Young Adult Historical Fiction

Sepetys, R. (2011). Between Shades of Gray. Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN 9780399254123

Plot Summary

Lina Vilkas, a 15 year old girl, lives happily in Lithuania with her family. One day, some Soviet officers invade their home and their lives are changed forever. Lina, her little brother, and mother are separated from her father. They, along with other families, are forced to undergo torments and are constantly on the fight for lives. Lina, gifted in art, uses her talent to ensure that their history is not erased. 

Critical Analysis 

Ruta Sepetys' novel, Between Shades of Gray, is a powerful historical fiction piece which will move and touch readers of all ages. It is a beautifully written account of a lesser known history which must not be forgotten. 

Lina Vilkas's life completely flips upside down with Stalin and the Soviet invasion. Lina is a relatable character who is herself undergoing physical and emotional change. Sepetys interweaves flashbacks impeccably such as, "It was the last time I would look into a real mirror for more than a decade." Her chosen words are precise and help emphasize how minor details, such as looking at oneself in the mirror, vanish in an instant. 

The Vilkas are a loving family, and although this is a work of fiction, their stories relate and mirror what many families actually had to endure during World War II. Although most of the story revolves around Lina, Jonas, her younger brother, and Elena, her mother, her father is still a prominent character who's idea helps push them to continue whatever hardships they encounter on their transport to a Siberian work camp. The inclusion of flashbacks helps relate who they were to the reader and paints a clear picture as to how much their lives have changed. Lina and Jonas, along with all of the other victims, are forced to grow and experience situations which no one should have to go through. This novel shows how strong humanity can be, even when they are faced with the worst kind of adversary.

The other characters have individual stories and personalities that are just as tragic and important. The Vilkas's friendship with Andrius Arvydas, along with his mother, are touching and show how even when you may be in your darkest moment, there is still good in people. Andrius, particularly, grows to be a sort of father-figure for Jonas and Lina begins to grow a stronger bond with him throughout the length of the novel. The other characters are tragic, especially Ona, whose situation and death will haunt readers. 

Although the events portrayed are dark and heartbreaking, Ruta Sepetys work prevails with a hopeful tone and her characters never lose their will to survive. Her Author's Note provides a brief history that details how important and relevant this novel was for her. While researching, she met and learned more about her family history, as well as many other survivors, who helped bring her characters to life. 

This novel is hard to read, but is beautifully written. Ruta Sepetys successfully shows the power that love can have on us. The closeness of the Vilkas and their determination to come back together for a better tomorrow proves that in the end the good in people will always triumph. 

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

2012 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults

Golden Kite Award Winner

Carnegie Medal Finalist

William C. Morris Finalist

Booklist starred review "Beautifully written and deeply felt...an important book that deserves the widest possible readership."

The New York Times review "A superlative first novel. A hefty emotional punch."

Publisher's Weekly starred review "A harrowing page-turner."

School Library Journal starred review "A gripping story."

The Wall Street Journal review "At once a suspenseful, drama-packed survival story, a romance, and an intricately researched work of historical fiction."

Connections

*This novel will bring sensitive topics such as: death, genocide, coming-of-age, sacrifice, and integrity.

*You may want to show a map of the journey Lina had to travel. It would be beneficial to use Google Maps.

*This novel will be a great introduction to other genocides that have occurred throughout history. 

*There are multiple points throughout the novel that will need to be discussed with students.

*Similar titles:

Sepetys, R. Salt to the Sea. ISBN 9780399160301

Sepetys, R. The Fountains of Silence. ISBN 9780399160318

Sepetys, R. I Must Betray You. ISBN 9781984836038

Boyne, J. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. ISBN 9780385751063

Gratz, A. Prisoner B-3087. ISBN 9780545459013

Medina, M. (2016). Burn Baby Burn. Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763674670

Plot Summary

Nora Lopez is a senior in high school, seventeen, and living in New York in the late 1970s. She lives with her mother and brother, who both have their own issues which affect their family. New York is haunted by Son of Sam, who shoots young women on the streets of the city. Her father spends all of his time and effort on his new family. All that Nora wants is to get through this year and be able to leave to start a life on her own.

