Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

Set in 1911, the story follows Turner Buckminster, who moves to Phippsburg, Maine, where he struggles to fit in due to the town's rigid expectations. His life changes when he befriends Lizzie Bright Griffin, a spirited girl from the nearby Malaga Island, a community founded by former slaves. Their friendship faces opposition as the town leaders plan to evict Malaga's residents to develop the island for tourism. Turner and Lizzie confront societal prejudices and fight to protect her community, leading to profound personal growth and challenging moral dilemmas.​

Recommendation: This novel is ideal for readers aged 10–14 who appreciate historical narratives that explore themes of friendship, social justice, and moral courage. It provides a poignant examination of racial tensions and ethical conflicts, encouraging readers to reflect on historical and contemporary issues. It received the Newbery Honor and Michael L. Printz Honor in 2005.​

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade and early high school students​
• Readers interested in historical fiction based on true events​
• Those exploring themes of racial injustice and community​

Similar Reads:

• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor​
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee​
• Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson​

Stylistic Features:

• Third-person narrative with rich, descriptive language​
• Authentic dialogue reflecting early 20th-century New England​
• Blends historical facts with fictional elements to enhance emotional impact​

Content Warnings: The novel addresses themes of racism, social injustice, and community displacement. It includes instances of prejudice and injustice that may be upsetting but are handled thoughtfully to provoke critical discussion.