[ajmm115]

If you are looking for Asia, I'd highly recommend The Master Puppeteer - Japan - teaches a bit about the culture and Samurai and is also a very good story. Male protagonist.

For strong readers, Year of Impossible Goodbyes - teaches about the history of North Korea - very good story also. Female protagonist.

Sadako and the 1,000 Paper Cranes - outstanding - the results of the nuclear bombs on children in Japan.

Iqbal - child labor in Pakistan's carpet factories.

Midwife's Apprentice - Europe middle ages - and Catherine, Called Birdie.