Book cover of The Story That Cannot Be Told

Book description

“By turns surprising, poetic, and stark, The Story That Cannot Be Told is one that should most certainly be read.” —Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee
“A mesmerizing debut.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A powerful middle grade debut with three starred reviews that weaves together folklore and…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Story That Cannot Be Told as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Another way to ease yourself into historical fiction is to start with books for young readers—like this gorgeous, compelling read set during the Communist regime’s fall in Romania in 1989. 

Our heroine is a young girl named Ileana who loves stories, even though stories can be dangerous (like the one that got her uncle arrested for criticizing the government). Afraid for her life, her parents send her to live with grandparents she’s never met—and still she gets caught up in the independence. 

I adored this book as an adult reader and—bonus!—it would be the perfect thing to co-read with a…

I discovered this gem in my search for teen novels set in Romania during the Cold War. Kramer fashions her middle-grade book to mirror the folklore and superstitions prevalent in that setting. The novel is an homage to the power of story. The young protagonist collects all kinds of stories—some are true, some are fairy tales, some are dangerous, some can change lives. 

If you love The Story That Cannot Be Told...

Book cover of The Real Boys of the Civil War

The Real Boys of the Civil War by J. Arthur Moore,

The Real Boys of the Civil War is a research about the real boys who served during the war, opening with a historiography research paper about their history along with its 7-page source document. It then evolves into a series of collections of their stories by topic, concluding with a…

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