My Top 11 All-Time Favorite Books

I am going to end this series on a more personal note - with my top favorite books and why I like them.
I read a lot - these are my top books. I LOVE them all and hope you do too!

FAVORITE MEMOIR: Things We Couldn't Say by Diet Eman

I included this in my 11 Christian Memoirs post and my Ten WWII Heroes series. I love Diet Eman's story - maybe even a little better than that of Corrie ten Boom. :) (But to give her credit, I was really young when I read Corrie's story) Diet Eman and her fiancé Hein were your average young Dutch couple madly in love when the Germans occupied Holland. Diet and Hein soon join the Dutch resistance. God's love shines very brightly as Diet faces trials, heartache, and ultimately God's amazing grace.

FAVORITE BIOGRAPHY: Unbroken: A WWII Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

I LOVE Louie Zamperini!! He is amazing!! Although not for young children, Zamperini's story is an inspiring story of faith for older readers. Although the majority of the book is about his life not as a Christian, how he comes to his faith and his tail of survival is incredible.

FAVORITE CHILDREN'S NOVEL: I Am David by Anne Holm

Despite being set in the 1950s, this is the novel that got me interested in WWII. How? I don't really remember. This is the amazing fictional story of a 12 year-old who escapes from a concentration camp and is on a mission to get to Denmark. Why? He doesn't know.

I had no clue what Europe was at the time, and for some reason, I thought Denmark was near Colorado. (hey, I had just gotten out of public school - give me a break!)
It's written in the third point of view, but every line is from David's view.
I Am David isn't an adventure novel, it's kind of like a psychological novel. I am a very analytical thinker, so I LOVED David's thoughts throughout the novel. He has a uniquely high moral standard, and is incredibly wise and smart. The writing in this is eloquent and beautiful. For some quotes that really stuck out to me, see this link for some great quotes from the novel!
I don't usually reread books, but I've read this four or five times and still pick it up and begin reading it every time I see it!!

FAVORITE CHRISTIAN FICTION: Night Song and From Dust and Ashes by Tricia Goyer

I can't choose which one I like better - that would be utterly cruel. This category didn't have much competition because I read very little Christian fiction. (I find a lot of it either slow or completely unrealistic) But, these two Goyer novels are some of my favorite novels of all time. Realistic characters, great message, enthralling plot, great writing.

From Dust and Ashes
Well-researched, well-written, and simply breathtaking - From Dust and Ashes is set in post-WWII. The book is divided into 3 parts, and although I don't even like romance, part two (which was mostly romance), kept me interested and wanting more.
Tricia Goyer's novels are extremely realistic, but in this one in particular, her characters are just real. (Tricia says she gets this a lot in this novel. She says the protagonist, Helene, is so real because Helene is based on HER (Tricia) life.)

Night Song
After reading From Dust and Ashes, I just HAD to read Night Song. This one deals with the Holocaust, and I really admire Goyer for being one of the very few Christian fiction authors who tackles this subject - in a non-cheesy, non-romance, and realistic way.

FAVORITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOVEL: Girls to the Rescue by Bruce Lansky

I have read all the books in this series. When I was either in second or third grade, I fell in love with this series! They are great stories of courageous girls all around the world. Filled with legends, fables, fairytale-twists and true stories, these are great books that show female empowerment in a non-feminist way.

My favorite cover of The Chosen

FAVORITE FICTION NOVEL: The Chosen by Chaim Potok
Chaim Potok may be one of my favorite authors. His writing is so simple - and his books are just so overly Jewish. This is one of those novels I would not recommend to everyone and I don't believe everyone will like. It's not an adventure novel, the biggest thing that happens is Israel becomes a country. But, despite all of the fiction I've read, this is my favorite.
It's plot centers around two very different Jewish teens and how they become friends - despite their families having nothing (and I mean nothing) in common.
Firstly there is the brilliant Danny, the Hasidic son of a very religious rabbi. Danny wants to be a psychologist but is pressured to take his father's place as rabbi.
Then there is the narrator, Reuven Malter, an Orthodox Jew who wants to be a rabbi.
What I liked best about The Chosen (besides it's Jewish-ness) was the characters. I thought it was so interesting how two people of the same religion can be SO different - how they can argue and disagree with each other yet respect each other so much.

FAVORITE SEQUEL: The Promise by Chaim Potok

This book covers Danny and Reuven as young men. In an ironic turn of events, Hasidic-turned-Orthodox Danny steals (and marries) Reuven's Orthodox-Conservative Jewish girlfriend, Rachel. 

But, being a Jewish novel, this isn't a romance and the above sentences were just major spoilers. (sorry)

In here, Danny goes on to balance modern America with Hasidism and pursue his career in psychology. He has a calm and persuasive personality which makes him fabulous at his job.
In his final school year pursuing becoming a rabbi, Reuven clashes with his Talmud teacher, who was from one of the European concentration camps. Reuven uses a controversial method of studying Talmud that his father taught him. This causes much conflict throughout the novel. In the end, like in The Chosen, our characters still find a way to love and hate each other at the same time.

