Introduction

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

In a recent study by Macquarie University, we learned that young people are statistically less likely to read. Did you also know that men are less likely to read than their female peers? That makes young boys and young men the smallest population of readers. 

We have created a list of books in one of the most popular book genres, historical fiction, for young boys to engage in and learn about events while also getting the amazing thrill of reading. Now this list was created with young men in mind but don't think for a second that young girls can't join in on the fun. Reading is for everyone and at Penrith City Library we promote literature for all genders.

All titles have been sourced from the Novelist database and Goodreads.

Links:
Book Day | Reference Page

The Fires of Ares

 

Author: Michael Ford
Publisher: New York: Walker, 2008

Summary:

This book is set in ancient Sparta, telling the story of Lysander, a great Spartan admiral. But his story begins not as the hero he will become but as a simple Helot slave. The first book in the series, this story explores the ancient greek world and the tension between the ruling class and their slaves. Lysander has a secret though, he is of noble blood and must keep safe a magical amulet that his sick mother insists he must never lose. 

But when Lysander’s grandfather finds him and his noble heritage is exposed he must start training to be a warrior for the ruling class and fight against the very people he was raised with.

Ford writes an engaging and exciting story pumped with information about ancient greek customs to create a story of an underdog who triumphs. This book gives young boys an action and a thriller that shows blood, sweat and tears that would give Gladiator or 300 a run for its money.

Cleo

 

Author: Lucy Coats
Publisher: London: Hachette Children’s Group, 2015.
Summary:

In a page-turning and attention-grabbing retelling of the classic story of Cleopatra, the last true pharaoh of Egypt. This captivating novel reimagines the life of the teenage Cleopatra before she became the icon we all know and love. 

 

After watching her own mother pass, Cleo must flee the palace that she has called home because her mothers' death isn’t an accident and if she stays, she too will die. As Cleo’s evil half-sister usurps the throne, she finds safety in the secret Sisters of the Living Knot but she knows must return to Alexandria, to the place she once called home and come face to face with her evil sister. 

This gorgeous and captivating new YA novel will be an easy and fun read for all, it features suspense and drama and the early beginnings of a powerful figure in history.

The Language of Fire: Joan of Arc Reimagined

 

Author: Stephanie Hemphill
Publisher: New York: Balzer + Bray, 2019
Summary:

This book retells the iconic story of Jon of Arc. Lyrical and dark, a moving look at the life of Joan of Arc, who started as an illiterate peasant but turns into a fierce warrior who will command an entire army, save an entire nation and help crown the king of France. 

Born as Jehanne, she never fit in among her siblings and peers. Then one day, she hears a voice, telling her she is destined for great things. She recognises this voice as the voice of God and she has been chosen to save France. 

In a man’s world, women held no power in the 15th century, so through sheer determination and courage, Jehanne ran away from home and dressed as a man. She travels among the soldiers she would eventually lead into battle, braves repeated threats and suffers battle wounds. Despite the impossible odds, Jehanne is a fearless warrior who has and will continue to inspire generations.

The author, Hemphill gives both a personal story about a young girls' rise in power and a story that explains the political situation between France and England and the 100 Year War. This story is not an easy one but has been told with beauty and grace, the writing is poetic and gives insight into what Jehanne is going through and her struggles with gender, war and faith. While definitely a novel that will empower young girls, this book will also invite young boys into understanding the struggle that women have had to face and continue to face through expressive and masterful parallels to the modern-day. It will also show boys, that no matter the odds, anything is possible. 

Young Samurai : The Way of The Warrior

 

Author: Chris Bradford
Publisher: New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2009.

Summary:

An exciting adventure that starts right in the middle of the action. Jack Fletcher is only 12 years old when his fathers' ship is attacked by ninja pirates. He then finds himself stranded on the coast of Japan but is rescued by samurai master, Masamoto Takeshi. Jack’s only hope now is to become a samurai warrior and so his training must begin but life at samurai school is a constant fight for survival. Even with new friends, Jack must overcome the school bullies with not just his head held high but his sword at the ready.

This book dives into what teenage boys love: fighting and lots of it. The action is fast-paced and Bradford writes from experience as he too is a black belt. The Way of the Warrior puts us into the shoes of someone who knows little of Japanese culture and allows the reader to learn, explore and engage with it alongside the hero. 

The Poppy And The Rose

 

Author: Ashlee Cowles
Publisher: Owl Hollow Press, 2020.

Summary:

This rich and intriguing novel takes place in both 1912 with teen heiress Ava Knight and in 2010 with reporter Taylor Ramano. The Poppy & The Rose is set around the story of the Titanic and is both a mystery and a thriller.

Modern-day American reporter Taylor arrives in Oxford for her summer journalism program but something is off about it. When she arrives she is greeted by a young chauffeur who invites her to tea with Lady Maebeline Knight, who’s house is old and filled with a cursed history dating back to the days of Henry VIII. Lady Knight promises to share information about Taylor’s recently deceased father but mysteriously dies before she can share all her secrets. This then sends Taylor on a quest with her only clue being an old diary of a Titanic survivor, Ava Knight. Somehow the past and this Ava Knight connect to the supernatural mystery of her father.

