A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

There were all kinds of stories told about the war that made it sound as if it was happening in a faraway and different land.

The memoir of a child turned soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war. Ishmael's description of his time as a soldier is disturbing, frightening and eye opening. After 3 years, he is rescued and rehabilitated and returned to live with family. When war reaches him again, he moves to the US.

An amazing account from such a young man. The book would be appropriate for mature younger adults because of the detailed account of a soldier's life. The rehabilitation and transformation of Ishmael would make this a valuable tool in demonstrating hope, belief and the strength of self. I think there was talk of the account being 'fictionalized' and maybe that is true but the story is too compelling not to read.

Over the last few months, I have found many books that are adult but appropriate for young adults and vice versa. This book is an example of this. It is found on the adult shelves but I have come across numerous accounts from young adult librarians that this book flies of the shelves.

Beah, I. (2007). A long way gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
ISBN: 0374105235
240 pages

Finishing Becca: A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold by Ann Rinaldi

Merlin heard them first.

The story of Becca serving as the maid of Peggy Shippen during the Revolutionary War. Here, she witnesses the interaction between British soldiers, young girls in Philadelphia and the crossing of lines. More importantly, she witnesses the courtship of Peggy by Benedict Arnold.

I really don't care to read historical fiction set in times of war. However, I did enjoy the story written here. The author's note, glossary and list of resources demonstrate the great deal of research needed to accurately portray this time.

Rinaldi, A. (1994). Finishing becca: A story about peggy shippen and benedict arnold. Orlando, FL: Gulliver Books.
ISBN: 0152050795
362 pages

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

My name is Elizabeth but no one's ever called me that.

To escape from her father, stepmother and new step sister, Daisy goes to England to stay with her aunt and cousins. War breaks out leaving Daisy and her cousins to fend for themselves. Soon, soldiers split up the cousins by gender but not before Edmond and Daisy fall in love.

Rosoff, M. (2004). How i live now. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.
ISBN: 0385746776
194 pages

Sabriel by Garth Nix

It was little more than three miles from the Wall into the Old Kingdom, but that was enough.

Sabriel is sent a mysterious message from her father, a necromancer, while she is at school. She immediately sets off to rescue her father from Death and finds the Old Kingdom at war with the undead. Sabriel will use all of her knowledge and power to fight with the help of some unusual friends.

This novel started slow, very slow but did get better. Sabriel is a strong character but still has the vulnerability found in teenagers.

Nix, G. (1995). Sabriel. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060273224
292 pages

Little Women or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy by Louisa May Alcott

The unforgettable story of the four March sisters and their lives during the Civil War. We see these sisters mature and find love and heartbreak over the course of the book.

I have been rereading this book every few years since I was in fourth grade. The March sisters are like old friends. I read it this time in comparison t0 all the other books I have been reading in this "childrens" portion of my contract. I think the story would be difficult for some readers to sit through. It is slower paced and very descriptive. Depending on the mood a child was in, it might not be a hit.

Alcott, L.M. (no date). Little women. Garden City, NY: International Collectors Library.
No ISBN

My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier

Tim is torn when the Revolutionary War comes to his home and his brother and father are on different sides. Tim isn't sure his brother is on the right side and sides with his father. The consequences of war are felt by the family on both sides.

Heart-breaking story. I do not enjoy reading history and especially not military history. However, this book captured my attention. I can imagine it would be a hit with boys especially reluctant readers.

Collier, J. L. and Collier, C. (2005). My brother sam is dead. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439783607

The Fighting Ground by Avi

Thirteen year old Jonathan runs off one day to serve his country in the Revolutionary War against his father's wishes. Twenty four hours later he returns home physically unharmed but grown in many ways.

A quick picture of what life might have been like for a boy like Jonathan.

Avi, (1984). The fighting ground. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0064401855