Best nonfiction

Give Me Wings: How a Choir of Former Slaves Took on the World

Kathy Lowinger

Even though the surrender of the Confederacy in 1865 released her from slavery, teenage Ella Sheppard faced formidable walls of prejudice in her quest for an education. But the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a choral group she co-founded with her mentor, opened doors of opportunity and goodwill worldwide. The author makes clear that without a firm Christian faith the group would not have flourished in spite of its many obstacles. Occasional sidebars illuminate the issues and culture of the times, while the main narrative is inspiring yet clear-eyed about the bigotry—also the kindness—these young people encountered. (Ages 12-15)

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club

Phillip Hoose

Knud Pedersen, the 13- year-old son of a Lutheran minister, was incensed by the Nazi invasion of his native Denmark in 1940, but even more so when his countrymen didn’t fight back. Taking inspiration from Britain’s prime minister, Pedersen and some of his schoolmates vowed a campaign of sabotage and intimidation. The author, who befriended Pedersen in his final years, is candid about the boys’ wounded pride and immature judgment, but their courage is beyond doubt—and they ultimately help to inspire the Danish resistance movement. Their story makes thrilling reading for anyone interested in World War II history. (Ages 12-15)

The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower, or John Howland’s Good Fortune

P.J. Lynch

Much more than a Thanksgiving story, this lengthy, text-heavy picture book shines a light on early American history. Full-color illustrations beautifully reflect the narrative as teenage John Howland describes his adventures on board the Mayflower—including one near-fatal accident—and through the Pilgrims’ harsh first winter in America. The text treats their faith respectfully but doesn’t gloss over the hardships they endured or excuse their missteps with Native Americans. Though it borders on historical fiction when detailing Howland’s “thoughts” and feelings, this is nonetheless an outstanding family-friendly read. (Ages 6-12)

The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill: Growing Up Billy Cody in Bleeding Kansas

Andrea Warren

Billy Cody’s boyhood was nearly as turbulent as the Civil War–era Kansas Territory where he grew up. Forced to help support his family when his abolitionist father went into hiding and later died, Billy preferred jobs that offered adventure on horseback, like the Pony Express or the vigilante “Redlegs.” Lively text coupled with photographs keeps the story flowing even as Warren weaves important historical issues into Billy’s story. Meticulous research, an evenhanded approach to controversies of the day, and attention to how these shaped Billy Cody into “Buffalo Bill” create a wild read worthy of its namesake. (Ages 9-12)

Afterword

As author Kevin DeYoung explains, The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden (Crossway, 2015) began as a Christmas sermon meant to showcase the Nativity in light of “the biggest story” of the Bible as a whole. Too long for a picture book, too condensed for a Bible storybook, it carves out a niche of its own.

The narrative touches on all the great biblical themes while sketching a classic plot: setting, conflict, development of the conflict, solution presented, climax, and denouement. The stylized full-color illustrations complement this approach beautifully. DeYoung likes to present contrasts (such as, “We run from God, so he comes to us”), and illustrator Don Clark pictures many side-by-side contrasts and symbolic images. The presentation is best for children who are capable of slightly abstract thinking. Some parents may find the style too informal in places (e.g., “bad guys,” “a whole bunch”), and basic concepts like sin could be more fully developed; but The Biggest Story makes a worthwhile addition to the family bookshelf. —J.B.C.