Category Archives: Historical fiction

THE ADVENTURES OF THE FLASH GANG

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I’m always on the lookout for exciting plots and endearing characters in books. It also helps if the setting and time period are captured beautifully without being over 300 pages long. THE ADVENTURES of the FLASH GANG is the winner … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

THE BOY AND THE SPY

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

I know several middle grade kids who open a new book and will read just the first page before declaring “this is boring.” That won’t be a problem when I hand them the exciting and compelling THE BOY AND THE … Continue reading →

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THE CALL OF JEREMIAH McGILL

Posted on February 19, 2023 by Greg Pattridge

When I saw that THE CALL OF JEREMIAH MCGILL was set in the early 1970s, I jumped at the chance to read this title. Not many MG books are set in a decade that shares similar problems to what we … Continue reading →

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MORNING SUN IN WUHAN

Posted on December 4, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

We all remember how our lives were interrupted the past few years due to the pandemic. But what about where it all began in China? MORNING SUN IN WUHAN takes readers back to January of 2020 where COVID was first … Continue reading →

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CABBY POTTS, DUCHESS OF DIRT

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

When her parents force her to work at grand Ashford Manor, 12-year-old Cabby Potts will do anything to escape, including playing matchmaker between her sister and the rich young lord of the manor. If it succeeds, her scheme will save … Continue reading →

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THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER

Posted on August 28, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

It’s nine o’clock on Friday morning, and Mrs. Goldberg is definitely dead. With that kind of first line I was pulled into this compelling drama set in 1975 Atlantic City, New Jersey. 13-year-old Joey narrates the story. He and his … Continue reading →

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THREE STRIKE SUMMER

Posted on August 21, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The year is 1936. Gloria Mae Willard, her parents, and older sister are evicted from their Oklahoma farm. The baby brother they recently lost is buried under a tree on that property. The Dust Bowl has wreaked havoc making farming … Continue reading →

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Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves

Posted on May 29, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

If you like historical novels, especially those centered around WWII, then this unique title will be just the ticket you need. Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves is set in Virginia where the vast waters it borders have … Continue reading →

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THE TITANIC TUNNEL

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

The historical fiction tag first peaked my interest for this title. Other than a certain popular movie and an ample supply of non-fiction accounts of the unfortunate tragedy, I’d come across very few fictional stories for middle graders about Titanic’s … Continue reading →

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THE BUTTON BOX

Posted on April 3, 2022 by Greg Pattridge

Ava is Sephardic Jewish and her cousin Nadeem is Muslim. Their different religions and cultures have never stopped them from being best friends. But after a bully makes them question their ties to each other, a visit to their grandmother … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical fiction, Middle Grade Book Reviews | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments