Historical Fiction for Teens
Teens have lived through amazing times all around the world. MS=Books for middle school readers. (Updated November 2023)
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I'll Take Everything You Have
In 1934 Chicago, Joe discovers the underground queer community while also getting wrapped up in his cousin’s risky money-making scheme.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Destination Unknown
When closeted Micah meets out-and-proud CJ at a club in the height of the AIDS epidemic, their bond is immediate, but will their relationship last in such a fearful time?
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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African Town
After 110 African captives board the last illegal slave ship to Alabama, survivors endure horrors and build the ongoing community and legacy of African Town. Told in verse. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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This Rebel Heart
After her parents are murdered by the state police, Csilla vows to leave her homeland for Israel, but when she meets a young man mourning his lover, the two of them join protests against Soviet rule.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Davenports
The Davenports are one of the few wealthy Black families in 1910 Chicago. Sisters Olivia and Helen Davenport, along with their maid Amy-Rose and Olivia's best friend Ruby, navigate class, gender expectations, racism, family struggles, and finding love. MS
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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I'll Tell You No Lies
When eighteen-year-old Shelby, the daughter of an Air Force intelligence officer, falls for a Soviet pilot accused of being a KGB spy, she decides to risk everything to help him. But soon she begins to question who, if anyone, she can trust. MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Self-made Boys
In 1922 New York City, Nicol̀s Caraveo learns that his cousin, Daisy, has been passing as white and is engaged to a wealthy man named Tom. Nick becomes drawn into the decadent world of his new neighbor, Jay, a young man from Daisy's past who, like Nick, is transgender.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Torch
After the Soviets arrest Pavol for disrupting their incursion of Czechoslovakia, he kills himself, rather than face the punishing life in the salt mines that destroyed his father. How will his two best friends and pregnant girlfriend move on without him? MS
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Silent Stars Go by
Margot's brief romance with Harry ended with her pregnant and him missing in action in World War I. Now he's come home looking for answers and their child, but her family's shame may be too much for them both.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Daughters of A Dead Empire
Evgenia, a peasant and a bolshevik, agrees to help wealthy Anna cross the country to safety, not realizing the secret she holds may cost them both their lives.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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