The Night Diary

The Night Diary
by Veera Hiranandani

For her 12th birthday, Nisha receives the special gift of a diary.   She uses the diary each night, writing to her mother who passed away when Nisha was born.   Nisha's diary tells the heartbreaking tale of the upheaval of her life as her nation is becoming more and more divided.   Soon she learns that she must leave the only home she has ever known and, with her family, is forced to make a dangerous, exhausting journey. 

The Night Diary is the recipient of a 2019 Newbery Honor and has recently been selected for the 2019 - 2020 Maine Student Book Award reading list.  It is a beautiful historical fiction that will allow readers to learn more about the history of India and Pakistan. 

Author's website: https://www.veerahiranandani.com/

Echo

Echo
by Pam Munoz Ryan

One harmonica impacts the lives of three children.   Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy live miles apart from each other, but over the course of a decade each one experiences the magic of the same harmonica in their own, unique way.  

While Echo, in its first pages, starts off as more of a fantasy, it soon turns into an inspiring historical fiction, with much of the book taking place during World War II.  Each character  deals with many struggles, including prejudice and poverty,  during which the harmonica is a source of comfort and joy.  

Echo was one of those books that, once I started reading, I couldn't stop until I finished!  I found myself being pulled into each character's unique, inspiring story.    I think that this is a book that will be enjoyed by many readers!

Author's website: http://www.pammunozryan.com/

El Deafo

El Deafo
by Cece Bell

In this engaging autobiography, author Cece Bell uses a graphic novel format to describe life as a hearing-impaired child.   After a childhood illness damages her hearing, Cece must adapt to many new challenges.   Although embarrassed by her hearing aid, Cece learns that the new device she wears at school gives her the amazing ability to hear her teachers wherever they are!   Inspired by this new ability, she creates an alter-ego for herself, "El Deafo".    

This Newbery Honor book is an inspiring autobiography about the childhood of an award-winning author.   I love how Cece Bel uses a graphic novel format to tell her story, the illustrations are very entertaining.   This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, inspiring story!

Author video:

Author's website: https://cecebell.wordpress.com/

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Breaking Stalin's Nose
by Eugene Yelchin

Sasha Zaichik feels very lucky to be living in pre-Communist Russia under the rule of the his idol, Stalin.   The son of a secret Soviet policeman, Sasha looks forward to becoming a Young Pioneer, which is a great honor for any young Soviet child.   However, one night the same secret police his father works for comes and arrests his father.   Sasha is convinced that his hero Stalin will release his father in time for his Young Pioneer induction ceremony, but as more things start to go wrong he soon begins to question his confidence in his leader and in communism.    

Breaking Stalin's Nose is a 2012 Newbery Honor book.   I highly recommend this book, especially to readers who enjoy historical fiction.   This is an excellent book that may lead some readers to wanting to learn more about that time period.

Author's website:  http://www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com/breakingstalinsnose/index.php

Breaking Stalin's Nose book trailer: