suggested by Dianne Monson, children's literature professor and library volunteer

I've read these books over a period of more than 40 years. As a group, they provide a glimpse of history that ranges from the Roman times to the 20th Century. Where else can you experience so many lives and such a variety of historical settings during the course of only a few years? And there's no age boundary for the books; adults can find pleasure in each one of the stories.

Outcast — Rosemary Sutcliff

I could place any of Sutcliff's books among my favorites. The beauty of her writing lies in the ability to create characters who are absolutely fascinating in themselves, and then let us see the historical events through their eyes. What a great way to observe the evolution of England from the time of the Romans.

Hakon of Rogan's Saga — Erik Christian Haugaard

This l963 publication features not only the terrific writing of Erik Haugaard, but also the illustrations of Leo and Diane Dillon. What a blockbuster combination! I still shiver when I read the tale, for it portrays the cruelty of the Vikings, even within the confines of their own community. But beneath the darkness is a thread of hope for the future, driving the story forward and leading to its sequel, A Slave's Tale.

My Brother Sam is Dead — James Lincoln and Christopher Collier

A Revolutionary War story that exposes the conflict within a family and makes it clear that there is no black and white in judging the merit of any side in a conflict. The Colliers led the way into a future of publishing for young people that would open up the options for exploring emotions, moral dilemmas, and consequent actions.

Lyddie — Katherine Paterson

This story makes its mark from the opening scene when Lyddie stares down a bear that has invaded her cabin. Lyddie's strength of character shows in so many ways throughout the story as she faces down new challenges. She is one of those characters I truly would like to have known.

Dragonwings — Laurence Yep

Laurence Yep is a fine storyteller and he writes about history with great feeling. The San Francisco Chinatown of Moon Shadow and his father, Windrider, shows the struggles of early Chinese immigrants. The sequel, Dragon's Gate, follows another group of workers who helped to develop this country by building the railroads.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry — Mildred D. Taylor

Cassie Logan's spirit and pride underscore the story of the Logan family's struggle to keep their land, even when threatened by night riders. What could have been a devastating outcome is changed because they triumph over adversity.

Number the Stars — Lois Lowry

This WWII story captures the small details of everyday life that take us back to Denmark during that dark period of history. They are unforgettable – the shiny black boots of the German soldiers, the Star of David necklace Annemarie tears from Ellen's neck and clutches in her palm so that the German soldiers will not see it, the guard dog that nearly overturns the well-laid plans for escape to Sweden.

Shadow of the Wall — Christa Laird

Janusz Korczak was a doctor and humanitarian who created an orphanage in wartime Warsaw. Though he could not save his children from the holocaust, through tremendous personal effort and sacrifice he was able to give them some feeling of security during their final days in the Warsaw Ghetto. It is a story of the courage and compassion of a very few in the face of a terrible evil.

A Long Way from Chicago — Richard Peck

Who can resist these humorous stories about Joey, Mary Alice, and their wacky Grandma Dowdel? Their summer visits from Chicago to rural Illinois, a few brief years from l929-l935, are unforgettable vignettes of a time past.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 — Christopher Paul Curtis

This probably falls into the historical fiction category, depending on where you draw the time line. The Watson family's long awaited trip south in 1963 was to have been a joyous reunion with their relatives. Instead, the family was devastated by a church bombing that was motivated by racism, a sobering reminder of current happenings in this country and abroad.

This list was whittled down from about 25 books – a painful task. If your favorites are not here, they were quite possibly among those I had to leave behind!