Deep Secrets - A Titanic Novel By: Nikki Shannon Smith

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Deep Secrets" provides a new twist on the Titanic story.  Colette lives with her mother, sister, and brother.  Colette's mother doesn't speak of the children's father and his death in a factory accident is shrouded in secrecy.  Colette was sick as a child, so her mother insists that she stay home, with her only reprieve being a weekly trip to Walter's store for the groceries.  One day Colette is finally fed up with her solitude and asks Walter for a job.  Each day after her family leaves for school and work, Colette goes to the store where she works and learns that Walter is a Titanic survivor.  Bit by bit, Walter reveals his story to Colette, creating even more questions for Colette.  This is an entertaining read that would be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction and/or the Titanic.

The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde By: Caroline Pignat

Genre: Realistic Fantasy Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde" is the first Red Maple 2026 nominee I've read and it's going to be difficult to top this book.  The story is set in 1913 Dublin and includes the voices of Finnegan, Eddie, and Tomas.  Finn is a young girl living on the streets who has no memory of her past.  Eddie is an apprentice archaeologist who works at the local museum with his father.  Tomas, a ninth-century monk, is the subject of Eddie's recent investigations. Through an unfortunate incident, Eddie and Finn's paths become entwined and the two work together to uncover the story of Tomas and Ireland's mythological past. Their journey is filled with adventure, magic and the unravelling of Finn's past.  This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it to lovers of realistic fiction, historical fiction and fantasy. 

The Secret of Gabi's Dresser By: Kathy Kacer

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"The Secret of Gabi's Dresser" was inspired by real events in history and Kathy Kacer's mother's experiences during World War 2.  When adult Gabi's grandchildren visit her, they listen attentively to the story Gabi tells about her childhood and the importance of the dresser her family brought from Czechoslovakia to Canada.  As a child, Gabi lived a happy life in a farming community in Czechoslovakia.  When the Nazis invaded her country, things changed for Gabi and the other Jewish families.  Eventually, Gabi wasn't even able to attend school. When the Nazis came looking for Gabi, her mother made the difficult decision to leave the family farm and go into hiding.  This book would be an informative and interesting read aloud in grades 5 and up.  Although the story touches on difficult topics, it does so in a gentle way.  The book would help initiate solid classroom discussions about this time in history and discrimination in general. This book would be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction. 

My Story: A London Girl's Diary 1665-1666 - The Great Plague

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

This is the diary of Alice who lives in London with her Aunt Nell and father during the time of the Great Plague.  Alice has a fairly comfortable life.  Her father works for the Navy and the family has a servant named Maggie.  Things change when the Plague arrives and Alice must care for her Aunt Nell.  Alice wonders if life will even return to normal.  This is an interesting diary.  It's a story of family, sacrifice, and personal growth.  I think the author does a good job of creating interest in Alice's life and helping the reader learn more about this point in history. This story would appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction.  

My Story: A Tudor Girl's Diary/Bloody Tower By: Valerie Wilding

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

It's the 1550s and Tilly lives in the Tower of London where her father is a physician.  Tilly's father was given a notebook by an unnamed lady and he gives the notebook to Tilly.  Tilly decides to use the notebook as a diary where she recounts what happens in the Tower.  There is a lot to tell after the young king passes away without an heir and names the young Lady Jane Grey as Queen.  This doesn't sit well with Mary, who has plenty of followers and becomes the Queen.  Queen Mary is quite brutal and provides severe punishment to anyone she deems to be against her in any possible way.  This is a story with historical information about the royals at the time, as well as providing insight into the daily life of those who work in the Tower.  The book includes an historical note and images that are best read early on in the book.  I found this somewhat interesting, but the book would be better with more information about Tilly's life.  The characters aren't really developed and the diary reads more like a brief recount of the events of the past without any real character or story development.

How To Be A Goldfish By: Jane Baird Warren

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"How To Be A Goldfish" is told from the perspectives of Lizzie and David.  The story is set in 1981, but does also include events from the past.  Lizzie lives in Scotch Gully with her mother and grandmother.  Next door, lives Harry, who is like a grandfather to Lizzie.  Everyday after school, Lizzie heads to Harry's for a snack and to help on his farm.  David lives in the city.  He and his mother used to live with his grandfather, but now they live with his mom's boyfriend.  Sadly, David's grandfather recently passed away and David is having trouble with this, as well as the bullies at his new school.  Through the reading of David's grandfather's will, Lizzie and David meet and must work together to save the farm Harry lives on, all while uncovering some family secrets.  This is an interesting read. The story includes historic experiences of Home Children, unwed mothers, and the LGBTQ+ community.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical or realistic fiction.