FAVORITE INFORMATION BOOK: Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
This book really spoke loudly to me. It had extremely powerful messages for today's young people. Not only does it preach against blindly following authority and fame, it shows German teenagers who stood up against Hitler. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE: Psalms and Deuteronomy

I enjoy the book of Psalms because it is so comforting! My favorite psalms include psalm 121 and psalm 23. I love Deuteronomy, especially verse 6: I am definitely putting it on my doorpost someday. :)


FAVORITE AUTHOR: Patricia Reilly Giff
I have read many Patricia Reilly Giff books, and no matter what the subject, I haven't been disappointed. One of the books I really liked was set in the 1700s!!!! (and no, the characters weren't Jewish) Her plots, characters, and writing are believable and exciting!

These are my top 11 favorite novels/authors. What are yours and why do you like them?

11 WWI and Great Depression Novels

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Most people know War Horse from the Steven Spielberg movie. (I loved the movie!) Albert and his colt Joey have been inseparable ever since Albert's father bought Joey at an auction. When Albert goes to fight (in WWI), Joey is right alongside him. I didn't find the book is graphic (nor as interesting) as the PG-13 movie, but still great book and movie.

My Brother's Shadow by Monika Schröder
Told from the perspective of a German youth towards the end of WWI, My Brother's Shadow tells the fictional story of 16 year old Moritz. With a disabled brother who just got back from war, a Jewish (girl)friend, and a fanatic-socialist mother, Moritz's life is chaos.

Sergeant York: An American Hero by David Lee
This is a biography of a great Christian WWI hero, Alvin York. York was the most decorated soldier during WWI. He received the Medal of Honor for a certain heroic feat, including capturing 132 Germans and 32 machine guns.

The Night Flyers by Elizabeth McDavid Jones
Pam is a twelve year-old girl growing up in North Carolina with her mother during World War I. Before her father went off to war, he gave her a loft of homing pigeons. When a man with a foreign accent comes to town, everyone in the town fears the worst. Is he a foreign spy? Fast paced and filled with adventure, I enjoyed this book simply because of the writing, it was interesting, and it had a little known plot. Homing pigeons were one of the most valuable animals during both WWI and WWII.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Told in first-person free verse poetry, this Newbery winner is told from the view of a young girl in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. When her mother dies, Billie Jo is stuck with her ill-tempered father just trying to make ends meet. I'm not a big poetry person and this didn't take me long to read, but it truly wasn't bad.

The Kit Series by American Girl
Welcome to Kit's World
Not only is there the six standard Kit Kittredge books, Kit has a few mysteries, and a "Welcome to Kit's World", which includes more about the Great Depression.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
This Newbery winner tells the adventures of a ten year-old orphan with nothing more than an old suitcase and some flyers.
have not read yet!

Christmas After All by Kathryn Lasky (A Dear America book)
During the Depression in Indiana, 12 year-old Minnie Swift's family has been hit as hard as everyone else. Told over the span of one month (December). A young girl comes and stays with the Swift's, helping them with their struggles, highs, and lows as they help her with hers.
have not read yet!

Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
Grandma Dowdel's back! She's just as feisty and terrifying and goodhearted as she was in Richard Peck's A Long Way from Chicago, and every bit as funny. In the first book, a Newbery Honor winner, Grandma's rampages were seen through the eyes of her grandson Joey, who, with his sister, Mary Alice, was sent down from Chicago for a week every summer to visit. But now it's 1937 and Joey has gone off to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps, while 15-year-old Mary Alice has to go stay with Grandma alone--for a whole year, maybe longer. From the very first moment when she arrives at the
depot clutching her Philco portable radio and her cat, Bootsie, Mary Alice knows it won't be easy. And it's not. She has to sleep alone in the attic, attend a hick town school where in spite of her worn-out coat she's "the rich girl from Chicago," and be an accomplice in Grandma's outrageous schemes to run the town her own way--and do good while nobody's looking. But being Grandma's sidekick is always interesting, and by the end of the year, Mary Alice has grown to see the formidable love in the heart of her formidable Grandma. --Patty Campbell from Amazon --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
have not read yet!

When Christmas Comes Again: The WWI Diary of Simone Spencer by Beth Seidel Levine (A Dear America Book)
It's April 1917, and Simone's brother just got shipped off to war. Like most books in the Dear America series, this one explores a little known aspect of WWI - the American French-speaking Hello Girls.
have not read yet!

For a list of more juvenile WWI, see this list with age ranges and short summaries.

What are some of your favorite juvenile novels about WWI and the Great Depression?

11 Little-Known Event Books

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books. I have read all books unless otherwise noted.

Coal mines and the Lattimer Massacre - September 1897

A Coal Miner's Bride by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Until reading this book, I had never heard of the Lattimer Massacre. On September 10, 1897, about 300-400 coal miners (mostly immigrants) protested against unfair wages and treatment. 19 miners died, and several other were injured.

This book, A Coal Miner's Bride, tells the story of the fictional Anetka, a young Polish teenager who moves to America after her father arranges a marriage to a widower with three girls. A Coal Miner's Bride is a great story about immigration, coal mines, strikes, and true love.

The Ireland Potato Famine - 1845-1852

Nory Ryan's Song by Patricia Reilly Giff

Approximately one million Irishmen died of starvation after a potato disease killed Ireland's large potato crop. Another million immigrated to America, and this is one of those stories.

