"Alchemy and Meggy Swan" by Karen Cushman

Karen Cushman has done it again! The year is 1573 and Meggy Swan is sent to live with her father in London. He turns out to be a cruel and mean man, ignoring his daughter's arrival. He works as an alchemist, which is the science of turning metal into gold. Poor Meggy struggles with her legs, which have been disabled since birth and make walking a challenge. She endures taunting and teasing from the neighbors and school-children about her crutches and walking limp. Things go from bad to worse. Her father forgets to feed her, and Meggy is forced to give up her pet goose, as her dad doesn't think it's a suitable pet. Then Meggy discovers the unthinkable, her father is up to no good, and it's up to Meggy to make some tough choices. This is a wonderful historical fiction for 5th-8th grade, set in Elizabethan London. Wonderful language and an feisty and independent female lead.

"The Kite Rider" by Geraldine McCaughrean

What if you had to do everything your parents told you to? In 13th century China, kids have to obey their elders with respect. Even if they are mean, horrible people!

Young Haoyou sees his father murdered by his evil boss. His family is poor and doesn't have enough food to eat. His uncle Bo is now in charge of things, but he spends all the family money gambling and drinking. Uncle Bo makes Haoyou take a job with the traveling circus. But not just any job...he's the amazing flying boy on a kite. It's dangerous, thrilling and gives him notoriety and exposure to the great ruler Kublai Khan. The circus is an exciting life, but being away from his mother and sister is tough....will life ever get any easier?

"Beneath My Mother's Feet" by Amjed Qamar

14-year-old Nazia is a good daughter. She does well in school and enjoys time with her friends in Kararchi, Pakistan. Her entire world is turned upside down when her father becomes injured and can no longer work. When the family is evicted for not paying rent, Nazia’s mother pulls her out of school so she can help earn money by cleaning houses. Embarrassed by the social stigma of being a maid, Nazia misses her classes, friends and teachers. She faces a personal struggle between wanting to support and help her family, and desiring a better future for herself. This book has wonderful descriptions of life in modern day Pakistan.