The Cricket War By: Tho Pham & Sandra McTavish

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

The Cricket Wars is a Red Maple 2025 nominee.  This is the gripping story of the author's experience escaping Vietnam in the early 1980s.  This is a quick and captivating read that allows the reader a look at Tho's life in Vietnam and the difficult and dangerous steps he and his family had to take in order to get Tho out of Vietnam.  The book includes historical information about Vietnam and the real situations the book is based on.  I highly recommend this book to fans of realistic and historical fiction.

Ninth Ward By: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

Lanesha is twelve years old and lives in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans.  She has lived with her adoptive grandmother, Mama Ya-Ya, since she was born.  Lanesha loves learning, but doesn't really have friends at school.  Lanesha's schoolmates make fun of her because Mama Ya-Ya has visions about the future, but Lanesha is content with the love of Mama Ya-Ya.  When Hurricane Katrina is set to hit New Orleans, Mama Ya-Ya has confusing and frightening visions of what will happen.  The mayor orders an evacuation of the city, but Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya do not have the money or ability to leave their home. Lanesha must take action to help keep them safe during the storm.  This is a story of friendship and family.  It is a very quick and interesting read.  This book is for readers who enjoy learning about past events and those who have an interest in the supernatural world.  I highly recommend this book.

Winterkill By: Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Winterkill" is a story about the Holodomor, or death by starvation, that happened in the 1930s in the Ukraine.  Nyl is a young Ukrainian boy who lives a contented life with his farming family until Stalin introduces a five year plan to turn Ukrainian farms into collective farms.  Although Nyl and his family do not have a lot, they and other farmers, are targeted by the Russian government.  The farmers lose many of their possessions and the ability to provide for themselves.  Tragically, Nyl loses many of his loved ones, but fights to survive.  This is a story of perseverance, family, and friendship.  This is a well written and gripping story.  This is a very serious and devastating topic, so this book is recommended for mature readers.

Escape From Chernobyl By: Andy Marino

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Escape From Chernobyl" gives the reader insight into the explosion of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor through the eyes of four youth living in the city of Pripyat.  Yuri is living with his uncle's family while he interns at the nuclear power plant.  He is a very intelligent young man who dreams of building his knowledge and career at the plant.  Yuri is working at the plant when the accident happens giving the reader a look at what it would have been like in the plant.  Alina and Lev are Yuri's cousins.  When the accident happens, they are given the opportunity to leave the city with their parents, but don't feel right about this, so head back in search of Yuri and Alina's friend, Sofiya.  Although this story starts off a little slow, it quickly becomes interesting and exciting. This is a great choice for fans of historical fiction who are looking to learn about a new event in history.

My Name Is Seepeetza By: Shirley Sterling

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

"My Name Is Seepeetza" is based on the author's experiences attending the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.  This story is told in the form of journal entries which allows the reader to not only gain insight into the difficult times Seepeetza faced at residential school, but also her home life at Joyaska Ranch. This book is well written for its audience as it shares the atrocities of residential school in an age appropriate and relatable way.  I especially liked that the reader learned about Seepeetza's home life allowing the reader to better understand the difficulty of being pulled from one's family to attend school.  I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the history and impact of residential schools in Canada.

The Last Saxon King By: Andrew Varga

Genre: Fantasy Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Last Saxon King" is a Red Maple 2024 nominee and earned second place honours in this program.  This book will appeal to readers of historical fiction and fantasy as the main character, Dan, finds himself in Anglo-Saxon England where he must try to correct history if he ever wants to return home.  Travelling to the past is not something Dan has ever done before, but when Dan comes home to find his father being attacked by an intruder, he soon finds out that there's more to his dad and the unusual home-school education his dad has been giving him.  This is an exciting novel with lots of action.  I highly recommend this book.

Iceberg By: Jennifer Nielsen

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

When Hazel's father passes away, her mother has no choice but to send Hazel to America where Hazel's aunt will get her a job in a clothing factory.  Although this will not allow her to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer, this will allow Hazel to send money home to support her family.  After walking for 4 days, Hazel arrives at the Titanic ticket office only to find she doesn't have enough money for the ticket.  Knowing that going home is not an alternative, Hazel stows away on board the Titanic.  Charlie, a porter on the ship, helps Hazel to secure a room and Hazel becomes friends with a first class passenger, Sylvia.  Hazel is a curious individual and has lots of questions about the Titanic.  Hazel also listens carefully to everything she hears and when she overhears a couple's plans to steal money from Sylvia, Hazel sets out to uncover what this couple is up to.  This is an interesting story with mystery and friendship, as well as the history of the Titanic.  Those who enjoy historical fiction will like this book.