 

In this journey Taylor and Ava never meet but readers will get to enjoy both their stories as the narrative is told in alternating viewpoints between the two. The Poppy and the Rose will show how our past and our memories hold us together and link us to each other in this exciting story.

Romanov

 

Author: Nadine Brandes

Publisher: Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2019.

Summary:

The history books said she died, this fantasy YA novel reimagines the fate of Anastasia Romanov and her family. Set in 1918, Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov is in exile in Tobolsk, Russia. Given the task to find and smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase, it might be their only chance at salvation but the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them and they are not someone who can be easily tricked. 

Nastya’s only hope for saving herself and her family is either to release the spell and deal with the damage or enlist the help from Zash, a handsome soldier who isn’t like the other soldiers who threaten her very existence. Nastya will dabble in magic and fight for her family alongside this charming enemy she’s starting to gain feelings for. That is until she’s on one side of the firing squad and he’s on the other.

A dramatic, historical fantasy novel that is from the former Grand Duchess of Russia’s point of view, this book will have you on the edge of your seat as you journey with Nastya to find the spell to help her family, travelling on the run and dealing with a forbidden first love. 

My Real Name Is Hanna

 

Author: Tara Lynn Masih
Publisher: Connecticut: Mandel Vilar Press, 2018.

Summary:

This book weaves in the stories of Jewish and Ukrainian folklore while also telling a story that is based on the true events of Esther Stermer, a woman who escaped from the clutches of Nazi Germany and survived underground for 511 days to protect and save her family.

The main character, Hanna Slivka is almost 14 when Hitler’s army crosses into Soviet-occupied Ukraine. The story begins before the Germans have invaded her home town but not before the hatred for her heritage is felt first. As the German army continue to take over and people start to turn on each other in desperate hope for food and safety, Hanna and her friends and family must run before they are caught. They make way to the forest on the outskirts of their town and hide in the caves that are said to be haunted by evil spirits. But one day, Hanna’s father vanishes and it’s up to her to find him and find a way to keep her loved ones safe and alive.

The moving tale, My Real Name is Hannah, is told from the perspective of an older Hanna Slivka who is telling her daughter her experience and journey to freedom. This book celebrates the power of family, the beauty of a helping hand and the strength of the human spirit.

Sister Heart

 

Author: Sally Morgan
Publisher: Western Australia: Fremantle Press, 2015
Summary:

Told from the perspective of a young aboriginal girl, Sister Heart brings a personal and approachable conversation-starter about the Stolen Generation for the mature young reader. She is given a new name, Annie and taken from her home in the north of Australia and sent to an institution in the distant south. Through these hardships, she slowly makes a life for herself and in the face of tragedy, finds strength in friendship.

A hard and difficult conversation to have but one that’s necessary and important, Sally Morgan has written a spectacular verse book that shines a light at Australia's history and the experience and perspective of the indigenous community. 

My Name Is Not Easy

 

Author: Debby Dahl Edwardson
Publisher: New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2011.
Summary:

In this emotionally intense novel, this story is set in the 1960s, written from multiple perspectives. My Name is Not Easy is about 5 Native American children who are forced to attend a Catholic boarding school, where despite them being from different tribes and culture, come together and find a new family and home.

Luke knows his I’nupiaq name is said to be too difficult and full of sounds the white people can’t say. He and his brother Bunna are sent Alaska’s Sacred Heart boarding school, miles away from their village and separated from their third brother who is kidnapped and taken to Texas. Their cultures, their languages and even their names are treated as if they are nothing and something to be forgotten. But times are changing and Luke and his friends, are ready to right some wrongs. 

In this descriptive and character-driven story, My Name is Not Easy explains the displacement, loss and the growth that many Native American had to endure and shines a light on a side of history that is often forgotten. 

Like A Love Story

Author: Abdi Nazemian
Publisher: New York : Balzer + Bray, 2019.

Summary:

Like a Love Story is an inclusive story about the LGBTQIA community, written in the first person but told from three different perspectives. This story is set in the middle of the AIDs pandemic in 1989 and is an emotionally intense and moving story about three teens and their fight for equality and justice.

Reza is from Iran and has moved to New York with his mother, step-father and step-brother. He’s terrified that someone will find out his secret, that he is gay. He’s known this his whole life but he also knows from his cultural background and from the media that being gay can equal death. So when he moves to a new school and meets Art, the school’s only out and proud student, he falls hard. He also meets Art’s best friend Judy, an aspiring fashion designer whos uncle Stephen is a gay man with AIDs and devotes his time as a member of ACT UP organisation. 

Reza starts to date Judy to please his parents and hide his secret but can’t help his feelings for Art and as the two grow closer, Reza struggles to tell the people he cares most without breaking their hearts and destroying the most meaningful relationships he’s ever known.

This novel is story is an intense and powerful expression of the LGBTQIA experience and shows the struggle of coming out and finding the acceptance that we all long for. Like a Love Story is good for those looking for representation and those looking to find themselves as well as allies to the community who would like to understand the history of PRIDE and the power of love.