Books Like...

'Glory Over Everything: Beyond The Kitchen House' by Kathleen Grissom is a sequel that follows the life of Jamie Pyke, Belle's son, as he navigates the challenges of being a white man despite being part black. The story delves into Jamie's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and redemption, as he grapples with his identity and confronts the racism of 19th-century America. The narrative is characterized by vivid characters, intricate backstories, and a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested.

The book explores themes of race, identity, family, and resilience against the backdrop of slavery in the 1800s. Grissom's storytelling weaves together multiple perspectives, offering a nuanced portrayal of complex relationships and societal issues. Through a blend of historical accuracy and captivating storytelling, 'Glory Over Everything' presents a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of its characters in a challenging historical context.

"The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd is a historical fiction novel based on the real-life story of sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimke, who were abolitionists and feminists in the 1800s. The book follows the parallel lives of Sarah, a daughter of a slave-owning family in Charleston, and Handful, a slave given to Sarah as a gift on her eleventh birthday. Through alternating perspectives, the author delves into the complexities of life in the antebellum South, shedding light on the struggles of both the free and enslaved individuals during that time period.

The narrative of "The Invention of Wings" is praised for its attention to detail, intense research, and the powerful portrayal of characters like Handful. The book explores themes of slavery, feminism, abolitionism, and the societal constraints faced by individuals like Sarah Grimke, who challenged the norms of her time. Readers are captivated by the historical accuracy and the emotional depth of the story, which offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at the lives of those involved in the abolitionist movement.

'The Civil War: A History' by John Jakes, Harry Hansen, and Gary W. Gallagher is a captivating one-volume introduction to the Civil War that goes beyond just recounting historical events. Readers found themselves engrossed in the detailed narrative that lays the foundation for the war and the ensuing years of conflict. delves into the political, social, and historical influences that led to the Civil War, providing a comprehensive overview of the era through engaging storytelling and insightful details.

The writing style of the book is described as captivating, novel-like, and fluid, making it an enjoyable read for both those new to the topic and those seeking a refresher on the Civil War. Readers appreciated the way the book sucks them in from the beginning with explanations on the legislative background of the war, including significant events like the Missouri Compromise and Lincoln's political journey. Overall, the book is praised for its ability to present a concise yet thorough coverage of the Civil War in a compelling and informative manner.

'Sunflower Sisters' by Martha Hall Kelly is the third novel in the author's series, following the Woolsey and Ferriday women through the years of the American Civil War. The story intertwines the lives of George Woolsey, an abolitionist, Jemma, an enslaved girl, and Anne May, Jemma's owner. The plot is rich in historical detail, portraying the courage and determination of the characters amidst the challenges of the Civil War era. The narrative alternates between inspiring women striving for freedom and corrupt abusers of power, providing a captivating and educational read about remarkable individuals often overlooked in history books.

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate is a heart-wrenching tale based on the true story of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, run by Georgia Tann. The novel follows the lives of siblings who are kidnapped from their home on a riverboat and forced into the cruel world of the orphanage where they face abuse and separation. The story alternates between the past and present, weaving together the historical horrors of child trafficking with a modern-day exploration of family secrets and scandals. The writing style is described as simple yet touching, with short chapters that seamlessly transition between different time periods, keeping readers engrossed in the narrative.

'The Last Green Valley' by Mark T. Sullivan is a gripping World War II story that follows the journey of the Martel family, a German family trying to escape the horrors of war and find safety amidst the chaos of Stalin's regime and Hitler's annihilation of the Jews. The book delves into the themes of faith, family, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a moving and emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by the characters during this tumultuous period. Sullivan's writing style is described as descriptive, heartwrenching, and inspirational, capturing the historical settings and the darkness of war while also infusing the narrative with spiritual musings and messages of hope.

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s New Orleans, following the story of seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine, the daughter of a prostitute. Josie dreams of attending an Ivy League college and escaping her challenging circumstances. However, when a murder investigation in the French Quarter entangles her, Josie is faced with a dilemma that tests her loyalty, conscience, and aspirations. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions of New Orleans, compelling characters, and a captivating plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In the book "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper, readers are taken on a journey through the eyes of Stella, an 11-year-old black girl living in the segregated South in the 1930s. The story delves into major historical topics such as voting rights, segregation, and the impact of the Ku Klux Klan on the community. Through Stella's perspective, readers witness the challenges faced by African Americans during this tumultuous time, as well as the resilience and hope that emerged from within the community. The narrative style of the book interweaves Stella's personal growth, her struggles as a young writer, and the historical events shaping her world, creating a poignant and engaging story that sheds light on the injustices of the era.

Stella's character development, her interactions with her family and community, and her journey to confront racism and inequality in the face of danger are central themes in the book. As Stella navigates the complexities of her environment, readers are exposed to a rich tapestry of characters and events that highlight the courage, love, and hope that sustained the black community during challenging times. The author's incorporation of Stella's writings at the end of each chapter, her perseverance as a writer, and the historical accuracy drawn from her grandmother's journal add layers of authenticity and depth to the narrative, making it a compelling and informative read for young audiences.

Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson is a powerful and well-written novel that follows the story of Pheby Delores Brown, a mixed-race slave born to a plantation owner and a black slave. Promised freedom on her 18th birthday, Pheby's life takes a dark turn when she is sold to a slave trader and forced to become his mistress. Set in the brutal backdrop of Devil's Half Acre jail in Richmond, Virginia during the 1850s, the book vividly depicts Pheby's struggles, sacrifices, and determination to protect her children and find a sliver of safety amidst the inhuman conditions of slavery.

'Once We Were Brothers' by Ronald H. Balson revolves around a legal thriller that intertwines historical events with modern times. The storyline vividly depicts the WWII Nazi invasion of Poland while connecting it to present-day USA. The narrative skillfully unfolds a story of an irate Jew accusing a respected businessman of being a Nazi war criminal, leading to a legal battle where the truth is sought amidst conflicting claims and emotional turmoil. delves into the perils of forgetting the Holocaust and the brutality faced by the Jewish population in Europe during WWII, highlighting themes of justice, compassion, and the consequences of past actions.