A Puritan girl’s resilience unfolds amid tragedy, faith, love, and accusations of witchcraft in a vividly told, captivating historical tale of survival.
Author: Sara Masarik
Curators of things Good, True, and Beautiful
A Bear In War – A True World War I Story
A Bear in War tells a true World War I story through the eyes of a teddy bear sent to comfort his owner’s father at the front.
The Scarlet Stockings Spy
In The Scarlet Stockings Spy, young Maddy Rose uses laundry as a secret code to spy on British ships, helping the Patriot cause during the American Revolution.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker follows a quirky, big-hearted girl whose unconventional behavior leads to charming misadventures. Fans of Ramona will enjoy!
The Impossible Journey
In The Impossible Journey, siblings Marya and Georgi embark on a perilous trek across Soviet Russia to reunite with their exiled mother, facing danger and unlikely allies.
Lily’s Victory Garden
Lily’s Victory Garden follows Lily’s WWII journey to start a garden, bringing healing and hope to a grieving neighbor. A heartwarming tale of patriotism and neighborliness.
The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio
A gentle, safe adventure through exotic lands, The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio is intellectually stimulating but lacks Lloyd Alexander’s usual magic.
Brooklyn Rose – Cautionary Review
Brooklyn Rose is a disappointing historical fiction novel with less than ideal themes for young readers.
Middle-Grade Series In My Library
Highlighting middle-grade series in my library that showcase quality writing, strong morals, and standalone stories—worthy additions for young readers.
Jenny: The Airplane that Taught America to Fly
Jenny: The Airplane that Taught America to Fly tells the story of the iconic Jenny plane, blending history, technical insight, and Weitzman’s captivating art.
The Voyagers, Smidgen Press Reprint
The Voyagers is an exciting middle-grade adventure, blending lovely prose, history, and exploration. The Smidgen Press reprint is excellent!
Homeless Bird
In Homeless Bird, a middle-grade novel, Koly faces teen widowhood, hardship, and cruelty in India, finding hope and strength through unexpected kindnesses.
The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson
A fun western adventure for middle-grade readers, filled with humor, heroism, and lessons on trust. Tumbleweed is perfect for a family read-aloud!
Small Acts of Amazing Courage
Small Acts of Amazing Courage follows Rosalind, a brave English girl in post-WWI India, challenging societal norms and British colonial rule with compassion.
Angel On The Square
Angel in the Square is a gripping tale of a young Russian girl witnessing WWI, the Russian Revolution, and the fall of aristocracy, perfect for middle grades and fans of Jennifer Nielsen.