Books Like...
In Rebel Spy, Frannie Trasker finds a drowned girl and steals her identity to escape from her lecherous stepfather. She meets Asa Lane on the boat to America and he gives her tips on how to pass as a lady. Now an heiress, Frannie is being courted by a British officer, the perfect opportunity for her to pass on intelligence to the rebels under her code name 355. The book is a beautiful and inspiring YA standalone with a bit of romance swirled with intrigue, set during the Revolutionary War era. The plot unfolds in doses that build suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the historical accuracy and vibrant prose allow the past to leap off the page.
If you liked Rebel Spy, here are the top 5 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Stateless by Elizabeth E. Wein is a YA historical murder mystery set in Europe on the brink of WWII. The story follows Stella North, the only female pilot in a race for peace among young aviators from various European countries. As the competition progresses, mysterious accidents and sabotage put the pilots in danger, leading Stella and her fellow competitors to investigate the sinister occurrences.
The book captures the historical setting of pre-WWII Europe, showcasing the tensions and relationships between different countries through the lens of a thrilling aviation race. Elizabeth Wein's storytelling weaves a fast-paced plot with intriguing characters, emphasizing themes of courage, friendship, and determination in the face of adversity.
- #2
Save:The Paper Girl of Paris is a dual timeline novel that follows the story of Alice, a young girl who inherits a secret apartment in Paris from her grandmother. The apartment reveals hidden treasures and family secrets from the WWII era, leading Alice to uncover her great aunt Adalyn's involvement in the French Resistance. Through Adalyn's journal, Alice delves into the past, exploring the sacrifices and bravery of her family members during the occupation of Paris. The book seamlessly weaves together historical events with contemporary themes of love, mystery, and self-discovery, providing a rich and immersive reading experience.
The narrative alternates between Alice's present-day journey of uncovering family mysteries and Adalyn's experiences during the Nazi occupation of Paris. The writing style is described as smooth, rich, suspenseful, and romantic, capturing the essence of both time periods and engaging readers with compelling characters and emotional depth. The book explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, family bonds, and the impact of wartime experiences on future generations, offering a poignant and captivating story that intertwines the past and present in a seamless manner.
- #3
Save:'The Beginning of Everything' by Robyn Schneider follows the story of Ezra Faulknor, a high school tennis star whose life takes a drastic turn after a car accident. The novel explores themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and the impact of tragedy on one's life. As Ezra navigates his senior year, he learns valuable lessons about relationships and finds himself drawn to new friends and interests that challenge his previous notions of popularity and success. The writing style is described as witty, sarcastic, and filled with nerdy references, making the story relatable and engaging for readers.
SOMETIMES I THINK that everyone has a tragedy waiting for them, that the people buying milk in their pajamas or picking their noses at stoplights could be only moments away from disaster. That everyon... - #4
Save:"Rose Under Fire" by Elizabeth Wein is a gripping historical fiction novel that follows the story of Rose Justice, an American pilot who gets captured by the Germans during World War II and is sent to the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The book delves into the horrors faced by Rose and other women in the camp, showcasing themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival. The narrative structure shifts back and forth in time, providing a vivid portrayal of life in the prison camp and Rose's struggle to survive and serve as a witness to the atrocities committed.
The author, Elizabeth Wein, weaves a compelling tale that transports readers to the heart of WWII, with detailed descriptions of the characters and settings that make the story come alive. Through Rose's journey, Wein explores themes of courage, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, making "Rose Under Fire" a poignant and emotionally impactful read.
I just got back from Celia Forester’s funeral. I’m supposed to be writing up an official report for the Tempest she flew into the ground, since she’s obviously not going to write it herself, and I saw...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Code Name Verity ) - #5
Save:Johnny Tremain is a historical fiction novel set in Revolutionary Boston, focusing on the life of Johnny, an apprentice silversmith. After injuring his hand in an accident, Johnny is forced to find a new path and becomes involved in pivotal events leading up to the American Revolution. The book intertwines Johnny's personal growth with historical figures like Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams, as Johnny navigates through the dangers and excitement of 1775 Boston.
Esther Forbes' writing style in "Johnny Tremain" effectively blends fiction with historical events, offering readers a vivid portrayal of Revolutionary Boston and the internal conflicts faced by the protagonist. The story follows Johnny's journey from a young, selfish boy to a mature individual who discovers his true calling and becomes intertwined in the fight for American freedom.
On the day that Johnny Tremain was first published, the United States was midway through World War II—though at the time, no one knew how much longer the war would go on. Germany had conquered Europe ...
