The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

What will you learn about history?
In this funny and poignant tale of a 14 year old who lives on the Spokane Reservation, Sherman Alexie provides readers with insight into the challenges faced by those who live on reservations.  The book also provides a perspective on the struggle that contemporary Native Americans have with identity.
Why should you read it?
Another great book by Alexie. Not only does he provide insight into what it is like to be a teenage boy, he also shows the struggle that faces many multicultural adolescents. His title character is a wimpy little warrior who makes the controversial decision to leave the reservation school to attend a white school. Readers will cheer on Arnold Spirit as he finds his way and discovers that he is not just caught between two worlds but a member of many tribes at the same time.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

What will you learn about history?
This book is a biography and contains information about life in California in the 1930's, the 1936 Olympics, and an extensive amount of information about World War II.  Zamperini was part of a flight crew so there is a lot of description of the planes and the missions they flew.  There is also insight into the Pacific War.  And his accounts of being a POW are priceless.
Why should you read it?
As a historian I thought I had a lot of knowledge about the Pacific arena of World War II but in telling Louis Zamperini's story, Laura Hillenbrand was able to give me a sense of what it was like to be one of the many heroes who brought the war to an end. I was impressed with the amount of research that was clearly done and the way in which she weaved historical information about the story of an outstanding man. History buffs will enjoy the detail about society before and during the war. Action lovers will like the way in which the author brings several aeral battles and other fights to life. Athletes and coaches will appreciate the insight given into the mind of a champion. Zamperini's story is a character study in strength of character, determination, all of the other attributes that created not just a champion athlete but also a POW survivor in conditions that were some of the worst in history.

The Kite Runner

What will you learn about history?
The Kite Runner provides insight into the recent history of Afghanistan through the eyes of the son of a wealthy merchant who flees to America as a boy. The story starts with the ethnic divisions that existed in Afghanistan in the 1970's and continues with the Russian invasion that forces many to flee their homeland. Readers experience the struggle that faces emigrants and they make life and death decisions and deals to escape. Amir provides readers with a story of an immigrant overcoming hardship and becoming successful in a new country. Then as Amir faces his past mistakes the story returns to Afghanistan and describes the horrors that occurred during the Taliban rule.

Why should you read it?
This book is not meant to be historical fiction even though it captures the tumultuous history of Afghanistan. The theme of the story is loyalty and brotherhood. It is a story of two boys who become friends even though they are of different ethnic groups and social statuses. It is an emotional journey as Amir rebuilds his life and then returns to his homeland to reaffirm his love for the friend he once denied.