by Caitlin Alifirenka, Martin Ganda, with Liz WelchConditional Recommendation: A young American girl and a young Zimbabwean boy become pen pals and build a friendship through letters that changes both of their lives for the better.
Awards: The Magnolia Award for 9-12 (2017), Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award (2018)
by Laura Ingalls WilderUnconditional Recommendation: Young Laura Ingalls and her family make a living working the land and hunting the woods in 1871 Wisconsin.
Genre: Historical, Autobiographical Fiction
by Pam Muñoz RyanUnconditional Recommendation: When 13-year-old Esperanza moves from a ranch in Mexico to a farm labor camp in California, she learns to rise above her circumstances.
Awards: Jane Addams Children’s Book Award for Older Children (2001), California Young Readers Medal for Middle School/Junior High (2003), Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature (2001), Pura Belpré Award for Narrative (2002)
by Margo HansenUnconditional Recommendation: A letter ordering Irena to travel to America to become a bride brings love into Irena’s life—the love of the Savior, the love of a man, and the love of friends.
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
by Margo HansenUnconditional Recommendation: Emma Newly encounters mystery, danger, and love when she agrees to help her father on a case.
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
by Margo HansenUnconditional Recommendation: Tyler Newly, a saved Minnesota lumberjack, unwillingly travels to the city to interview and bring home brides for other men. Jade Crandall is working to provide for her family while trusting God to lead in her life.
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
by Wendelin Van DraanenUnconditional Recommendation: A humorous, honest story of first love, growing up, and changing perspectives told from alternating point of views.
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Comedy
by Lois LowryConditional Recommendation: In German-occupied Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns what it means to be brave as she helps her best friend Ellen escape from the Nazis.
Awards: Newbery Medal (1990), National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature (1990), Sydney Taylor Book Award for Older Readers (1989), Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Nominee (1990), Charlotte Award (1992), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award (1991), Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award (1992), Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award (1992)
by Frances Hodgson BurnettUnconditional Recommendation: A story of mystery, transformation and new life for a neglected young girl, her fearful cousin, and an abandoned garden.
Genre: Classic
by E.D.E.N. SouthworthConditional Recommendation: Ishmael, though born motherless and impoverished, rises above his circumstances through humility, integrity and hard work.
Genre: Historical