Critical Analysis

Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina is a fast-paced, historical fiction novel which follows Nora Lopez, a vibrant teenage adolescent who is disciplined and does what she can to help her family. Nora is a likable character who experiences dilemmas that are relatable, such as: having to work to help maintain her family, dealing with and communicating with divorced parents, and trying to keep younger siblings on the right path. On top of that, this book's plot is further driven by Son of Sam, a serial killer who tormented New York City, and who plays a role in Nora's story.

Nora's relationship with her family is strained. Her mother is trying her best to raise her two children as best she can, but depression, her fears, and the constant worry of what others may say makes her appear as a dismissive mother who relies too much on Nora. Hector, Nora's younger brother, brings about many of the conflicts her family faces. He is violent, abusive, and has strong outbursts which the community is beginning to see. One, of the many, instances where Nora's mother seems to dismiss his actions is seen when, ""Eat something. You're still growing, hijo," she says. And then, without a word to me, she heads off to bed." Nora resents her mother for putting up with Hector and pushing her to take on a parent role she never asked to have. Her external conflicts with her family continue until she sees that she can't handle much more, "The last shred of my little brother disappears." Medina successfully gives voice and courage to Nora and shows her development until she is able to stand herself. 

The other characters have a positive impact on Nora, particularly Pablo, her love interest, and Kathleen, her best friend. The other minor characters help push Nora towards her goals and communicate with her in ways that positively drift her from her mishaps at home. Although Son of Sam, David Berkowitz, is merely mentioned throughout the book, he plays a prominent role in the story. Medina uses excerpts from his actual writings as they were displayed in newspapers at the time. Nora, along with the other characters, are impacted by Son of Sam, are haunted by his words, tormented by now knowing who the next victim will be, and distressed by not knowing his identity. School Library Journal states, "Medina is on point with the teen voices, evoking their intense fear, panic, and dreams." Some of the other themes and topics scene include: feminism, society falling apart, coming-of-age, right to an education, family expectations, and societal mannerisms. 

What may not work for some readers is that Nora's relationship with her parents can be upsetting. She seems to be the adult in her family and is constantly trying to juggle a conversation between both her mom and her father, which is rarely in the picture. Although her parents lack character, her situation and experiences are still very relatable and the reader will enjoy her growth and ambition for herself. 

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

2017 Amelia Bloomer Book list 

2016 Longlist for the National Book Award for Literature for Young People

2016 Kirkus Award Finalist

2017 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

Kirkus starred "Rooted firmly in historical events, Medina's latest offers up a uniquely authentic slice-of-life experience set against a hazy, hot, and dangerous NYC backdrop. Rocky and Donna Summer and the thumping beats of disco, as well as other references from the time, capture the era, while break-ins, fires, shootings, and the infamous blackout bring a harrowing sense of danger and intensity . . . An important story of one of New York City's most dangerous times."

Booklist starred "Powerfully moving, this stellar piece of historical fiction emphasizes the timeless concerns of family loyalty and personal strength, while highlighting important issues that still resonate today."

School Library Journal starred "Medina holds nothing back, shedding light on the characters’ flaws, which teens today will be able to relate to. Medina is on point with the teen voices, evoking their intense fear, panic, and dreams."

The Horn Book starred "This vividly evoked coming-of-age story is set against actual events in 1977 New York City...Nora is an empathetic character, and Medina depicts her troubled family and their diverse Queens neighborhood with realistic, everyday detail."

Publisher's Weekly "Nora is strong and believable, a possible romance has heat, and Medina gets gritty 1977 New York City right: feminism and disco in the air, Son of Sam, and—come July—the blackout and the ensuing looting and fires...elements in this coming-of-age story are elegantly and eloquently explored."

Connections

*You may want to discuss and show actual news clippings used or letters written by Son of Sam.

*Students may need to understand what happened with the blackout and behavior of citizens.

*You may need to discuss and compare to more current events that are happening.

*Some topics may be hard to read and will need further conversations, such as: broken families, aggression, and abuse.