The fictional Nory Ryan and her family have lived in Ireland for decades, but life is not easy. The story of this young girl's resilience is amazing!

To top it off, Patricia Reilly Giff is a very talent writer. Nory Ryan's Song's sequel is Maggie's Door. Both novels are great and an excellent look at historical fiction.

Anti-Semitism in America - 1862

The War Within by Carol Matas

In 1862, Ulysses Grant issued General Order #11, expelling all Jews from Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The Jews in these areas had 24 hours to pack their stuff and move.
Growing up proper Southern in Mississippi, 13 year-old Hannah's life is changed from these events and more. As she moves up north with her family, her views began to slowly change as she matures over the course of the American Civil War.

The Newsie Strike - July-August 1899
The Journal of Finn Reardon: a Newsie by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

OK, you may have heard of the Newsie strike thanks to the Christian Bale movie. Ironically, a few of the characters in the Disney movie were real; except the main characters. Kid Blink (with the eyepatch) and Racetrack (who sang "King of New York" were two real people.
In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, newspaper costs increased. The newsies had to buy the papers for 60 cents instead of 50 cents. They would sell the newspapers for one cent each, originally making 50 cents. After the war, all the newspapers lowered their prices; except the New York World and the New York Morning Journal.
The REAL Newsie strike was from July 20th to August 2 and the leader was Kid Blink. Although the movie shows the strike as a huge success, it actually was a partial failure. The only thing that changed was both papers agreed to buy back any unsold papers the newsies had.
The Journal of Finn Reardon is part of the series My Name is America. My Name is America is the "boy" version of the "girl" series Dear America. Although Finn Reardon is fictional, many characters in the book are real.

Jewish persecution in Russia - late 1800s and early 1900s

Sworn Enemies by Carol Matas

I had heard of Jewish persecution in Russia, but I never really realized how bad it was until I read Sworn Enemies. The Russian government was kidnapping young Jewish boys (as young as age 8) for the Russian army. Ultimately, the goal was forced conversion to Christianity.

This book is told from the views of two Jewish teens who have both been spared from the czars army for different reasons; Zev who is spared from because of his job as a chapter (he is the one who actually does the kidnapping) and the scholarly Aaron, whose father is paying the government not to arrest him. 

In a twist of fate, both Zev and Aaron are both arrested and soon meet up with each other. Will they set their differences aside to work together? {A twist ending!}

SPOILER: I found this ending really incomplete, as Aaron and Zev still hate each other as the final pages close.

Armenian Genocide - 1915

Not Even My Name by Thea Halo

During and after WWI, 1.5 million Armenians and Greeks were senselessly murdered. In this memoir told by her daughter Thea, Sano describes life as a little girl growing up in Turkey and facing horrible persecution. At age fifteen, Sano is brought to America and continues her everyday struggles, including marrying a 40-something year-old man. I really enjoyed this memoir, but it was very heart-breaking to read at times. It was well-written and kept me intrigued.

Hello Girls - WWI

When Christmas Comes Again: The WWI Diary of Simone Spencer by Beth Seidel Levine (A Dear America Book)

In 1917, over 7,000 French-speaking American girls signed up for the job as a "hello girl" - a switchboard operator. Only 450 were chosen. General John Pershing "created" this job to improve communication on the Western Front.

Although this is a fictional story, like most books in the Dear America series, it stays close to real-life.

168 Allied airmen in Buchenwald - October 1944

Behind Enemy Lines by Carol Matas

This is probably the least-known event I'm featuring. The stories that came out of WWII never cease to amaze me. Some stories are bizarre beyond bizarre (like the cat who survived the sinking of three different ships) and some just show everyday men with an insane amount of courage (The Great Escape, Escape From Sobibor). This is one of those stories.

For two months, 168 Allied (82 Americans, 48 Brits, 26 Canadians, 9 Australians, 2 New Zealanders and a Jamaican) airmen were held prisoner in Buchenwald concentration camp after crashing in France.

This story, although fictional, is about a young Canadian pilot who goes through this.

If you are interested, there is an amazing documentary (I was one of the lucky few who watched it on the Military Channel in November!) called The Lost Airmen of Buchenwald.


The biggest medical relief in history - April 1945
Remembering Belsen by Ben Flanagan

The liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp is known as the biggest medical relief in history. Being said, all material on this subject is VERY graphic, but the liberation of Belsen is an AMAZING story. Out of all of the resources, I am featuring Remembering Belsen because it is written primarily through stories of survivors and liberators; the entire book is filled with testimonies, not words from the author.

Recommended for ages 13+. 
Other great books about the subject include: (I have read all)
Letters From Belsen 1945 by Muriel Knox Doherty
The Survivors: The Story of the Belsen Remnant by Leslie Hardman
After Daybreak by Ben Shepherd
Straight On by Robert Collis 

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment - WWII

The Great Starvation Experiment by Todd Tucker

I have not read this book, but it looks very interesting. During WWII, (all?) young men were drafted. This was a problem for young pacifists, who didn't want to fight but wanted to do something important for the war effort.
The pacifists had the bizarre jobs (like working in asylums - a whole other story) of the war that nobody really wanted. Voluntarily starving yourself to death for an experiment was one of those bizarre jobs.
This tells the bizarre/fascinating WWII story of 36 pacifist men who volunteered for a starvation experiment. The experiment tested refeeding, the effects of starvation, and rehabilitating starvation victims in war-torn Europe.

