Chains - Laurie Halse Anderson***
Isabel and her sister, Ruth, are slaves. Sold from one owner to the next, they arrive in New York as the English are struggling to maintain control of America. Soon Isabel is struggling too -- struggling to keep herself and her sister safe in a world in which they have no control. |
Three Kingdoms – Wei Dong Chen
When a tyrant takes over China, a group of regional lords forms an army to restore the nation. But bravery and valor are soon stifled by ambition and cunning, and the coalition dissolves before the battle is even won. Now, a new group of heroes must emerge if China is to survive. |
The Black Canary – Jane Louise Curry
Twelve-year-old biracial James has grown up in a musical family. Everyone assumes that James will pursue music, yet he would rather become anything that will let him leave music behind and be his own self. But what happens when he time-travels to the year 1600 and can't get back? |
The Scarlet Pimpernel – Baroness Orczy***
Set in 1792, this is the story of how the Scarlet Pimpernel, armed with only his wits and cunning, defies the French revolutionaries to rescue innocents from the guillotine. The ruthless Chauvelin is determined to uncover the identity of this masked Pimpernel and hunt him down... |
The Prince and the Pauper – Mark Twain
The impoverished and abused Tom Canty and the heir to the throne, Edward VI, have practically nothing in common. And when a chance meeting reveals their striking resemblance and tempts the two boys into changing places, they cannot imagine the series of confusions and misunderstandings that can come of it. |