Homestead High School

The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd
Year Published: 2001

 Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees.

To learn more about the book:

• The Secret Life of Bees - Book Trailer

Code Talker
by Joseph Brunchac
Year Published:2005

This novel is based on the true story of the Navajo code talkers, members of the Navajo tribe who were recruited by the Marine Corps during World War II to develop a code that could not be broken.

Sixteen-year-old Ned Begay lies about his age in order to join the United States in fighting the enemies during World War II. He and the other code talkers meet to develop a code based upon their native language, the language of the Diné. Soon he finds himself amongst the danger and chaos of battle, a vital part of the United States’ victory in the Pacific.

To learn more about the book:

• Interview with a Code Talker
• A Code Talker tells the story of the critical message on Iwo Jima

Fever 1793
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Year Published: 2000

During the summer of 1793, when yellow fever breaks out, Mattie's world is turned upside-down.

At her feverish mother's insistence, Mattie flees the city with her grandfather. But she soon discovers that the sickness is everywhere, and Mattie must learn quickly how to survive in a city turned frantic with disease.

To learn more about the book:

• Fever 1793 - Book Trailer

Four-Four-Two
by Dean Hughes

 It’s December 1941, and Pearl Harbor has just been bombed. America is now at war with Japan and Germany. Many first and second generation Japanese Americans who live along the Pacific Coast are sent further inland to desert internment camps. 

Two friends, Yuki and Shig, decide they are going to join the United States Army to prove their loyalty and honor to their country. 

This novel is based on the true story of the American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which is made up of only Japanese Americans and is the most decorated unit in American military history

To learn more about the book:

•  Four-Four-Two- Book Trailer
• Interview with a 442nd Combat Team Medic

Kindred

by Octavia Butler
Year Published: 1979
Science Fiction
*Mature Content*

A 26 year old Black woman from 1976 California is suddenly transported to a plantation in pre-Civil War South Carolina. 

Why was she transported to this dangerous location in the first place? Will she survive long enough in order to live her true life in modern day?

To learn more about the book:

• Kindred - Trailer