Anyone who's read this or knows more about it: Let me know what you think.

Cambodian Genocide - 1975

First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung

The Cambodian Genocide lasted from 1975-1979 and resulted in the death of two million Cambodian citizens. The genocide was after the Cambodia Civil War. The perpetrators were the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia's Communist party.

This is the story of a young girl who survives against all odds. Despite the majority of her family not surviving, Loung does survive. I haven't read this yet, but it has pretty great reviews. Due to the nature, I would imagine this is best for grades 9+.

What are some books that are part of the little-known and obscure events in history? I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!I love learning about history!!

11 Christian Picture Books

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books.

This is a guest post by my sister Hannah, from her blog A Cowgirl and A Dream, where she blogs about books, Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera, and more. Check her out and give her a thanks!

1. Veggietales Bible Storybook
Featuring 21 Veggietales stories, this kid-friendly storybook Bible covers classic Veggietale stories such as David, Jonah, Daniel, Joshua, and Esther. The stories aren't that long, and have large text. With vivid pictures, great Bible verses for kids, and fun text, this storybook is appealing for all little kids.

2. The Princess and the Three Nights by Karen Kingsbury
A good book for any little girls you may have. The story tells us about a princess and her father the King. The princess must marry, so the king sends for all eligible knights. He puts them through various tests about their bravery, strength, kindness, courage and most of all, their faith in God. It comes down to three knights. This book has a wonderful "happily ever after" for little girls. It teaches girls how men should treat them and how they should value them.

3. You Are Mine by Max Lucado
If you've read any of Max Lucado's children's books, then you've probably heard of these books about little wooden people called "Wemmicks", made by their maker Eli, the wood-carver. In this one, the small Punchinello has finally wormed his way into the "good Wemmick" crowd. But not all is at peace in the little village called Wemmicksville. Every has started to collects boxes and balls by the hundreds! They think that whoever has the most boxes and balls is a "good" Wemmick. Now, in his fight to be in the "in-crowd", Punchinello decides to start following the crowd. He starts to go overboard just to get the mine for more boxes and balls. But when he stumbles into his maker Eli's shop, he is reminded how unimportant all those boxes and balls are, and how important he is- even if he isn't called a "good Wemmick".
Note: this is a series!

4. A Parable About the King by Beth Moore
A princess who is the daughter of the King. What could be better? But when the King commands the princess to pick up her things, she is angry. She dresses in peasant clothes and decides that she is not a princess anymore. In the village, she learns how the village kids live. They play in the mud, they curse and they don't have to pick up after themselves. Her pleasure is short-lived, as she soon finds out that not everything is as wonderful as she thinks.

5. All You Ever Need by Max Lucado
Tobias the "Watermaster" and his son Julian are kind men who give water to everyone. When the Watermaster and Julian temporarily leave, they leave their precious well to the care of their servant Elzevir. All things are well, until Elzevir starts to give water only to the people who he thinks are fit and deserving of it. This is a wonderful book with a great lesson.

6. Just The Way You Are by Max Lucado
Just the Way You Are reassures children that no matter what - no matter if they can't sing, or can't dance, God will love them just the way they are. In this story, the king is coming, and everyone must prepare a gift. There is one little girl, however, with no special talent or gift. What will the king think of her?

7. God Gave Us You by Lisa Bergren
The questions always floats in a young childs head. "Where did I come from?" And that's exactly what a young polar bears asks her mother one night.

8. Because I Love You by Max Lucado
This is about a kind man named Shaddai, who loves and cares for all of the young children in the village. One day, he built a huge stone wall by hand. He explains to the children how on the other side of the wall, there is danger. Now, a young curious boy named Paladin spots a hole and quickly goes to Shaddai. Despite Shaddai's warnings about going through the hole, Paladin crawls through. This is a good book, a great example of God's love for us, His children.

9. With You All The Way by Max Lucado
Three knights. One princess. One song. A tale about three knights, all with different strengths, who are to journey to the King's castle to wed the princess. WARNING(s): On one page in the book, creatures called the "Hopenots" are illustrated. Kids may possibly get scared at the picture.

10. A Blessing From Above by Patti Henderson
Momma-Roo is a young kangaroo who wants a baby to hold and to have. She prays every night to God for one. She is imagining how it would be if she had a child of her own, when a baby blue bird falls into Momma-Roo's pouch from her nest. The mother bluebird knows that her nest is not big enough for all of her babies, so she lets the baby bluebird, in the book called "Little One", stay with Momma-Roo. A great book for little kids.

11. Hermie: A Common Caterpillar by Max Lucado
Hermie isn't special. He's just average. Why couldn't God have made him with spots, stripes, or just something not-average? This is a story that tells about God's love - and how God made each and everyone special.

What are some of your favorite Christian picture books?

