The Brothers Story by Katherine Sturtevant

Kit longs to rise in the world but to do so would mean leaving his Essex village for London Town and abandoning his twin brother, Christy, who is “simple” and cannot care for himself. Yet the terrible privations of the Great Frost of 1683–84, the coldest winter in England’s history, may leave the increasingly desperate 15-year-old no choice.

I had to cover up with a throw as I read this book...it was so good at describing the terrible conditions of England at this time. Since I really like historical fiction and also like stories of people who overcome incredible difficulties, I loved this book. I wish more students would read books like this; it would give them a perspective on the difficulties that some people have in the world.

Rating: 9 of 10.