William L. McGee is an award-winning World War II Pacific war historian. His writing career has spanned six decades and his writing style has been described as journalistic and spare. Bill currently has nine titles in print; six with his co-author and wife, Sandra V. McGee.
Many books have been written about the development of the atomic bomb, most of them more technical than the average reader wants or needs. That is why Iâm recommending this book. Donât let the âPerfect for middle grade readersâ in the Amazon book description put you off. The book was factual, yet read like a spy thriller. The only thing I missed was a cast of characters in the front matter, so I created a list as I read.
1
author picked
Bomb
as one of their favorite books, and they share
why you should read it.
This book is for kids age
10,
11,
12, and
13.
What is this book about?
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: when placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents. In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, risk taking, deceit, and genius that created the world'sâŚ
My interest in the American Revolution began with a college course on the French Revolution. I was enthralled by the drama of it all. Being the impressionable late adolescent that I was, I naturally explained to my professor, a famous French historian of the French Revolution, that I wanted to dedicate my life to the study of this fascinating historical period. My professor urged me to reconsider. He suggested I look at a less well-known Revolution, the one British colonists undertook a decade earlier. I started reading books about the American Revolution. Now, forty years on, Iâm still enthralled by the astonishing creative energy of this period in American history.
Few figures better embody the intersection of innovation and revolutionary radicalism than the brilliant theologian, political theorist, and natural philosopher, Joseph Priestley, the subject of Johnsonâs delightful and informative book. An ordained minister, Priestley abandoned the teachings of the Church of England for Unitarianism, a move that banished him to the theological sidelines. Priestleyâs brilliance was not limited to the theological and, as he moved to the outer fringes of British religious life, he moved to the red-hot center of the nationâs scientific life, gaining election to the esteemed Royal Society. Among Priestleyâs many contributions to the chemical sciences was to identify components parts of air, including the elemental oxygen. As he pursued far-reaching truths in the natural sciences, Priestleyâs religious views remained controversial and by the time revolution erupted in France, they had elicited a reaction from British government officials, terrified by the contagion of revolution. Facing criminal prosecutionâŚ
From the bestselling author of How We Got To Now, The Ghost Map and Farsighted, a new national bestseller: the âexhilaratingâ( Los Angeles Times) story of Joseph Priestley, âa founding father long forgottenâ(Newsweek) and a brilliant man who embodied the relationship between science, religion, and politics for America's Founding Fathers.
In The Invention of Air, national bestselling author Steven Johnson tells the fascinating story of Joseph Priestleyâscientist and theologian, protĂŠgĂŠ of Benjamin Franklin, friend of Thomas Jeffersonâan eighteenth-century radical thinker who played pivotal roles in the invention of ecosystem science, the discovery of oxygen, the uses of oxygen, scientific experimentation,âŚ
Before I could start writing Into the Lionâs Mouth, I spent a lot of time researching the medieval and renaissance Venice. I was astounded to see how relevant that history is to today. Not only are there many parallels that can be drawn between the past and today there is so much to learn about the consistency of human nature. I find myself currently gravitating towards books that mix history and fiction and these are some of my favorites.
I found this book through a recommendation from a friend and I am glad I did. A truly spinetingling page-turner, The Crowfield Curse has all the elements of a medieval thriller. A strange magical creature, a mysterious grave, and a deadly curse. What more could you expect from your average medieval abbey? Beautifully written and thoroughly engaging itâs a keeper for your bookshelf.
*"Suspenseful and spooky...with an edgy battle between good and evil." --School Library Journal, starred review
If the deepest secret has been spoken, can the deadliest curse be broken?
Sent into the forest to gather firewood for the medieval abbey where he's an apprentice, Will hears a cry for help, and comes upon a creature no bigger than a cat. Trapped and wounded, it's a hobgoblin, who confesses a horrible secret: Something is buried deep in the snow, just beyond the graveyard. A mythical being, doomed by an ancient curse...
Iâve studied and written about the Tudors for many years including a monthly article in Tudor Life magazine, plus Iâve written several successful books looking at the lives of ordinary people in history and now, my first full scale look at the Tudors. The Tudor period is one of the best known in our history and is dominated by so many well-known and fascinating characters but my interest rests with the ordinary folk and how their lives changed so fundamentally in this time. The dissolution of the monasteries changed everyday life for many and marked the end of the medieval period and the beginning of a more enlightened time.
This entertaining book is aimed at children but could really be enjoyed by everybody as a light-hearted introduction to the Tudors.