11 Christian Memoirs

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books.

Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis

Growing up in a decent family, Katie Davis had it better than most Americans, let alone in any other country. What caused her to move from her perfect family to Uganda and become the adopted mother of 14 kids? Jesus, of course! You can visit Katie on her blog: Kisses From Katie.

"I have learned that I will not change the world. Jesus will do that. I can, however, change the world for one person. So I keep stopping and loving one person at a time. Because this is my call as a Christian." -Katie Davis

Things We Couldn't Say by Diet Eman

You may know Diet from my first series, Ten WWII Heroes. Diet's story is somewhat similar to that of Corrie ten Boom. Diet was a young Dutch Christian when WWII broke out. She hated seeing her Jewish friends persecuted, and she and her fiancé were soon very active in the Dutch Resistance. Diet was arrested, and with God's help, she survived miraculously. Diet has been featured on Dr. Dobson, as well as Kathryn Atwood's book Women Heroes of World War II. Her story is unbelievably inspiring and shows what one person can do with God's help.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow

Alright, I haven't read this one yet but I know Tim Tebow is an amazing Christian man - and football player. He's won numerous awards, made headlines for sticking up for his faith, and inspired millions across the globe.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

The Hiding Place is one book every Christian should read (or watch) at least once. Corrie ten Boom and her family courageously rescued many Jews during WWII. Although Corrie was later arrested and sent to a concentration camp, every Jew she saved survived the war.

Corrie and her entire family are worth remembering. They were all very courageous Christians who dedicated their life to serving others and worshipping Christ.

In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham

Soon after 9/11, a young missionary couple was taken hostage by terrorists associated with Osama bin Laden. Throughout a whole year of torture and loss of her husband, Gracia remained strong and unmoved with her faith. I haven't read this book, but my sister did and she loved it.

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew

Although I haven't read this book yet, I've heard nothing but good things about it. (It is also a Sonlight book, and I like their book selections) This is the true story of a Dutch factory worker who smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain - to Communist countries.
After wounding his ankle in battle, Brother Andrew relentlessly read his Bible during rehab. In July 1955, he dedicated his life to telling others about Jesus and continued to do it until the fall of Communism in Europe. Still then, Brother Andrew began evangelizing to Islamic countries, specifically Lebanon.

The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun

This amazing autobiography is about one Christian's persecution in China. We as Christians should be aware that there are Christians today being persecuted for their faith.
I have only read part of this book, and it was about 4 years ago.

Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic

Part autobiography part self-help, Life Without Limits talks about one man's faith - despite having no arms and no legs!

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

I haven't read this yet, but I have heard great feedback from this amazing woman of God. When she was just a young teenager, surfer Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a shark. The shark bit her entire
left arm off, but that didn't stop Bethany from pursuing her love and passion for surfing. Now Bethany has surfed professionally, won countless awards including Nationals, and appeared on numerous television shows and magazines - all with one arm.

Devil At My Heels by Louie Zamperini
After reading Laura Hillenbrand's amazing biography Unbroken, I knew I had to hear Louie's story from his own words. Louie Zamperini was a juvenile delinquent as a young child. His brother Pete urged him to try a sport, like running. Louie quickly picked up the sport, setting records and shaking hands with Hitler at the 5000 meters in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Louie enlisted in the army, and while on a rescue mission, crashed in the Pacific Ocean. For 47 days, he and two friends were stranded in the Pacific Ocean with sharks - and Japanese bullets. Louie landed on Japanese territory, and for two years suffered at the hands of Japanese soldiers. After the war, Louie became an alcoholic, angry at everybody. On the brink of his divorce, his wife Cynthia went to a sermon of young Billy Graham - and got saved. After much persuasion, Louie went to one of Billy's lectures and accepted Christ into his heart. Louie went back and forgave all the Japanese. He is still alive and continues to lecture young people about his incredible faith journey.

Other memoirs I have not read but I know are Christian:

• Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of WWII by Darlene Rose
• Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
• Jumping Through Fires by David Nassar (Iranian story of a Muslim who turns to Christ)
• SEAL of God by Chad Williams
• Fearless by Eric Blehm (Navy SEAL story)
• And There Was Light: Blind Hero of the French Resistance by Jacques Lusseyran (WWII)

What are your favorite Christian memoirs?

11 WWII Fiction Novels

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books. I have read all books unless otherwise noted.

Daniel's Story by Carol Matas - Holocaust
Part Elie Wiesel and part Anne Frank, Daniel's Story is the story of young teenager Daniel. The chapters are divided into 4 chapters: Pictures of Frankfurt, Pictures of Lodz, Pictures of Auschwitz, and Pictures From Buchenwald. The story opens with 14 year old Daniel in a train, headed to a place no an unknown destination. Their journey from the Lodz Ghetto to death camp Auschwitz to concentration camp Buchenwald is told in an unflinching but age-appropriate manner. I really enjoyed this memoir, and it has a few good life lessons I really appreciated.
The USHMM (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum) created an exhibit dedicated to the children of the Holocaust, and they named it Daniel's Story, after the book. Although this exhibit is no longer available, it can be seen here.

