It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

The two books I am sharing today are both from the historical fiction genre. The first one is from the era of the riots in the mid-60's. It is written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by David Diaz. The book is: Smoky Night and takes place in Los Angeles. The book has a way of making you feel like you are right there in the midst of the action. The illustrator uses painting in acrylics on Arches watercolor paper. The effect is different and appropriate for the subject matter. The bonus of this book is the moral of the story which shows how all people can work together and become friends no matter how different they are.

I can't go through the month without having one or two Patricia Polacco books. January's Sparrow was a new one to me. This historical fiction book is again from real life inspiration of the author. It takes place in Marshall, Michigan close to where Patricia lives. Her home  was once an inn for the Undergraound Railroad, so she is familiar with the happenings of this area. 

The Crosswhite family flee the Kentucky plantation where they were slaves. They travel across the Ohio River and make their way north to Michigan where they are finally free! But then the slave catchers come!  Be sure to check out Patricia's website for more ideas...  www.patriciapolacco.com