Historical Fiction

By day, 17-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. When her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she is ready to step into the light. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South (historical fiction, Atlanta, Chinese Americans, secrets, horse racing, advice, journalism).

"A joyful read . . . The Downstairs Girl, for all its serious and timely content, is a jolly good time." --NPR

People Magazine Best Book of the Year

Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year

YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

BookPage Best Book of the Year

New York Public Library Best Book for Teens

Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year

Crystal Kite Award Winner

Romania, 1989: Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. 17-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren’t free to dream; they are bound by rules and force. Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear, Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He’s left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves—or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom? (historical fiction, survival, based on real events, mind games, surveillance, espionage, dictatorship, revolution)

"Sepetys brilliantly blends a staggering amount of research with heart, craft, and insight in a way very few writers can. Compulsively readable and brilliant." –Kirkus, starred review

"Sepetys once again masterfully portrays a dark, forgotten corner of history." –Booklist, starred review

Baheer, a studious Afghan teen, sees his family’s life turned upside down when they lose their livelihood as war rocks the country. A world away, Joe, a young American army private, has to put aside his dreams of becoming a journalist when he’s shipped out to Afghanistan. When Joe’s unit arrives in Baheer’s town, Baheer is wary of the Americans, but sees an opportunity: Not only can he practice his English with the soldiers, his family can make money delivering their supplies. At first, Joe doesn’t trust Baheer, or any of the locals, but Baheer keeps showing up. As Joe and Baheer get to know each other, to see each other as individuals, they realize they have a lot more in common than they ever could have realized. But can they get past the deep differences in their lives and beliefs to become true friends and allies? (historical fiction, war, based on real events, Afganistan, combat, 9/11, alternating POV, survival)

“Through Baheer, readers will gain some understanding of life under the Taliban; of the concussive shock of 9/11 as felt in Central Asia; of Afghans’ varied responses to the American invasion; and most of all the transformative promise of schooling. Through Joe, readers experience not only the throb of post-9/11 patriotism but also the tedium, camaraderie and sudden terrors of soldiery in a war zone.”—The Wall Street Journal

In 1937 in snowbound Kyiv, wry, bookish history student Mila Pavlichenko organizes her life around her library job and her young son--but Hitler's invasion of Ukraine and Russia sends her on a different path. Given a rifle and sent to join the fight, Mila must forge herself into a deadly sniper--a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her 300th kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself sent to America on a goodwill tour. Still reeling from war wounds and devastated by loss, Mila finds herself isolated in the glittering world of Washington, DC--until an unexpected friendship with 1st Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and an unexpected connection with a silent fellow sniper offer the possibility of happiness. But when an old enemy from Mila's past joins forces with a deadly new foe lurking in the shadows, Lady Death finds herself battling her own demons and enemy bullets in the deadliest duel of her life (historical fiction, Ukraine, Russia, war, WWII, snipers, women in combat, mystery, based on real events, action). Adult

"A riveting, authentic story of a Soviet woman who becomes a sniper during WWII. In page-turning prose, Kate Quinn illuminates the tale of Mila Pavlichenko, who, after killing more than 300 of Hitler's most formidable officers, comes to the U.S. to promote America's entry into the war. With vivid characters, unforgettable battle scenes, and moments of intense humanity and love, The Diamond Eye is a master class in historical fiction. It will leave you breathless, choking on tears." -- Elena Gorokhova, author of A Train to Moscow