Embedded research

 Embedded research is information that is embedded so seamlessly into the story that it enriches the detail and realism in the story without seeming didactic.  Students might ask, “What is the difference between historical fiction and fiction with embedded research?”  In answer to that question, I would say that historical fiction has main characters, who actually existed in situations that actually happened.  Stories with embedded research are about fictional characters in situations that might actually have existed or involve accurate details about what takes place. This month I'm recommending three new young adult novels that effortlessly weave actual historic events and technological information into engaging stories for delightfully informative reads. Contender from Delos by Leo Carrington takes place during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and tells the tale of a young Greek wrestler who aims for glory.  Lady Knight by Amalie Howard takes place during the Regency Era 1811-1820 when young women were expected to conform to rigid behavioral constraints. The protagonist is part of a secret society of rebellious young women who are trying to break out of these mores. The Uncertainty Principle by Joshua Davis and his son Kal Kini-Davis focuses on a young woman whose parents decide the family will benefit from permanently setting sail on a boat her father restored. She spends her time onboard doing scientific experiments with solar technology and coping with difficult family dynamics. 

Contender from Delos is historical fiction which takes place in Greece and Rome in the second century AD. Born in Greece but raised in a poor Roman neighborhood during the reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius, Alexander dreams of being a champion wrestler. Winning many perilous informal bouts, Alexander is in danger of falling in with the local gang leader. His father gains Alexander the opportunity to train at an elite palestra, athletic training facility, run by Gaius by agreeing to go back into the Navy. However, his father dies at sea and Alexander is expelled from the school.  His mother Elena moves them back to live with her wealthy brother on Delos, the island which was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. He begins to train again with Gaius’s rival Demetrius and helps to rebuild the palestra on Delos.  There he is befriended by Leon and falls in love with his sister Zoe, all while training against Zoe’s former boyfriend Dario. Because of his talent and integrity Alexander quickly rises in the ranks of elite wrestlers, but Elena harbors a dangerous secret which forced her to leave Delos when Alexander was born. Those who know the secret try to manipulate Alexander’s promising wrestling career. The historic authenticity of the novel adds to the sympathetic characters and engaging plot.

Lady Knight is a Regency Romance, the second in the Diamonds series. The "Lady Knights" is a clandestine social club for rebellious girls. They rob the rich to save orphans and the School for Ladies that they attend. Lady Zenobia Osborn, is determined to break out of the high society young lady’s mold. She dreams of being a composer and pianist. As a Lady Knight, she feels free to read controversial literature, sneak out at night to rob her brother’s friends, and compose “prepared piano” pieces.  Then Rafi Nasser, her brother’s best friend, discovers her secrets. He, too, wants to defy expectations and become a painter.  He agrees to keep her secret and she his to avoid scandal.  The  detailed Author’s Note explains the mores of the time, as well as the real-life characters that Rafi and Zia are based on. 

The Uncertainty Principle, referring to a cornerstone of quantum mechanics, focuses on a mentally unstable young girl named Mia. After an unfortunate incident with her best friend in Minnesota, Mia and her family set sail permanently on a sailboat her father restored. Mia spends her time working on science experiments involving solar power. Although it’s lonely, Mia has an imaginary friend, real-life Harvard scientist Lene Hau, a Danish physicist and mathematician, to keep her company.  Then the family meets an Australian family that has been living on the waves for five years. Mia is immediately attracted to their son Alby, and they quickly form a romantic relationship. However, her family is leaving and their attempt to keep in contact via satellite radio goes awry. Meanwhile her mentally ill germaphobe mother is making Mia miserable.  Her dad makes arrangements for her to go to Tennessee and live with his brother. But before she leaves, Mia meets and rescues wealthy socialite Nisha who is being bullied by her dad to jump off a cliff. They quickly bond and Nisha’s dad is impressed by Mia’s scientific knowledge and wants to set her up with a lab so he can profit from her findings. Then she is kissing Nisha, when Alby shows up with his family and Mia is totally confused as to how she can be attracted to both a boy and a girl.  Mia, a neurodivergent protagonist, is on a journey to discover herself and follow her destiny. The authors provide a sailing glossary and load the story with accurate information about solar technology and scientific philosophy for a very informative read.