*Similar titles: 

Stork, F. Disappeared. ISBN 9780545944472

Larbalestier, J. My Sister Rosa. ISBN 9781616956745

Sanchez, E. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. ISBN 9781524700485

Alvarez, J. Before We Were Free. ISBN 9780613722698

Lee, S. (2019). The Downstairs Girl. G. P. Putnam's Sons an imprint of Penguin Random House. ISBN 9781524740955

Plot Summary

Jo Kuan is a seventeen-year old Asian-American who works as a lady's maid to the daughter, one of the wealthiest families in Atlanta in the late 1800s. She uses one of her talents, writing columns, to express her concerns and issues she sees wrong with society by creating an alter ego, Miss Sweetie, which is pleasantly accepted into society.  Jo uses her newfound power to express feminist views and expresses what which society feels, but has yet to embrace. With the popularity of her column growing, she must decide if she will come out into the light or stay behind in the shadows. 

Critical Analysis 

Stacy Lee's historical fiction book, The Downstairs Girl, follows Jo Kuan and her journey as a young adult of Asian descent who wants to thrive and find her place among the South in the late 1800s. Jo lives in a basement, hidden from sight, with Old Gin, her father figure, where she learns key terms and ideas prevalent to society simply by listening to those upstairs. She is charismatic and opinionated, which brings her some conflicts and which leads her to work for one of the wealthiest families, as a lady's maid to Caroline, a bossy and arrogant girl who likes to remind Jo of her place among society.

Jo's determination and intelligence lead her to write columns for a struggling newspaper, which is owned by the owners of the house with their basement. The issues she includes cause controversy and are beyond her time. She includes topics like: segregation, women rights, and equality for all races. Jo's voice is engaging and witty. In one of the correspondences in which she addresses, once she realizes that she has become a writer of interest, she writes, "We can run the race as well as any man. We only need the opportunity." Stacy Lee's character is lovable and tells the honest truth. 

The other characters have their own vibrant personality and help raise Jo to become a strong woman. In particular, Old Gin, her father figure, is patient and dedicates his time to Jo. Although his character is wise from the get-go, we learn why he has always stuck as Jo's protector towards the end. The reader will empathize with his struggles and virtue as a parent figure. There are other characters who help drive the plot, such as Mrs. English, who begins the inciting incident and tries to take advantage of Jo, but over all, Jo is a strong protagonist who successfully navigates among southern society. 

The setting and voice is particularly interesting because there are not many historical fiction titles addressing the minority during America's Gilded Age. Jo provides a glimpse at what the initial response to segregation was, where Asian Americans fell in place, and how women's suffrage was seen by the community. Kirkus reviews states, "An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese-American—and simply American—history." Stacy Lee is able to interweave history and engage the readers and gives us a protagonist who is strong and can still relate to modern audiences. 

What may not work for some readers is that the story can seem to be predictable and the protagonist seems to get everything right, without much of a problem, but it is a fun read. Over all, Stacy Lee gave us a character who is enjoyable and charismatic. This novel ends is a positive note and will be a fast and enjoyable read. Stacy Lee ends with an Author's Note which gives us background to the time period and the lack of information on how Chinese workers and community were treated. 

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

Reese's Book Club YA Pick 

New York Times Bestseller

An Indie Bestseller

YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick

Crystal Kite Award Winner

Kirkus starred review "Luminous . . . An optimistic, sophisticated portrayal of one facet of Chinese-American—and simply American—history."

Booklist starred review "This spectacular, voice-driven novel raises powerful questions about how we understand the past, as well as the ways our current moment is still shaped by that understanding."

School Library Journal starred review "Unflinching in its portrayals of racism yet ultimately hopeful and heartfelt, this narrative places voices frequently left out of historical fiction center stage."

Publisher's Weekly starred review "This captivating novel explores intersectionality, conveys the effects of restrictions placed on women and people of color, and celebrates the strengths and talents of marginalized people struggling to break society’s barriers in any age."

The New York Times review "Holds a mirror to our present issues while giving us a detailed and vibrant picture of life in the past."

Connections

*This is a light and fast-paced read that students will enjoy. 

*It introduces readers to a point of view that is not read about, the perspective of Asians living in America during the late 1800s. 

*This would be a great book to read in a history class, or cross curricular, to support inquiry for treatment of minorities throughout history.

*You may want to look for examples of women in history who used alter egos to express their ideas to society.

*Similar titles:

Jean, E. Tokyo Ever After. ISBN 9781250766601

Lee, S. Outrun the Moon. ISBN 9780399175411

Brown, R. A Song of Wrath and Ruin. ISBN 9780062891495

Berry, J. Lovely War. ISBN 9780451469939