The Lost Crown by Sarah Miler

The Lost Crown by Sarah Miller.  Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Are you familiar with the story of the Russian princess Anastasia?  Probably.  However, much of your knowledge probably comes from movies and children’s stories.  The Lost Crown is both an engrossing story and an excellent addition to the historical fiction genre. 

This is the story of Tsar Nicholas II and his family.  It is told from the perspectives of the four daughters- Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia.  Initially, it may be difficult to separate the multiple narrators, but their personalities become distinct through the development of the novel.

The girls are depicted with different personalities, quirks and dreams.  At the beginning of the novel, they lead lives of privilege with numerous servants, social engagements, elaborate gowns and jewelry.    The turmoil in Russia causes drastic changes in the family’s lives. 

Royalty and other members of the aristocracy become targets of the revolutionaries, so the girls and their parents are moved.  Initially, it’s difficult for them to know if they are being protected or jailed but this becomes clear as their treatment worsens and they become more and more isolated from friends and other family members.  The bewilderment of the girls, who are a little naïve about the politics exploding around them, makes the tragic ending of the story even more affecting. 

Photos, facts in the author’s notes and an extensive bibliography, strengthen this historical fiction.  

Visit author Sarah Miller's website. 

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Ashfall by Mike Mullin.  Published by Tanglewood Press, 2011. 

No one believed that there could be a global extermination of people similar to what happened to the dinosaurs.  But after a super volcano in Yellowstone Park erupts, life changed for everyone in the United States. 

Alex was home alone for the weekend.  His parents and sister left to visit his uncle after Alex had yet another argument with his mom.  He was enjoying having the house to himself.  No one to boss him around or nag at him- no one to tell him to stop playing video games. 

He ignored the weird rumbling noise.  He felt the house shake a little, but nothing major.  Then the power went out, the floor tilted and the walls started falling down.  Trapped beneath a desk and bookcase, he could smell something burning and knew he had to get out. 

Now,  Alex is trying to survive. No one has power and everyone is afraid.  Alex’s neighbors offer to help him and he goes home with them.  But everyone is terrified when the earthquakes continue along with unceasing, deafening noise.   They all know they can’t count on any help.  There are fires all over the neighborhood and the fire and police departments are overwhelmed.  

Alex realizes he has to try to get to his parents and sister on his uncle’s farm in Iowa.  With ash everywhere, he has to find inner resources and be creative and strong if he’s going to survive.   Along the way, he’ll experience terrible things but also find love.  

Visit author Mike Mullin's website.