Book picks similar to
The Acrobats of Agra by Robin Scott-Elliot


18th-century
indian-subcontinent
middle-grade

Rider in the Dark


Victoria Holmes - 2004
    The daughter of magistrate Lord Roseby, she has a comfortable home on a grand estate, and with the help of her best friend, Jamie the stable boy, she is able to secretly ride her father's powerful horses -- without the confines of a sidesaddle.Then, suddenly, everything changes. Dangerous smugglers are on the loose in Helena's quiet village. And Helena's father brings home a mysterious and beautiful new stallion. Helena's world is suddenly turned upside down, and becomes more exciting than she ever could have imagined.

Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word


Sarah Jane Marsh - 2018
    But as a teenager, Thomas dared to change his destiny, enduring years of struggle until a meeting with Benjamin Franklin brought Thomas to America in 1774-and into the American Revolution. Within fourteen months, Thomas would unleash the persuasive power of the written word in Common Sense-a brash wake-up call that rallied the American people to declare independence against the mightiest empire in the world. This fascinating and extensively researched biography, based on numerous primary sources, will immerse readers in Thomas Paine's inspiring journey of courage, failure, and resilience that led a penniless immigrant to change the world with his words.

Fairylicious


Tiffany Nicole Smith - 2013
    She always means well, but somehow trouble follows her wherever she goes. Bex thinks she's doing something nice when she blows out her birthday candles and wishes for fairies for her and each of her friends. The good news: Bex's wish comes true. The bad news: Maize, Blush, Olive, and Iris are not the fairies the girls were expecting.These fairies are allergic to pixie dust and afraid of heights. On top of that, every wish they grant ends up being a disaster. Bex thought fairies were supposed to make life easier. Between these fractured fairies, an aunt and a teacher who seem to hate her, and the perils of being the biggest kid in the sixth grade--will Bex survive?

Leyla: The Black Tulip


Alev Lytle Croutier - 2003
    When she reveals her skills as a gardener, Leyla is assigned to work with the Mistress of the Flowers. In the harem gardens, Leyla secretly plants the tulip bulbs she has brought from her home in the Caucasus Mountains--a reminder of the life she's left behind. If the bulbs are discovered, will there be trouble?

The Sleepless Beauty


Rajesh Talwar - 2019
    It all started soon after her mother, the queen, passed away, when the princess was only twelve. Her father, the king, tries everything to make his little princess sleep, but nothing works. The princess develops such an inability to sleep that she becomes known in her kingdom and far beyond as the Sleepless Beauty.The king wishes Princess Ramya to marry and take over the reins of government, but the princess is determined not to marry till such time as her sleep is restored. Eventually, the king announces a competition whereby whichever prince succeeds in getting Princess Ramya to sleep will win her hand. Meanwhile deadly foes of the kingdom wait and watch in the wings, planning to launch a surprise attack. This exciting, romantic tale, with comic interludes, will appeal to readers of all ages.

Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison


Lois Lenski - 1941
    Meticulously researched and illustrated with many detailed drawings, this novel offers an exceptionally vivid and personal portrait of Native American life and customs.

The Steeplechase Secret


Jeanette Lane - 2018
    She's ready to take it easy and enjoy some downtime with her family, her best friends, and her horse, Raven. But then, Zoe, Becky, and Jade notice some strange things happening at the new steeplechase race track that has the whole town abuzz with excitement. Zoe promised her mom she'd stay out of trouble for once . . . but a little investigating couldn't hurt, right?Includes an 8-page insert packed with photos from the TV show!

Journey to Mermaid Kingdom


Celesta Thiessen - 2016
    The four children, their mother, and their two cats are transformed into mermaids! Well... the cats are turned into mercats. Join their adventure as they encounter sharks, octopuses and even sea dragons as they journey to Mermaid Kingdom. Best-selling author, Celesta Thiessen, wrote this book with her daughters, Keziah and Priscilla Thiessen. Keziah, who is thirteen, enjoys writing stories, sketching and dragons. Priscilla, who is seven, loves playing with cats, daydreaming and drawing inventions. Celesta, Keziah and Priscilla all love adventures!