I think the whole Horrible Histories series shows that history can be fun and is a great place for children to start to look into the past. I enjoy looking at history from another perspective: how horrible can it be?
Discover all the foul facts about the Terrifying Tudors with history's most horrible headlines. All the foul facts about the Terrifying Tudors are ready to uncover, including:
who invited Queen Lizzie to visit his brand new toilet
and what you get when you sew the front of a chicken to the back of a pig
Fully illustrated throughout and packed with horrible stories - with all the horribly hilarious bits included
with a fresh take on the classic Horrible Histories style, perfect for fans old and new
the perfect series for anyone looking for a fun and informative read
Iâm an Australian author passionate about history. Alas, not Australian history. That would make my life so much easier. As a child, I loved tales of ancient Greece. That love took me in two directionsâAncient Egypt and Ancient RomeâAncient Rome introduced me to Roman Britain, and the Roman Britain novels of Rosemary Sutcliff. My love of history probably explains why a childhood friend gave me a childâs book of English history for my tenth birthday. One of the bookâs chapters told the story of Elizabeth I. As she wont to do in her own times, Elizabeth hooked me, keeping me captured ever since, and enslaved to writing and learning more about Tudors.
This is my all-time favourite novel by Rosemary Sutcliffâan author whose works inspired me to become a writer of historical fiction, and, long in the future, encouraged me to craft my own Tudor young adult novel.
Set in early Britain, it tells the story of Aquila, a young man of British birth. A Viking raiding party destroys Aquilaâs home and family. After he is left to die by the original raiders, a leader of another Viking group takes Aquila across the sea to his home as a slave. For years, bitterness and hopelessness also enslave Aquila.
The Lantern Bearers is such a beautiful, richly layered story of healing, redemption, and the victory of the human spirit. It even introduces the reader to the young Arthur Pendragon as he steps towards his destiny. Believe me, I still read this book when the world seems dark, and I need reminding of hope.
The last of the Roman army have set sail and left Britain for ever, abandoning it to civil war and the threat of a Saxon invasion.
Aquila deserts his regiment to return to his family, but his home and all that he loves are destroyed. Years of hardship and fighting follow and in the end there is only one thing left in Aquila's life - his thirst for revenge . . .
Rosemary Sutcliff's books about Roman Britain have won much acclaim and the first in the trilogy, The Eagle of the Ninth, has now sold over a million copiesâŚ
As a ghostwriter, Iâm asked to turn my hand to many genres. Yet the one I keep returning to is Renaissance Adventure. Having always been a fan of adventure, in films, TV, or books, for my English Degree at Exeter University, I dedicated my dissertation to the genre, and the fascination shows no sign of fading. I love all these books, but there is one difference between these and my series. That is the heroes here are all men. Bring on more adventure in this era with women! I hope you enjoy the books on this list â they are a fantastic way to spend your evenings with your pulse racing.
Part of the Shakespeare family? Working for Walsingham in the height of the spy era? Who wouldnât want to read about John Shakespeare!
There are many books in this series, but Iâve picked Martyr in particular as itâs the first, and what an introduction. With the threat of war imminent, and Mary Stuart about to be assassinated, a dark world is created here where it feels like every day that Shakespeare wakes up, he might struggle to keep breathing. What danger!
Once more, Rory Clements creates a world of intrigue that isnât solely placed at the royal court but opens our eyes to the darker underbelly of the city. This book first got me into this genre many years ago. I could not recommend it enough as a first dip.
*****Part of the bestselling John Shakespeare series of Tudor spy thrillers from Rory Clements, winner of the Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award*****
'Does for Elizabeth's reign what CJ Sansom does for Henry VIII's' Sunday Times
England is close to war. Within days the axe could fall on the neck of Mary Queen of Scots, and Spain is already gathering a battle fleet to avenge her.
Tensions in Elizabeth I's government are at breaking point. At the eye of the storm is John Shakespeare, chief intelligencer in the secret service of Sir Francis Walsingham. When an intercept reveals a plot toâŚ
Iâve always loved history and historical stories, but like the majority of people, didnât really know very much about WWI. That changed in early 2017 when I read The Zimmermann Telegram by Barbara W Tuchman. I immediately fell into a vortex of further reading, resulting in my writing The War in Our Hearts at the end of that year--because although there is a lot of great non-fiction out there about WWI, there arenât nearly as many novels that quite scratched the itch I had for fictionâŚso I wrote the book I wanted to read!
