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…
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…
From Gigi's list on history for those who find history intimidating.
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.
From Taryn's list on teens in Eastern Europe during WWII or the Cold War.
If you love The Story That Cannot Be Told...
Jane Addams
This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to…
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