FROM SARAH: 

A historical fiction read-aloud best for kids 10+. (Note: the parents die at the beginning, so preview for your sensitive kiddos.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Africa is the only home Rachel Sheridan has ever known. But when her missionary parents are struck with influenza, everything changes. Like the lion, she must be patient and strong, awaiting the moment when she can find her way home again at last.

FROM SARAH:

In this historical novel, Koly, a thirteen-year-old girl in India, must leave her childhood home to face an arranged marriage. After the ceremony is complete, however, Koly learns that her future has been traded for a dowry, and her life changes abruptly. Gloria Whelan writes some of the best books for older kids and teens today- don't miss this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like many girls her age in India, thirteen-year-old Koly faces her arranged marriage with hope and courage. But Koly's story takes a terrible turn when in the wake of the ceremony, she discovers she's been horribly misled--her life has been sold for a dowry. Can she forge her own future, even in the face of time-worn tradition?

**Description from Amazon: It was the day before Christmas in a small Russian village. Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl-before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed...

FROM SARAH:

The first in a series about a family during the fall of Imperial Russia. I would never have picked this book up based on the cover, but once I did, I swallowed the whole series up... then pressed the books into my teens' hands to read, as well! Gloria Whelan is one of my favorite authors for kids and teens, and this one is the best kind of compelling historical fiction.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The daughter of a lady in waiting to the Empress, Katya spends all her time with the Grand Duchesses, and the royal family feels like her own. But outside the palace, a terrible war is sweeping through Europe, and Russia is beginning to crumble under the weight of a growing revolution.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poor Queen Victoria! She loves to swim, but can’t quite figure out how to get to the water without her devoted subjects glimpsing her swimming suit. This quirky true tale about the longest reigning monarch in British history is as fun as it is authentic. Excellent for all ages.

FROM SARAH:

A wonderful picture book for older children. This one has longer text and a storyline you won't soon forget.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

It was the day before Christmas in a small Russian village. Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl - before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed icon of St. Nicholas."