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Five Faves: Historical Fiction Picture Books

By Mariah
If you have littles participating in the library's Great Genre Challenge for Kids, you might be surprised to find that historical fiction isn't just for middle grade chapter books. There are so many fun, and moving historical fiction picture books to read. Here are five of my favorites:
 


Written by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by Leo Espinosa
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022. Picture Book.

This book is reminiscent of what summer time was like during the author's childhood in the 70s. It gives you a glimpse of how children in Brooklyn would spend their summer days. 



Written by Mggie Tokuda-Hall
Illustrated by Yas Imamura
Candlewick Press, 2022. Picture Book.

Tama is the librarian at the Minidoka, a Japanese incarceration camp in the 1940s. George is also a prisoner there, and he takes time to visit the library every day. This story is about how these two found love and hope despite the cruelty and injustice of their circumstances.



Written by Laura Gehl
Illustrated by Timothy Banks
Capstone Editions, an imprint of Capstone, 2022. Picture Book.

This book goes way back in history. Leif is a Viking, but instead of doing usual Viking things like wrestling and spear throwing, he would rather be hiking. With the Viking Games coming up, Leif is nervous that he hasn't done enough to prepare and be a valuable teammate.


By Patricia Polacco
Philomel Books, 1994. Picture Book.

Pink and Say are both Union soldiers during the Civil War. Pink finds Say injured and left in a filed. He takes him to his home where he can heal. I once read this book to a class of fifth graders, and it was definitely a tear jerker. I was not the only one who shed a tear. 



Written by Avi
Illustrated by C.B. Mordan

This book is told in the style of a silent film with minimal text and black and white illustrations. It tells the story of a family's emigration from Sweden in 1909.  
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