36. Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Narrated by Lee Adams (Random House, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: Set in rugged, early America, Emily Wiggins is suddenly orphaned and all alone in the world except for the advice of her neighbors, Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire. She befriends a young boy named Jackson as she makes her journey to Redbud to live with her Aunt Hilda. When she learns through a newspaper story that she has inherited millions of dollars, all sorts of trouble begins for her, especially since her dastardly Uncle Victor is looking to get some of that loot. Armed with only her imagined advice from the three sisters, Emily attempts to make her way in a rough world.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This was a goofy sort of villainous wild west tale that will keep the young reader moving forward in the story; at each chapter's end, a wacky question is posed - such as "Now, what in the hokie smokies could that mean?" or "What in the hunky monkey do you suppose he was thinking?" and this serves effectively to move the story forward. The audio was well done, read by Lee Adams with just the right amount of wild west accent. This would definitely qualify as a material for the younger end of our age range, however. I came to like Emily and Jackson's characters, but would have enjoyed more interaction with Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire who only figured into the story in the first few chapters.

Curriculum/Programming: This book would be a good accompaniment to a study of the California Gold Rush, as this seems to be the time in which it was set. It would also make an excellent read-aloud in a classroom or after school program at the library.

10. Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow, Narrated by Roger Mueller (Oasis Audio, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 9-13)

Brief Description: Mikhail encounters a wounded man and his dog Zasha in the woods on his property. WWII is over, but much hatred of Germany and all things German exists in Russia. Dogs are no exception. He knows immediately that he must keep this secret; he brings them home where his kind mother, sister and brother care for the man and the dog. When the man dies overnight, they must bring him to the police. Through a series of encounters with dog thieves and Russian soldiers returning home from war, Zasha's life is threatened. Ultimately, however, the family prevails, and Mikhail's soldier father finally returns home after four years at war. Everyone wins in this heart-warming story of a boy and the dog he comes to love.

Awards: Nominated for the New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award; Parent's Choice Award Winner, Spring, 2011.

Personal Opinion: I absolutely loved this exciting story about Zasha! The author clearly understands dog behavior and carefully crafts Zasha's personality; dog lovers will be enchanted by her tenderness, intelligence, and beauty...and her singing! I hadn't realized that dogs were nearly exterminated in Russia following WWII, particularly German dogs. While the story is fictional, the end note indicates that the Russian Government did, in fact, strive to create a "super" Russian dog, and the Black Russian Terrier was bred and was finally recognized by the AKC in 2004 in the working group class. I admit that the story was fairly predictable, but in this case, it is comforting. Great pacing, narrator does a nice job with Russian accents, and fair character development earn this audio book 5 out of 5 stars.

Programming/Curriculum Ideas: This book is perfect to accompany a unit on WWII, or a study of the Black Russian Terrier.

4. I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 by Lauren Tarshis (Scholastic, 2010)

BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 6-10)

Brief Description: In an engaging opening scene, the titanic is described as sinking, and10-year-old George Calder is frightened, hears screaming, and then there is darkness. Readers are then taken back to George’s 5^th day at sea. He continues to feel lucky to be aboard the Titanic with his wealthy aunt Daisy, but each day George finds himself in trouble because of his great ideas; on this day he vows to keep out of mischief! When he learns there might be a mummy in the cargo hold, he sets out on an adventure only to find a robber who takes his knife and turns it on George. At that moment, the ship lurches as it hits the infamous iceberg. George scrambles on deck to see fellow passengers throwing snowballs made from the iceberg. Readers experience great angst as the ship continues to sink. Ultimately, there is a happy ending for George and his family and friends, but the author reminds readers that this wasn’t the case for the 1, 517 people who didn’t survive this disaster.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I was surprised by how well developed the characters were in this transitional level historical account of the Titanic disaster. In short space, Tarshis defines them beautifully and draws the reader into their lives; I found myself routing for them as the suspenseful actions unfolded. Being a children’s story, there is a happy ending, but I thought the author’s inclusion of more facts about the disaster were well done at the story’s end.

Programming Idea: This would be a great book to include in the study of the Titanic or other world events in the early 1900’s. Kids might be encouraged to write their own historical fiction story using other disastrous events in history.