Genre: Historical Fiction
Jennifer, Krystina, and Yesenia
The historical fiction genre incorporates history through the portrayal of a particular time period. The setting can be real or imaginary, so long as the fictional characters, settings, and plot are portrayed authentically, as if they could have actually happened during that time, as described by ReadWriteThink.
What qualifies as historical fiction? According to the International Association of Professional Writers & Editors (IAPWE), any story set fifty or more years ago. Based on these definitions, our group agrees with ReadWriteThink and defines historical fiction as anything as recent as thirty years ago, so long as it sheds light on something during that time, be it a cultural or social change, racism, war etc. Some sub genres of historical fiction include romance, fantasy, and mystery. Below is a comprehensive list that offers some variety for readers interested in this genre:
Les Miserables: Manga Classics by Crystal S. Chan (Manga)
This is a fun visual twist on a historical fiction classic. Set during the 19th century, Les Miserables is the story of the famous rivalry between ex-convict, Jean Valjean, and police inspector, Javert. The story is about love, loss, power, poverty and war. The lives of the characters are all entwined, as they cross paths and then part ways throughout the story. In this visual adaptation some characters rise and others meet their demise, but who?
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (Novel) 
This historical fiction novel incorporates elements of romance with a bisexual protagonist, who faces prejudice in a homophobic, patriarchal society. It’s the 18th century, and Henry ‘Monty’ Montague just wants to have fun. In this coming of age novel, the privileged, carefree Monty indulges in a last hoorah of escapades in Europe to escape his unaccepting, abusive father and enjoy life one last time before responsibility kicks in at home. He runs into some trouble along the way. Beside him are his feminist younger sister, Felicity and his friend and secret crush, Percy.
My Life Before Me by Norah McClintock (Novel)
This novel is set in 1964 and follows Cady, a 16 year old orphan. Thrust into the world after her orphanage burns down, headstrong Cady follows her dreams of being a reporter to Orrenstown, Indiana with a mysterious newspaper clipping about a murder long ago. There she blows the cover off of the case with her detective work. The case has been kept under wraps, but she slowly reveals the dark secrets of Orrenstown. This historical mystery tackles issues that are relatable to current times like a tense racial climate, police corruption and brutality and injustice.
Reign on CW (Television Series)
Reign is a television series which aired on the CW from 2013-2017. Set in the 16th century, the tv show brings to life major historical moments of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. It incorporates elements of romance and fantasy to make it appeal to a teen audience. This is just one modern adaptation of this historical figure. The film adaptation Mary Queen of Scots is set to release Fall 2018 starring actresses Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan.
Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Novel)
The author of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe tackles racism and poverty in his novel set in Hollywood, New Mexico. The year is 1969, and Sammy Santos is in love with his girlfriend, Juliana. Sammy is working hard toward his dream of going to college, but challenges arise when one of his friends is drafted to Vietnam, two of his gay friends face oppression, Juliana is hurt, and his father is injured in a car accident. There is Spanish dialogue throughout, which gives the reader a stronger sense of the setting and culture. The violence and oppression Sammy faces is representative of the time period he is living in.
Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary “Jacky” Farber, Ship’s Boy by L.A. Meyer, read by Katherine Kellgren. (Audiobook) 
In 18th century London, orphaned Mary Farber disguises herself as a boy and joins a group of sailors to escape her life on the streets. Mary, or Jacky as she’s known by the crew, looks forward to adventures at sea, but can she keep the men from discovering her secret? School Library Journal recommends this as an audiobook for narrator’s Katherine Kellgren’s variety of dialects and accents, and her singing. The audiobook is also applauded for its incorporation of nautical music and appeal for boys. This is the first book in a twelve book series.
Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley (Novel)
In 1959 Virginia, Sarah Dunbar is one of the first ten black students to integrate to an all-white school. When she is paired to work on a project with Linda Hairston, a white student who advocates for segregating schools, they soon form a bond and develop feelings for each other. This book tackles racism and sexual identity in a time where acceptance was minimal to non existent. It is a great coming of age novel for teens who are coming to terms with their own sexual identities today.
Resources/Bibliography
VOYA
Wolf, Marissa. “Hugo, Victor. Les Miserables: Manga Classics.” Voice of Youth Advocates, Dec. 2014, p. 62. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=cuny_queens&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA42453004
VOYA was consulted for this title because it is young adult centric; highlighting, reviewing and recommending various programs and materials for teens. It is also a great resource for library professionals. Their magazine consists of articles by leading young adult professionals. This resource was used by checking to see if they recommended Les Miserables: Manga Classics to teen readers. The review we found said this book is good for a collection that is “looking to enhance their manga collection with classics…”
KIRKUS
Lee, M. (n.d.). THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE by Mackenzi Lee. Retrieved November 04, 2017, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/mackenzi-lee/the-gentlemans-guide-to-vice-and-virtue/
McClintock, N. (n.d.). MY LIFE BEFORE ME by Norah McClintock. Retrieved November 04, 2017, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/norah-mcclintock-2/my-life-before-me/
Talley, R. (n.d.). LIES WE TELL OURSELVES by Robin Talley. Retrieved November 04, 2017, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/robin-talley/lies-we-tell-ourselves/
Kirkus was consulted for these three titles because it is a notable and reputable book reviewing resource. We especially appreciated how it categorizes the books by genre at the end of each review and also recommends an age range for the targeted reader audience.
STUDY BREAKS
In ‘Reign,’ Historical Feminism Finds an Attentive Audience. (2017, June 23). Retrieved November 04, 2017, from https://studybreaks.com/2017/06/23/reign/
We consulted Study Breaks because it is a blog for late teens and it’s website span’s topics from education to entertainment. The blog is also ran by college students. Their article on Reign beautifully sums up its plot and appeal.
BOOKLIST’S 1000 BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS SINCE 2000
Engberg, G. and Chipman, I. (eds.) (2014). Booklist’s 1000 best young adult books since 2000. Chicago: ALA.
Young adult literature has grown considerably over the years, and it can be difficult to navigate through the shelves in search of the best YA novel for a particular reader. This guide lists the best nonfiction and fiction books. After studying the book, librarians can keep a few titles from each genre in the back of their head for when a teen asks them for a recommendation.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Mandell, Phyllis Levy. “Heard Any Good Books Lately?: Must-Have audio books for tweens and teens.” School Library Journal, 1 Aug. 2010,
School Library Journal asked public and school librarians for their top 25 audiobook recommendations. The list here are the titles most frequently named. Some of the audiobooks are labeled as “must reads” for boys. This article is especially useful, because it talks specifically about why these books make for great audiobooks, and has compelling plot summaries.
Ms. Krystina Humbert 