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti - German Resistance

Helmuth Hübener is my political hero. I love him so much, I featured him in my Ten World War II Heroes series. This is his fictional biography. Teenager Helmuth and two friends secretly created an anti-Nazi pamphlet and spread it all over Germany. This book gives an accurate portrayal on  how he became involved in his own resistance, what he must have felt in prison, and the courage he had that so many other adults didn't.

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz and Jack Gruener - Holocaust
If I could meet any three living Holocaust survivors, Jack Gruener would be on this list. Jack (Yanek) Gruener survived a ghetto, two death marches - and ten concentration camps. (all before his 18th birthday)
What set this apart from every other Holocaust memoir/novel I've read was Jack's humanity. He never gives up despite overwhelming odds. He has multiple chances to steal from fellow inmates, but refuses to.
This book is a true story. To make it more interesting, Gratz added some fictional dialogue but the story as a whole is true. The parts I know are true include: Jack hiding in the barracks from Amon Göth, Jack surviving ten concentration camps, Jack asking the kapo for bread on a death march, and Jack surviving.

Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff - Home Front (America)

Willow Run was a real plant in Michigan during WWII that manufactured B-24 Liberator bombers. And it is the place 11 year-old Meggie has to live after her father gets a job there. Her brother is in the army and her uncle is German, making him a target for bullies. Meggie is a relatable, very real character with struggles, dreams, and fears.

Escape from Warsaw by Ian Serraillier - Poland
Originally titled "The Silver Sword"
Joseph is sent to a prison camp for being anti-Nazi and his wife is deported to Germany. Joseph escapes and heads to Switzerland and sends his three children - Ruth, Edek, and Bronia - to meet him in Switzerland. The book is loosely based on a true story.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne - Holocaust

I'll admit, this novel is unrealistic at times. I mean, the German son of a Nazi officer doesn't know who Hitler is, children use English words unrealistically, and two children would never be able to go near barbed wire in a concentration camp without getting shot. However, I believe it is the message Boyne conveys that makes this so powerful.
Eight year-old Bruno is enjoying his privileged life in Germany. When his family moves to Out-With, (Auschwitz, an infamous concentration camp) Bruno soon becomes bored and meets a young Jewish boy across the barbed-wire fence - Shmuel. Shmuel (Hebrew for "Samuel") is 8 as well, and the two become fast friends. Shmuel and Bruno are very similar, both are the exact same age, have the same birthday, both are sweet and innocent. Their only difference is they are of a different race.
Although not gory at all, this heartbreaking story's ending will shock you. The movie very closely matches to the book. I believe everyone should read this book or watch the movie. Never forget.

MAJOR SPOILER AND LESSON: In the end, young Bruno and Shmuel are both gassed as the two search for Shmuel's father. I strongly believe the message here is prejudice hurts everyone, not just the victim. The second message is hatred is taught. Children aren't born hating another person simply because of race.

Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura E. Williams - Holocaust

It's 1942. Korinna is one of millions of German children caught in the fanatical Hitler Youth. However, Korinna's parents couldn't disagree more with Hitler and his fanatical ideas - they have a Jewish family hidden in Korinna's bedroom wall. From a young age, Hitler Youth were encouraged to turn in anyone anti-Nazi, including their own parents. Will Korinna turn her parents in, or will they get caught on their own? If they do, what happens to Korinna?

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry - Danish Resistance
This Newbery Winner tells the story of the Danish Resistance. In real life, the Danish Resistance rescued 99% of its Jewish population. This story is about the fictional Annemarie Johansen, who helps her Jewish friend and neighbor Ellen escape to the neutral Sweden. A great story of courage!

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff - America

Growing up on the home front, ten-year-old Lily has the perfect life. Until her father is drafted. Sent away to live with her grandmother, Lily meets young refugee, Albert, and the two become friends. Conflict centers on Lily's bad habit, lying. Patricia Reilly Giff is a very talented writer and how Lily's story unfolds is both interesting and unique.


Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev - Holocaust
Could your 8 year-old self live in a forest - alone - undercover - and with only one arm?
Srulik is a young Jew who goes undercover as a Pole. He faces many challenges - finding food, avoiding anti-Semitism, the Nazis, the harsh Polish winters. As if that wasn't hard enough, this courageous 8 year-old loses his arm in an accident. Genesis 17 was a major problem for all Jewish boys in hiding. Surlik, like every other Jewish male, is circumcised. This comes up quite a few times in the story, along with a few profanities. Taking this out, this is a fantastic novel. Oh, and did I mention it is based on a true story?


Farewell to Manzaner by Jeanne Houston - Japanese Internment Camps
The Journal of Ben Uchida, citizen #13559, Mirror Lake, California - a Dear America Book
Both of these books cover Japanese internment camps, and both of these are fiction. I haven't read either of these, but have heard nothing but positive feedback on both. If you've read these, let me know what you think!

Other WWII novels for the age range that I have read but weren't my top favorites include: 

- Once by Morris Gleitzman (I've read the sequels are better)

- Snow Treasure by McSwigan (great plot, okay writing style)

-When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr (slow, but good)

I happen to read more WWII nonfiction than WWII fiction.

What are your favorite WWII fiction novels for the designated age range?