The Littlest Voyageur


Margi Preus - 2020
     It is 1792 and unbeknownst to a group of voyageurs traveling from Montreal to Grand Portage, an intrepid squirrel, Jean Pierre Petit Le Rouge, sneaks onto their canoe. Le Rouge is soon discovered because he can't contain his excitement--mon dieu he is so enthusiastic. The smells! The vistas! The comradery!The voyageurs are not particularly happy to have him, especially because Le Rouge rides, but he does not paddle. He eats, but he does not cook. He doesn't even carry anything on portages--sometimes it is he who has to be carried. He also has a terrible singing voice. What kind of voyageur is that?When they finally arrive at the trading post Le Rouge is in for a terrible shock--the voyageurs have traveled all those miles to collect beaver pelts. With the help of Monique, a smart and sweet flying squirrel, Le Rouge organizes his fur-bearing friends of the forest to ambush the men and try and convince them to quit being voyageurs.Written by a Newbery honor author, the book has over 20 black-and-white illustrations.A Junior Library Guild Selection

Shh! We're Writing the Constitution


Jean Fritz - 1987
    This factual gem that's written with Jean Fritz's humorous touch chronicles the hot summer of 1787 where fifty-five delegates from thirteen states huddled together in the strictest secrecy in Philadelphia to draw up the constitution of the United States!

The Sons of Liberty #1


Alexander Lagos - 2010
    Visual and visceral, fusing historical fiction and superhero action, this is a tale with broad appeal-for younger readers who enjoy an exciting war story, for teenagers asking hard questions about American history, for adult fans of comic books, for anyone seeking stories of African American interest, and for reluctant readers young and old. In Colonial America, Graham and Brody are slaves on the run-until they gain extraordinary powers. At first they keep a low profile. But their mentor has another idea-one that involves the African martial art dambe . . . and masks. With its vile villains, electrifying action, and riveting suspense, The Sons of Liberty casts new light on the faces and events of pre-Revolution America, including Ben Franklin and the French and Indian War. American history has rarely been this compelling-and it's never looked this good. For more information and exclusive content, visit www.thesonsoflibertybook.com

Catherine the Great: Empress of Russia


Zu Vincent - 2009
    Discover the life and times of Catherine the Great, one of Russia's longest rulers.The wicked ways of some of the most ruthless rulers to walk the earth are revealed in these thrilling biographies (A Wicked History) about men and women so monstrous, they make Frankenstein look like a sweetheart.

Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette


Selene Castrovilla - 2013
    Lafayette has come to America to offer his services to the patriotic cause. Inexperienced but dedicated, he is a much-needed ally and not only earns a military position with the Continental Army but also Washington’s respect and admiration. This lively picture book presents the human side of history, revealing the bond between two famous Revolutionary figures. Both the author and illustrator worked with experts and primary sources to represent both patriots and the war accurately and fairly.

Maria's Island


Victoria Hislop - 2021
    She tells us of the ancient and misunderstood disease of leprosy, exploring the themes of stigma, shame and the treatment of those who are different, which are as relevant for children as adults. Gill Smith's rich, full-colour illustrations will transport the reader to the timeless and beautiful Greek landscape and Mediterranean seascape.

Scary Stories for Kids - Short Horror Stories for Children: (Children's Books and Books for Kids)


Kara Aitken - 2014
    It's the perfect book to read around Halloween! If your kid loves scary stories, they're sure to love this children's book. The five spooky stories are perfect for telling scary stories in the dark, around a campfire, or for scaring friends at a sleep over. These are not your typical scary stories for kids, there stories are actually scary! Proceed with caution... Scary Stories for Kids Includes These Five Spooky Tales: 1) The Roller Coaster Curse 2) The Zoo Keeper 3) The Toy Maker 4) The Cafeteria Lady 5) The Wishing Well Disclaimer: These horror stories were written for children, however they include blood, zombies, and other scary elements which may not be suitable for some readers.