Under The Iron Bridge By: Kathy Kacer

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

It's 1938 and fifteen year old Paul Ritter lives in Dusseldorf, Germany.  Things are changing in Paul's world.  Jewish students are no longer able to attend his school and he's under pressure to join the Hitler Youth. When Paul thinks there's no way to stand up to the Nazis, he meets a group of teenagers known as the Edelweiss Pirates.  Although it's dangerous, Paul joins the Edelweiss Pirates and helps with their work to undermine the Nazis.  This book is easy to read and very interesting.  I've read a number of historical fiction books about World War 2, but have never read one about German youth working against the Nazis.  There are historical notes at the back of the book to help the reader better understand this time in history.  I highly recommend this Red Maple 2023 nominee. 

The Ribbon Leaf By: Lori Weber

Genre:  Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 7/8

This Red Maple 2023 nominee takes place during World War Two and begins in Germany with two best friends, Sabine and Edie.  Sabine is Christian and her brother and father are big supporters of Hitler's regime.  Edie is Jewish and her parents fear what the future will bring for Jewish Germans.  As Hitler's terror progresses, Edie and Sabine are forced apart.  Edie escapes to Montreal with her mother, aunt and uncle while her father stays on in Germany.  Sabine's father and brother leave home for the war effort and Sabine is left with her mother and sick grandfather.  The book tells the story of each girl's experience during the war.  Each of them has to make choices that affect their safety and the safety of others.  This is an interesting story of friendship and helps the reader understand how different people experienced World War Two.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy learning about the past.

Stealing Home By: J. Torres

Genre:  Historical Fiction/Graphic Novel
Age Recommendation:  Grade 4+

Stealing Home is a Silver Birch 2023 nominee.  This graphic novel tells the story of Sandy, a young Japanese Canadian, who lives in Vancouver with his family.  When the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, Sandy's life suddenly changes for the worse.  Sandy spends time living in a remote camp with his family.  In this unthinkable situation, Sandy and the others find ways to show caring and find moments of joy.  This book includes an afterword that provides historical information.  This book is a great way to learn more about Canada's history.  I highly recommend this book.  

Torpedoed By: Deborah Heiligman

Genre: Non-Fiction/Historical Event

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

This book tells the true story of a ship carrying one hundred children and other passengers to Canada from Britain during World War 2.  Many of the children were travelling, with escorts, as part of a program that was meant to take them from the bombings occurring in England, to the safety of Canada. Unfortunately, not long into their voyage, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat.  It was a stormy night when the ship was hit creating many challenges for the sailors working to get the passengers safely into lifeboats.  The sad truth is that many of the passengers didn't make it into the lifeboats and for those who did, the struggle to survive was not over.  I must admit that I was not entirely gripped by this story until the ship was struck.  After that, the story became very engaging and I was eager to read on and find out what happened to each of the passengers.  The book is non-fiction and is written based on survivor memories and includes photos and other artifacts from the event.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy history and those who enjoy stories of heroism and courage.  

Out of Hiding By: Ruth Gruener

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade +6

This is the story of the author, Ruth's, experience after surviving the Holocaust.  Ruth and her parents were able to survive the Holocaust through the kindness of friends who kept them hidden from the Nazis. The book does not focus on this, but rather on what Ruth and her parents had to go through after the war as displaced persons who wanted to immigrate to America.  Since I love historical fiction, I have read many books about the Holocaust, but this is one of the first I've read that describes what it was like for survivors after the war.  Ruth does an excellent job of engaging the reader with her stories of moving from one place to another in Europe, applying and waiting for papers to immigrate to America, and adjusting to life in America.  Ruth is the wife of Jack Gruener, whose story is told in Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz.  This is an important read with lessons of courage and kindness.  I highly recommend this book and Prisoner B-3087.

Prisoner B-3087 By: Alan Gratz

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Age Recommendation: Grade 7+

If you have read any Alan Gratz books, you will know that he is a talented writer who is able to bring historical events to life in a relatable and engaging way.  This book is no exception.  I was gripped from the beginning, following Yanek on his unthinkable journey into the Krakow ghetto and ten concentration camps.  This story is based on the true story of Jack Gruener and is a must read for anyone who wants to learn more about the Holocaust or is a fan of historical fiction.  I am now anxious to read, Out of Hiding, which is the story of Jack's wife, Ruth's experience during the Holocaust. I highly recommend this important story.

Under Amelia's Wing By: Heather Stemp

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Recommendation:  Grade 6+

This book is the second book in the Ginny Ross book series, but it is easy to enjoy as a stand alone book.  It's 1936 and Ginny Ross is a 16 year old from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland who wants to be a pilot.  Thanks to some determination and luck, she knows Amelia Earhart who has encouraged Ginny to pursue this non-traditional role.  Ginny has received a scholarship for engineering and aviation at Purdue University which is a long way from home.  Ginny's route to graduation is not without its bumps, many people do not think women should join the workforce, but with some good friends and persistence, Ginny finds her way.  This Red Maple 2022 nominee is a very interesting read.  The book helps the reader to learn more about the challenges women faced during this time and the amazing accomplishments of Amelia Earhart.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction or books about people who persistent with achieving their dreams.