My absolute favourite WWI novel, this is the story of several English young people who come of age during the Great War. It gives glimpses into home front life as well as life at the front. As usual, McKayâs characters are vibrant, maddening, loveable, ridiculous--sometimes all at once. The prose is elegant, poetic, subtle, will smack you in the feels, and stay in your mind long after.
The Skylarks' War is a beautiful story following the loves and losses of a family growing up against the harsh backdrop of World War One, from the award-winning Hilary McKay.
Clarry and her older brother Peter live for their summers in Cornwall, staying with their grandparents and running free with their charismatic cousin, Rupert. But normal life resumes each September - boarding school for Peter and Rupert, and a boring life for Clarry at home with her absent father, as the shadow of a terrible war looms ever closer.
I used to be a freelance writer for magazines, but my secret passion was kidsâ lit. When I decided to become a childrenâs author, I wanted to write nonfiction that was fun to read, not the dull, boring books I remembered from my childhood. When I discovered the first three books on my list, I was inspired to free up my funny bone and write to delight. The second two books also showcase innovative formats and humorous writing styles. Reading nonfiction doesnât have to be a chore. These books will have children laughing while they learn.
Another great title that drew me in right away. Sarah Albee has packed so much into this book! Itâs not just about the evolution of sanitation. Itâs also about engineering, diseases, ancient civilizations, and it includes vital information such as how women went to the bathroom wearing hoop skirts. We get the dirt on some truly disgusting jobs such as a delouser, a gongfermor, and a mudlark. I really enjoyed all the sidebars, cartoons, and illustrations, and I think reluctant readers will also. As it says on the cover, this is âThe number one book about number two.â A sure-fire hit with tweens.
Did lead pipes cause the fall of the Roman Empire? How many toilets were in the average Egyptian pyramid?
How did a knight wearing fifty pounds of armor go to the bathroom? Was poor hygiene the last straw before the French Revolution? Did Thomas Crapper really invent the modern toilet? How do astronauts go in space? History finally comes out of the water-closet in this exploration of how people's need to relieve themselves shaped human development from ancient times to the present. Throughout time, the most successful civilizations were the ones who realized that everyone poops, and they had betterâŚ
Half
a Soul takes two of my most favorite things, fantasy and
Regency England, and mashes them together into a fascinating tale that kept me
thinking days after I finished the book.
Dora
comes to live with her beloved cousin and best friend after her parents both
passed away. As a child, she has an unfortunate run-in with a Fairy Lord who
steals half of her soul, leaving Dora unable to feel anything.
Now
quite grown up and ready to enter society, Dora and her cousin travel to
England for the season. You can imagine what happens when a girl who has no
concept of propriety encounters the infamous ton.
This
book had me from the start and the ending was just fabulous. I love it when an
author does something bold and does it well. đ
âWhimsical, witty, and brimming over with charmâ (India Holton), Olivia Atwaterâs delightful debut will transport you to a magical version of Regency England, where the only thing more meddlesome than a fairy is a marriage-minded mother!
Itâs difficult to find a husband in Regency England when youâre a young lady with only half a soul.
Ever since she was cursed by a faerie, Theodora Ettings has had no sense of fear or embarrassmentâan unfortunate condition that leaves her prone to accidental scandal. Dora hopes to be a quiet, sensible wallflower during the London Seasonâbut when Elias Wilder, the strange, handsome,âŚ
All my life Iâve been pushing against limits. Being the oldest of five children born to a farm couple who became mill workers, I was frequently reminded by family that âpeople like usâ did not need much education, didnât get the good jobs, and shouldnât ârise above themselves.â Being a girl, I had additional limits. Naturally, when I learned to read, I was drawn to books in which characters broke through unfair restraints to have adventures and accomplish great deeds. I wanted to be one of those people. By the time I came of age, I knew I had a shot at becoming the heroine of my own story!
Crispin is a young serf in Medieval England--an orphan despised by everyone for reasons he does not understand. Though I never had problems as dire as Crispin faced, I frequently felt mistreated as a child, and like him, the forest was my comfort and refuge. Like him, I had a lively curiosity about the lives of others and many times learned important lessons through observation. I shared Crispin's tendency to hero worship those who befriended me, and like him, I generally chose my role models well.
Newbery Medal winner The Cross of Lead is "a page-turner from beginning to end... full of adventure, mystery, and action" (School Library Journal).
Sometimes I ran, sometimes all I could do was walk. All I knew was that if the steward overtook me, Iâd not survive for long....
Crispin is a poor thirteen-year-old peasant in medieval England. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he has been declared a "wolfâs head," meaning he may be killed on sight, by anyone. He flees his tiny village with nothing but his motherâs cross of lead.
