Young adult WWII historical fiction novels usually have a coming - of - age aspect. The characters are growing up in the midst of war, like in 'Between Shades of Gray' where the young girl has to quickly mature in the face of the hardships of deportation. They also use vivid descriptions to bring the historical settings to life. Whether it's the bombed - out streets in 'All the Light We Cannot See' or the hiding places in 'Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl'. And they often have an emotional core that can make the readers, especially young adults, empathize with the characters.
One characteristic is that they incorporate real historical events and figures. In 'I Am David', the background of the concentration camps is based on real historical facts. They also have a sense of hope in the midst of the darkness of war. In 'Number the Stars', the Danish people's resistance and help for the Jews show that there is still good in the world during the war. Moreover, these novels often have a fast - paced plot to keep the young readers engaged, as the events of WWII are full of action and drama.
They often focus on the experiences of young protagonists. For example, in 'The Book Thief', the main character is a young girl, and through her eyes, we see the horror and complexity of life in Nazi Germany. Another characteristic is that they simplify the complex historical events to some extent to make it easier for young adults to understand. They also tend to highlight themes like friendship, courage, and survival, as seen in 'Code Name Verity' where the friendship between the two female characters is a central element.
One great young adult WWII historical fiction novel is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It tells the story from the perspective of Death and focuses on a young girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. Another is 'Code Name Verity' by Elizabeth Wein, which is about two female friends, one a spy and the other a pilot, during the war. And 'Between Shades of Gray' by Ruta Sepetys is also a remarkable one, following a Lithuanian girl and her family's deportation to Siberia during WWII.
These publishers typically seek out unique perspectives. Instead of just the typical soldier's story, they might be interested in stories from the home front, or the experiences of marginalized groups during the war. For instance, a story about the role of African - American soldiers or the plight of Jewish refugees. They also value strong character development. Since WWII was a complex and harrowing time, the characters in these novels need to be multi - dimensional to really convey the impact of the war. This means showing the characters' fears, hopes, and moral dilemmas. Publishers also look for good writing quality. The prose should be engaging and able to draw the reader into the world of the story, whether it's a fast - paced battle scene or a slow - burning tale of survival on the home front.
WWII historical fiction books often have detailed descriptions of the war - torn landscapes. For example, they might describe bombed - out cities in Europe.
Well, one characteristic is that they often have a relatable young protagonist. For example, in 'The Book Thief', Liesel is a young girl that readers can easily connect with. Another is that they simplify complex historical events. In 'Code Name Verity', the story of female spies during the war is made accessible to young adults. And they usually have a strong sense of place and time, like 'Out of the Dust' which vividly portrays the Dust Bowl era.
Often, it emphasizes the harshness of the Russian winters and how they affected the war. For example, in many stories, the cold was as much an enemy as the German forces.
Often, it has a young protagonist. For example, in many books, a teen or young adult is at the center of the story. This allows young readers to easily relate. It also features detailed historical settings, like the ancient forts and villages in Britain. The language might be a bit archaic in parts to give an authentic feel.
Good young adult historical fiction books often have relatable characters. For example, in 'The Book Thief', Liesel is a character that young adults can easily connect with. They also have accurate historical details. In 'Code Name Verity', the details about the World War II era, like the planes and the spy operations, are well - researched. And they usually have a strong theme, like the importance of hope in 'Out of the Dust' during a tough historical period.
One characteristic is the blend of history and romance. In 'The Luxe', the Gilded Age society's rules and hierarchies are an important part of the story, and the romances develop within those constraints. Young adult historical romance books also tend to explore themes of self - discovery. The characters often grow and change as they experience love in a historical context. Moreover, the language used can be a mix of modern and period - appropriate language to make it accessible to young adult readers.
One characteristic is the portrayal of the human cost of war. They often show the impact on civilians and soldiers alike. For example, in 'The Book Thief', we see how the war affects the daily lives of ordinary people in a small German town.
Young adult fiction often features coming - of - age themes, with protagonists in their teens or early twenties facing challenges like self - discovery, first love, and fitting in. The language is usually accessible. Adult fiction, on the other hand, can cover a broader range of complex themes such as marriage, career crises, and mid - life crises. It may also use more sophisticated language and explore darker or more mature topics in greater depth.