Recommended by Anne, a reference librarian in our Children's, Tween and Teen Department.

Check our other Fave Five lists, too!

The Birth of Venus

by Sarah Dunant
Learn about the dangerous political climate of Renaissance-era Florence as you follow the story of teenage Alessandra Cecchi. Unhappily married to a much older man, aspiring artist Alessandra falls in love with the young painter commissioned to paint her familys chapel walls. This is particularly enjoyable for readers who like stories about independent women who are much ahead of their time.

The Jester

by James Patterson
Set in medieval France, this book is about crusader Hugh De Luc. When he returns from the Holy Land he discovers that his son has been killed and his wife abducted by the evil lord running his small village. Infiltrating the lords court by assuming the role of a jester, Hugh embarks on a quest to restore his life. While this book is noticeably different from standard Patterson fare, readers wont be disappointed. The story moves quickly and you wont be able to put it down!

Johnny One-Eye: A Tale of the American Revolution

by Jerome Charyn
See revolutionary Manhattan through the eyes of a double agent named John Stocking (aka Johnny One-Eye) who goes from one crazy exploit to another. For those of you who enjoy historical fiction set in the colonial period, youll find depictions of famous men like George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Sir William Howe very amusing. This book is also enjoyable because it presents an average civilians view of the Revolutionary War, something you dont often get in historical fiction.

The Other Boleyn Girl

by Philippa Gregory
Told from the perspective of Mary Boleyn, this book chronicles the rise and fall of her sister Anne, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Filled with fantastic depictions of the romance and intrigue that made up court life in Tudor-era England, readers feel completely drawn into the story. I couldnt put this one down and if you enjoy historical fiction this MUST go on your book list!

The Temple Dancer: A Novel of India

by John Speed
Set in 17th century India, this novel follows the adventures of a caravan of Portuguese settlers who are trying to transport a beautiful dancing girl named Maya. Complete with sword fights, romance, and a range of exotic locations, this book has something for everyone. Its the first book in a trilogy, so if you really enjoy the story there are more books you can look forward to reading!