When Sparrows Fall by Diana Blackstone
I read this book while interning at Leap Books.
This was a great historical fiction for upper middle graders. There is a lot of history and much of it touches the underground railroad. Much of the story revolves around the family dynamics and how to work things out. With an abusive step-dad that lashes out in anger, there are some very serious moments in this story. It contains many lessons on how to deal forgive and help people (and yourself) be accountable for your actions.
This one is going to stick with you awhile once you're finished. Even a month later something about the story will click into place in my mind and I'll have to go re-visit the story again.
