroes, and outcomes, but we forget the individuals’ conflicts and anguish. 

If you want to view clips from the movie click HERE

By Karen Cushman
A hilarious diary of Catherine, a young girl in 1290 who describes the daily life in Medieval England. It is a great lesson about the rites, religious customs, the superstitions, and the political events of the era. Catherine resents the arrange marriages and the boring life of women that are filled with sewing, cooking and other household chores. The diary is delightful and funny. 

Did you find this novel humorous ?

By Willa Cather. 
Through the admiring eyes of a young boy, we learn about the harsh life on the Nebraska's prairies at the end of the 19th century. The center of his attention is a young Bohemian immigrant girl, Antonia. The struggles of this feisty young woman bring to life the hardships faced by new immigrants and their stubbornness to make it in th new land. What I like so much in this book, is the boy's warmth and love toward the immigrants that sweep the readers deep into the book.


If you want to watch a documentary about this novel click HERE