Until time travel becomes a reality for us all, fiction is the best way we know to and experience historical times.  Here are six exceptional new works of middle grade fiction, all set in times before today. 

 

Armstrong & Charlie by Steven Frank

Los Angeles, 1974, an all-white school in the Hollywood Hills busses in a load of kids from South Central. Two sixth graders from very different backgrounds make their way to becoming friends.

 

 

 

 

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk

Set in the 1920s, as a baby, Crow is found in a boat washed up on a Massachusetts island. Now 12-years-old, she is determined to find her roots.

 

 

 

 

A Crack in the Sea by H.M. Bouman

This magical novel reimagines two tragic historical events through three sibling stories.

 

 

 

 

 

Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Set in 1966, a 10-year-old Cuban immigrant living in Queens is involved in a massive car accident and must spend a year in a full-body cast.

 

 

 

 

Midnight Without a Moon by Linda Williams Jackson

Mississippi 1955, 13-year-old Rose Lee Carter dreams of life beyond the cotton fields but when Emmett Till is murdered and his killers are unjustly acquitted, Rose is torn between seeking her destiny outside of Mississippi or staying and being a part of an important movement.

 

 

 

 

The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius

Set in the early 20^th century, this delightful and offbeat mystery features a gorilla narrator.

 

 

 

 

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!