June Challenge: Historical Fiction

Explore Historical Fiction with the North Little Rock Public Library System Challenge

The North Little Rock Public Library System continues its 2026 Digging Up the Past Challenge with June's theme: Historical Fiction.

This month, we invite readers and viewers to explore narratives that bring the past to life — stories that illuminate forgotten voices, pivotal moments, and the enduring threads that connect history to our present. Whether you choose fiction, memoir, or film, June's challenge is an opportunity to lose yourself in another time and place.

What Is the NLRPLS 2026 Challenge?

The NLRPLS 2026 Challenge is a year-long program encouraging the community to explore a new theme each month through books and movies. Inspired by this year's overarching theme, Digging Up the Past, the challenge highlights stories that uncover history, explore hidden stories, and connect readers to meaningful narratives.

You can view the full list of 2026 challenge themes here: 👉 https://www.nlrlibrary.org/blogs/nlrpls-blog/2026-reading-challenge

Throughout the month, NLRPLS staff will share curated recommendations to help you find the perfect book or film.

June Theme: Historical Fiction

For June, choose a book or movie that brings history to life through storytelling. Stories can be set in any era or place — war, revolution, everyday life, or extraordinary circumstance. If it roots you in another time, it counts.

Books and films both count toward the challenge.

How to Participate

Read a book or watch a movie that fits the theme Historical Fiction. Then submit your entry form either in person at your favorite NLRPLS location or online at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NLRlibrary1/ReadingChallenge

Participants may submit one entry per person, per month.

Monthly Prize and Grand Prize

Each month, one lucky participant will win a $50 gift card generously donated by Skinny J's. At the end of 2026, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win an e-reader. The more months you participate, the more chances you have to win.

June Recommendations: Historical Fiction

Looking for a place to start? Here are staff-selected picks that transport you to another era with power and humanity. You can also find additional themed displays and recommendations in person at Laman Library and Argenta Library throughout the month.

Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie A sweeping and heartbreaking novel set during the Nigerian Civil War, following three characters whose lives converge amid the hope and devastation of a nation fighting for independence. Available on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick A warm and compelling story about women, friendship, and the power of literature to sustain us through the most turbulent chapters of history. Available on Hoopla.

Violeta by Isabel Allende An epic saga spanning a century of upheaval — wars, plagues, and political revolution — told through the remarkable life of one unforgettable woman. Available in Spanish and English at Laman Library.

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez A gripping and deeply moving novel inspired by a true story of the forced sterilization of Black girls in 1970s Alabama, told through the eyes of a young nurse determined to fight for justice. Available at Laman Library.

Life Is Beautiful directed by Roberto Benigni A beloved and deeply affecting film about a father who uses imagination and love to shield his young son from the horrors of a World War II concentration camp. Available at Laman Library.

Start Exploring

June's challenge invites you to step into another time — to walk alongside people whose stories deserve to be told and remembered. Pick up a book, stream an audiobook, watch a film, and don't forget to submit your entry for a chance to win.

Happy reading, happy watching, and happy exploring!