11 WWII Picture Books

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books. I have read all books unless otherwise noted.

Despite being picture books, many are not appropriate for younger (7 and under) readers due to subject and length. (a lot of these are a bit long, but all under 40 pages)

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto by Susan Goldman Rubin
Irena's Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan
Irena Sendler was a young Catholic social worker when WWII broke out. Heartbroken at the way her Jewish friends were being treated, Irena knows she has to do something. In the course of 18 months, Irena rescues 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto.
Both books provide a wealth of information about Irena. None of the pictures are graphic, and both have beautiful illustrations. The ending has more information (aimed at adult readers) about Irena.


The Flag With Fifty-Six Stars by Susan Goldman Rubin
A true story about the prisoners of Mauthausen concentration camp, this story is aimed at older students. As the end of the war was nearing, Germany knew it would lose. At the same time, the concentration camp inmates knew their liberators would be there soon. To show their gratitude, the inmates wanted to offer their liberators a gift. They decided on a flag. At the time, the US had only 48 states, therefore 48 stars. The inmates guessed, and made the flag with 56 stars. (You can see the flag here.) Despite being a picture book, this is definitely aimed at older grades.

The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk by Louise Borden

Told in a free verse-poetry format from the view of a nameless little girl, The Little Ships is a fictional story about Operation Dynamo, better known as the Evacuation at Dunkirk. In May 1940, little ships took part in the rescue of over 300,000 Allied soldiers.
I read this book twice - the second time I read it after researching Dunkirk and it made this story even better. Since the book didn't really portray go in-depth to the surroundings, it would be best to do a little bit of research before you read this.

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki

This fictional story is told from the view of a little boy growing up in a Japanese Internment Camp and how he grows to love baseball, despite not being very good at first. Seeing the Home Front from the eyes of a Japanese child is very interesting. Since it's main subject is baseball, this would be best for boys.

Welcome to Molly's World 1944 (American Girl)

This is a book all about the American life during WWII for any Molly McIntire fan or any introduction to WWII! This book explores every aspect of life a 10 year-old would have had during the second world war.
If you've ever read an American Girl book, you know at the end of each book, they have a "Peek into the past". This large picture book is written in that fashion, with lots of great historical photos and artifacts. It covers everything from the clothing style, toys, sports, to the red cross nurses.

Luba: The Angel of Bergen-Belsen by Michelle McCaan

One night in 1944, Miss Luba found 54 Dutch children at the concentration camp Bergen-Belsen. These children - mostly orphans - were all cold and hungry. Despite great risks, Luba and a few other women cared for these children until the British arrived in April 1945. In reality, 53 of these children survived the war. Even after the war, Luba cared for these children. I haven't read this book yet, but it is based for older elementary students.


Voices of Pearl Harbor by Sherry Garland
Each page of this picture book begins with "I am" and is told by a different person effected by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The various people include US and Japanese army men, a Japanese mother, a Red Cross nurse, a Japanese-American who loves America, and a Hawaiian native. Pearl Harbor from the view of different people is very interesting. Normally you only hear of the American side, but we often forget Japanese women also lost their sons, brothers, and husbands. No corpses are shown, but some explosions are realistically portrayed. The ending has more information on Pearl Harbor, and extended reading.


Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story by Ken Mochizuki
This incredible true story tells the story of Chiune Sugihara, from the first-person point of view of his son, Hiroki. (His son co-wrote this book.) During WWII, this amazing Japanese diplomat lived in Lithuania, and rescued the lives of around 10,000 Polish Jews by giving them transit visas to Japan. The last few pages have more information on this amazing story.

The Yellow Star by Carmen Deedy

Denmark is truly an amazing country - the people worked together to save 99% of its Jews during WWII. This story is purely fictional, based off a legend. But, it could have happened. And, I believe Denmark's King Christian X would have done it.

~

King Christian X of Denmark was known for riding around on his horse - unarmed and unguarded. Legend says after the Nazis made all the Jews wear yellow stars, King Christian X had his daily morning ride - with a yellow star on. This is that story.

Great illustrations, short, simple, I LOVED it.

Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt
It's been a while since I've last cried while reading a picture book, but this fiction story had my eyes wet. It's July 1942, and Helen is having her birthday sleep over with her Jewish friend Lydia. Helen's parents won't be home from work until later, and the two friends decide to tell ghost stories until then. Suddenly, two frantic strangers with yellow stars on their coat come to their door. Lydia's life will never be the same again.




A few notes:
1. I did not include "The Cat With The Yellow Star" on here because it is WAY too long.
2. There is a book called "My Secret Camera" I really enjoyed. It is told with little writing and mostly through real photos of the Warsaw Ghetto. It is VERY sad, but the pictures are not graphic. The pictures were taken from a hidden camera, so the pictures are not posed.

For more Holocaust picture books, see here.

What are your favorite WWII picture books?

11 Animal Picture Books

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books. I have read all books unless otherwise noted.

HONK by Pamela Edwards

Mimi the swan loves ballet. The only problem is no one seems to appreciate her dancing! Multiple times she tries to sneak into an Opera House, only to be gre
atly disappointed time and time again. Mimi refuses to give away, and her persistence is awarded! HONK is one of our family favorites!

