Revolution is Not a Dinner Party, Ying Chang Compestine

While Compestine's debut novel is touted as fiction; the narrative draws on Compestine's experiences growing up in China during Mao's Cultural Revolution. She poignantly describes the erosion of individual rights in China in the 1970's. Ying Chang watches as her classmates, neighbours and eventually her father are denounced as bourgeoisie and thus enemies of the revolution.
Her parents, once prosperous doctors at the local hospital, are forced to work as cleaners throughout the night. Their home is invaded by the revolutionary pioneers and stripped of any western possessions such as radios and western style clothing.
Compestine portrays a life of hardship and fear.
This is a great read for grades 8 and 9. Compestine's experience is especially relevant for student in Social Studies 9.

This World We Live In

The last in Pfeffer's Life as We Knew It trilogy brings Miranda and Alex together. The two form a a deep relationship as the world continues to disintegrate.
Life as We Knew It is Miranda's and Alex's reality with survival when the moon's gravitational pull increases, causing massive natural disasters on earth. Miranda and her family struggle to survive in a world without cities or sunlight, and wonder if anyone else is still alive.
Cataclysmic disaster is the new genre of choice among teens. Pfeffer's trilogy is a hit for all grades.

Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson

Isabel is sold after her mistress dies. Her life as a slave in 1776 for a New York couple turns political when she finds herself caught up in the revolutionary war. Isabel narrates a haunting tale of the role slaves and free men played out at the onset of the American battle for independence.
Anderson graphically recounts the daily drudgery of Isabel and her sister. The descriptions of Isabel's new mistress leave the reader screaming for Isabel to escape.
Isabel learns of her own resilience and strength as she navigates the political turmoil of spies and patriots. Will this war free her or will she free herself?
Fantastic read for all grades; especially, grades 8 and 9. This is also a perfect companion for students in Social Studies 9.