I don't know what it is about autumn but it puts me in the mood for history. 

Maybe it's just my subconscious connecting the season with Thanksgiving and early Colonial American history, but I crave stories about Colonial and Revolutionary America every fall.  So I thanked my lucky stars when I stumbled across this gem as I was browsing the Hamilton Grange YA shelves recently. 

The title alone was captivating and brought up all sorts of questions. What sort of name is Octavian Nothing? He has an astonishing life? But he's a traitor to the nation?! What in the world is a Pox Party? And why is he wearing that mask!!

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation; Volume One: The Pox Party by M. T. Anderson is a combination of first-hand storytelling, diary entries, and letters. It explores different perspectives about what it really means to be imprisoned and what the true definition of freedom is. Octavian, a slave with an education level comparable to European royalty, has to discover for himself where his loyalties lie, and whether or not he will ever reach true freedom.

Surrounded by a Colonial American world, Octavian's life is greatly influenced by then-British rule over the colonies and by the revolt that eventually leads to the American Revolution. Living in the center of the conflict, who can Octavian trust? Can he stop from betraying those to whom he's given his loyalty? Whose side is he on in the Revolution? Read this awesome autumn-appropriate read to find out!

Looking for some other YA historical fiction titles to put you in the mood for fall? Check out these books!

There's nothing better than a great book with a sequel! Discover the rest of Octavian's enthralling story and find answers to all of your  burning questions about Octavian in The Kingdom on the Waves.
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Vol. 2, The Kingdom on the Waves by M. T. Anderson

Read the stories of two friends, Isabel and Curzon, who escape slavery together only to be torn apart. What part will they play in the American Revolution? More importantly, will they ever see each other again?
The Seeds of America Series: Chains and Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

If the lives of your loved ones were taken by terrible disease and epidemics, would you do whatever you could to make them come back again?
In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

You may have heard of the Salem Witch Trials, but have you ever read the diaries of one of the real Salem witches?
Witch Child by Celia Rees

A classic piece of historical fiction for teens and tweens, this book revolves around the impact that a brother's decisions can have on a family that is trying to stay neutral in a very serious conflict.
My Brother Sam is Dead  by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

 A rash of occult-based murders in New York City leave the newly-arrived Evie O'Neill and her uncle, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult, in the midst of a thrilling criminal investigation.
The Diviners by Libba Bray

After being adopted by her American family, Chinese-born Lillian Firestone comes to understand how lonely adolescence can be, especially when you stand out in the crowd. Searching for her identity while battling the racism all around her, can she make her adopted family understand what she's going through?
Girl In Reverse by Barbara Stuber

Accused of a murder he did not commit, Vango has to try to uncover his past in order to prove his innocence. His journey takes him all over Europe, but with the world still reeling from the First World War, will he succeed in clearing his name?
Vango: Between Sky and Earth by Timothée de Fombelle

What are some other favorite autumn reads?