The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

Homer and his older brother Harold are orphans living on their uncle's farm in Maine during the Civil War. Harold is tricked into joining the Union Army and Homer wants to rescue him from military service. Since their uncle is a hard task master both boys would love to run away and have a life of their own. What follows is an adventure in running away, encountering outlaws and other nefarious characters. Fortunately help comes along from a Quaker farmer active in the Underground Railroad and a naiive clergyman who accompanies Homer on his quest to save Harold. The fun of the adventure is Homer's ability to reinvent the truth and tell tales or lies as needed to escape various situations. The book is a very satisfying and humorous read. You also get a first person account of what life was like during the Civil War.

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick

Life is difficult and often unexpected in 1910 frontier Alaska.  Sig's father dies, accidentally frozen to death when he attempts to cross a thawing lake.  Fourteen year old Sig is left to guard the corpse while his step mother and sister travel to the distant town for help. Sig's grief and loneliness is soon interrupted by a violent mysterious stranger who claims that Sig's father owes him a fortune in gold. Sig knows nothing about any fortune, but he does know that there is a loaded Colt revolver hidden in the cabin. If only he could get to it -- then again, Sig's only fired the gun once in his life, and never thought his life might depend on aiming it at another human being, no matter how terrifying the circumstances.

This is a taut, tightly written novel of suspense with the added pressure of the forbidden frozen Alaskan landscape. Give yourself lots of time -this is a hard one to put down!

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The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

In 1899 in rural southern Texas, girls were expected to learn to keep house, make fine embroidery and cook for their families. Calpurnia Virginia Tate, known as Callie Vee, feels this is most unfair and would much prefer to spend time with her grandfather exploring nature and learning about Charles Darwin. She would like to have the same opportunities for an education and a paying job as her 6 brothers do. Her parents disagree of course. Only her grandfather understands and it is his interest in her and his sense of humor which save the day for both of them.