Jenna Johnson

Historical Fiction Book File

4-8 years old
Author: Paul Goble
Title: Death of the Iron Horse
Publisher: Aladdin
Summary: The Iron Horse was coming towards the Cheyenne people.
Evaluation
Plot- It was the first time the Cheyenne people would have ever seen a
steam locomotive and they were worried if it would come over into
their camp just like the soldiers did.
Believabiltiy-10
Comment: This book is based on a true story, where Native Americans
were worried that the white men were going to take over their territory.
Major dramatic question- 8
Comment: Throughout the book you wonder how the group of people
from Cheyenne was brave enough to defend their territory and how
hard that must have been.
Other Considerations-8
Style and Language-8
Pacing-8
Character-8
Setting-8
Comment: I like the setting of the story because it shows how it was
back then and how people were able to survive.
Theme: 9
Comment: The theme of this book teaches children that if they have
courage and are brave enough to stand up for something they believe
in that they can succeed.
Other considerations(mood,tone)-8
Is it a well-rounded piece?-8
OVERALL RATING-8
Comment: This story is a good true story. It was sad to read how unfair
people were to each other. This story really can teach students how to
be kind and fair to others. It can also teach them to have courage
when they are standing up for something that is right.

4-7 years old

Author: Allen Say
Title: Home of the Brave
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Summary- A man confronts the trauma that his family encountered
during World war II in a dreamlike sequence.
Evaluation
Plot: The man writes about how he meets a group of young children
with nametags pinned on their clothes. After desperately trying to help
these children he releases the nametags and the children are free to
go.
Believability-8
Comment: Its sad to think about what the Japanese had to go through.
I think it is also important for children to learn about our history,
because we do not want to repeat something like imprisoning innocent
people.
Major dramatic question clear- 8
Other Considerations-8
Style and Language-8
Comment: The author does a fantastic job on using words that almost
seem to complex for young children, but he does it in a way that they
are also able to understand.
Pacing-8
Character- 8
Comment: I like the main character, I think the character shows how
other Japanese people were like, how they wanted so desperately to
help the young children.
Setting-8
Theme-8
Other considerations (mood, tone)-8
Is it a well-rounded piece? - 9
OVERALL RATING-9
Comment: This is a book that I think will really capture the attention of
young children. Its a sad story, but I think it will show children how
cruel people can be and how we never want to repeat something like
that again.

4-8 years old

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Title: Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride
Publisher: Scholastic
Summary- This book shows the courage of two great American heroes.
Evaluation
Plot: Eleanor had Amelia over for dinner and they ended up taking a
midnight plan ride over Washington, D.C..
Believability-8
Comment: Its crazy to think that two of American heroes were close
friends. These women really changed our world and showed people
that women can do things too.
Major dramatic question clear- 8
Other Considerations-8
Style and Language-8
Comment: I think the author does a good job on using vocabulary that
can be challenging for children, but she uses it in sentences where a
child can use context clues to figure out what the word means.
Pacing-8
Character- 8
Comment: Amelia and Eleanor both were so similar. They were both
outspoken, and did what they wanted to even though people were
against it sometimes.
Setting-8
Theme-8
Comment: I think the theme of this story is to enjoy life. Both these
women were inspirational to women all around the world and they
werent afraid of anything. Like taking a midnight plane ride over D.C..
Other considerations (mood, tone)-8
Is it a well-rounded piece?-8
OVERALL RATING-8
Comment: I think the author does a good job on showing and teaching
children about the inspirational women and how even though they
were extraordinary and made a difference in our world that they are
just like us.

4-8 years old

Author: Deborah Wiles
Title: Freedom Summer
Publisher: Aladdin
Summary- This book is about two best friends. One is white and one is
black. This book shows how people were segregated back then.
Evaluation
Plot: Joe and John Henry are best friends and love to swim. The public
pool is only opened to white people. After a law is passed Joe and John
are excited to be able to swim together, but then discover that just
because a law is passed doesnt mean other people are on board.
Believability-9
Comment: It is so sad to read about the struggles that the African
Americans had to encounter. It breaks my heart to read how little
children who just want to play with their friends are still treated poorly.
Major dramatic question clear- 9
Other Considerations-9
Style and Language-9
Pacing-8
Character- 9
Comment: I love both the characters. Joe and John Henry are best
friends who love to play together. They dont see the difference in one
another. They enjoy one anothers company.
Setting-8
Theme-8
Comment: I think the theme of the story is to teach children how
treating one another is something we shouldnt do. After reading this
story I think children can learn to be friendly and treat everyone the
same.
Other considerations (mood, tone)-9
Is it a well-rounded piece?- 9
Comment: Children can learn about how Americans use to be. I think
this is an important lesson that they can learn about.
OVERALL RATING-9
Comment: I think children will gain a better understanding of what it is
like to be free. I think children will have their hearts soften when they
learn about the trials that African Americans had to endure just for
their skin color.

4-8 years old

Author: Robert Coles
Title: The Story of Ruby Bridges
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Summary- Ruby Bridges family moves to a new town where the judge
orders her to attend a school with all white children.
Evaluation
Plot: While Ruby is going to school she is tormented and bullied for her
skin color.
Believability-9
Comment: It is so sad to read about the struggles that the African
Americans had to encounter. It is so sad that a child who wants to learn
is being picked on for being an African American.
Major dramatic question clear- 9
Other Considerations-9
Style and Language-9
Pacing-8
Character- 9
Comment: I love the courage Ruby has. Its amazing to read how she
was so willing to continue to go to school when most kids wouldve just
stayed home.
Setting-8
Theme-8
Comment: I think the theme of the story is to teach children to be kind
to others. I think what Ruby had to encounter will show children that
picking on and bullying other children for anything is unfair.
Other considerations (mood, tone)-9
Is it a well-rounded piece?- 9
Comment: Children can learn how Ruby had courage and hope that
things would get better for her. Ruby is such an inspiration to children
because she endured it all those endless hours of torment and she still
wanted to get an education.
OVERALL RATING-10
Comment: I think children will gain a better understanding of how lucky
they are to live in a day and age where everyone has equals rights.
Children can learn how lucky they are to be able to go to go to a school
where everyone is treated equally.