If You Give A Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

If you give a mouse a cookie...he's going to ask for a glace of milk! Straw, nail clippers, mirror, broom! Will anything keep this little mouse happy?


The Crunching Munching Caterpillar by Sheridan Cane
All caterpillar does is eat! He wants to be graceful and fly - like a butterfly! He meets a butterfly, and she smiles because she knows something caterpillar doesn't. One spring day, caterpillar is in for a big surprise!

Z is For Moose by Kelly Bingham 
Zebra has everything set for the staging to the alphabet! What could go wrong? But uh oh...Moose forgets about Moose! This humorous alphabet book teaches the alphabet in a unique way, not just a "A is for apple, B for ball" type way.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum loves her unique name. Until she starts school and gets teased. But, one special music teacher comes into her life and changes Chrysanthemum's view.

Tweak Tweak by Eve Bunting

Little Elephant and Mama Elephant are going for a walk. “Hold on to my tail,” says Mama. “If you want to ask me a question, tweak twice.” Tweak, tweak! “Mama, what is that?” Little Elephant is curious about the frog, the monkey, the songbird, the butterfly, and the crocodile—and especially about what a little elephant can do. Mama knows just how to answer, to help her cherished Little Elephant grow.

Hedgie's Surprise by Jan Brett
The bratty Tomten steals Henny's eggs every morning after he gets tired of eating porridge. Henny grows upset, because she so desperately wants babies of her soon. Her friend Hedgie the hedgehog soon devises a plan that will hopefully, save Henny's eggs.


The Very Lazy Ladybug by Isobel Finn
The very lazy ladybug wants nothing more than a comfy place to sleep. She wants to sleep all day and sleep all night. But she can't find a calm place to rest! From the


Fox by Kate Banks
My favorite animals are red pandas and foxes. This is the story of a newborn fox who wants to explore the Spring world. "Not yet," his mama and father tell him as they hunt and do exciting things. Baby fox silently wonders if he will ever get his chance to be big.


Lily's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Lily the mouse loves school, especially her teacher. When Lily brings her beloved purple plastic purse to school for show and tell, her teacher confiscates it. Lily, very angry, does mean things she later regrets. Lily is determined to make things right - but how?


A Pocket Full of Kisses by Audrey Penn
The sequel to The Kissing Hand, A Pocketful of Kisses is a story written for siblings. Chester has a little brother now, and the little brother is demanding a lot of attention. When Chester sees his mother giving his baby brother the Kissing Hand, Chester is very upset. In the end, Chester learns learns that he is still deeply loved, despite a little brother.

Bonus: "Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type" is a hilarious picture book about cows, hens and ducks - with a typewriter!

What are your favorite animal picture books?

11 Dog, Cat, & Bunny Picture Books

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books. I have read all books unless otherwise noted.

How Rocket Learned To Read by Tad Hills

This is by far one of the cutest picture books I have ever read. Rocket, a lovable dog, has no desire to read. Until a little bird comes by and declares Rocket her first student! Slowly, Rocket not only learns to read, but learns to love it.

Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep and Tell Me What It's Like To Be Big by Joyce Dunbar

These two books are about two bunnies, little Willa and her wise big brother Willoughby. Both make excellent bedtime stories.

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan

Olivia the Pig and Eloise become Betty Bunny! In this humorous picture book about patience, the book begins with Betty Bunny refusing to try chocolate cake because it looks icky. However, once she tries it, Betty Bunny is in love. One day, Betty Bunny decides to take some chocolate cake to school - in her pocket. 

The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy by Jane Thayer

Petey the dog wants nothing for Christmas except a boy - a boy of his very own! A boy he can walk with, talk with, and play with. He meets other dogs, but each dog refuses to give up his boy. Will Petey ever find a boy in time for Christmas?

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes! by James Dean

Pete the Cat has fancy new white shoes. But everywhere Pete seems to go, he shoes change colors! He steps in blueberries, strawberries, and more in this fun sing-along book.

Apple Pie ABC by Allison Murray

A little puppy sees apple pie on the table that his owner baked. Will he ever get the pie? His journey from A-Z makes a great alphabet read-aloud for anyone who likes dogs!

Ten In the Bed by Mary Gruetzke

There were ten in the bed and the little one said, "roll over roll over" and they all rolled one and one fell out. The classic ten in the bed story/song - told through dogs!

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

It is Kitten's first full moon! She is hungry, and firmly believes that big white circle in the sky is a yummy bowl of milk just waiting for her. But, for some reason, she can't seem to reach it! This black and white book won a Caldecott Medal in 2005.

Go Dog Go! by Dr. Seuss

With Dr. Seuss' famous tongue-twister writing style, Go Dog Go is a great doggy story for children learning to read.

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

After years of dreaming of planting a garden, Mr. McGreely finally begins his own garden - follow of lettuce, carrots, and peas. But one night, three bunnies come and eat his vegetables! So Mr. McGreely builds a fence. This humorous and adorable story continues with the bunnies sneaking into Mr. McGreely's garden, and Mr. McGreely building a bigger barrier each time.

What are your favorite dog, cat, and bunny picture books?