JOURNEY OF THE PALE BEAR by Susan Fletcher

I was surprised to learn this story was based on a real event! I was so intrigued by this book that I read the whole thing in one afternoon.

 

Description from the publisher…

The polar bear is a royal bear, a gift from the King of Norway to the King of England. The first time Arthur encounters the bear, he is shoved in her cage as payback for stealing food. Restless and deadly, the bear terrifies him. Yet, strangely, she doesn’t harm him—though she has attacked anyone else who comes near. That makes Arthur valuable to the doctor in charge of getting the bear safely to London. So Arthur, who has run away from home, finds himself taking care of a polar bear on a ship to England.

Tasked with feeding and cleaning up after the bear, Arthur’s fears slowly lessen as he begins to feel a connection to this bear, who like him, has been cut off from her family. But the journey holds many dangers, and Arthur knows his own freedom—perhaps even his life—depends on keeping the bear from harm. When pirates attack and the ship founders, Arthur must make a choice—does he do everything he can to save himself, or does he help the bear to find freedom?

Based on the real story of a polar bear that lived in the Tower of London, this timeless adventure story is also a touching account of the bond between a boy and a bear.

Journey of the Pale Bear, written by Susan Fletcher, was published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, in 2018.

Why you want to read this book… 

This is a wonderful story about how a boy learns about himself as he learns to love the bear. If you love animal stories, you will enjoy this book!

Opening:

In the evening, as darkness falls, I return to the fortress. A guard lifts a lantern to my face, and at once I’m blind, blinking against the flood of sudden brightness.

If you’re a writer… 

The writing in this novel is so lovely, I would read it again just to hear the words and phrases in my mind. It’s worth studying to see how the author uses language to create a mood, to develop character, and to bring settings to life. I liked that the ending wasn’t ‘happily ever after with all loose ends wrapped up.’

Before we saw the bear, we heard her—a heavy, rhythmic tread, a thump, a clang. Beyond the reek of fish, I sniffed out the feral musk of her.

If you’re an educator…

This book lends itself to discussion about the environment and what it means to be free and wild. There’s a lovely appreciation of nature in this book, as well as some sea adventures and survival elements.

I lifted the hatch and peered out. The sun had edged over the horizon, and in the pale morning light I could see the bear pacing slowly back and forth, not far from the sterncastle and the bulk of the crew. Arrows still bristled from her snout, shoulder and leg.

If you’re looking for more to read, check out the list of fabulous middle grade books over at Marvelous Middle Grade Monday on Greg Pattridge's blog.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday – THE BICYCLE SPY

I really enjoy reading historical fiction and I spent a few hours with this one over the holidays -- an absorbing and exciting read with lots of nail-biting moments.

Description from the publisher:

Marcel loves riding his bicycle, whether he's racing through the streets of his small town in France or making bread deliveries for his parents' bakery. He dreams of someday competing in the Tour de France, the greatest bicycle race. But ever since Germany's occupation of France began two years ago, in 1940, the race has been canceled. Now there are soldiers everywhere, interrupting Marcel's rides with checkpoints and questioning.

Then Marcel learns two big secrets, and he realizes there are worse things about the war than a canceled race. When he later discovers that his friend's entire family is in imminent danger, Marcel knows he can help — but it will involve taking a risky bicycle ride to pass along covert information. And when nothing ends up going according to plan, it's up to him to keep pedaling and think quickly... because his friend, her family, and his own future hang in the balance..

The Bicycle Spy was written by Yona Zeldis McDonough and published by Scholastic Press in 2016.

My thoughts as a reader and teacher:

I couldn’t put this book down! It’s a compelling story that brings to life the fear and reality of what it was like to live in France during 1942. Marcel was brave and courageous, and I loved how his passion for riding bicycles and the Tour de France was an integral part of the story.  

“He was exhausted, and very, very cold. But then he thought of the riders in the Tour de France. Surely they got tired, hungry, and cold too. They had to ride in all kinds of weather—extreme heat and freezing cold.”

From the moment Marcel discovers a secret about his family, he is afraid about what he must do, but he takes on the challenge, even when at times he has to do it on his own and without the security and guidance of his parents.

This would be a great book to start or deepen discussions about prejudice, persecution and basic human rights. The back matter contains a brief history of World War II as well as of the Tour de France.

My thoughts as a writer: 

Historical fiction can sometimes be more interesting than compelling, but this story was both. I loved how the author created suspense and drama through the use of specific details. 

“Escape? Where?” The hair on the back of Marcel’s neck began to prickle and he knew it wasn’t just from the crisp, cold air.”

Opening Line:

“A gust of wind cut across Marcel’s face as he cycled furiously down the street.”

Other Info:

Yona Zeldis McDonough has written 27 books for children. They include The Doll With the Yellow Star, The Dollhouse Magic, Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Who Was Rosa Parks? 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday – THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE

I discovered this book in the summer and really enjoyed it. I like reading about the details of life from different perspectives and time periods. This would be a really good book to share with students to help them learn about another culture.

Description from Amazon:

Nineteenth-century American pioneer life was introduced to thousands of young readers by Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved Little House books. With The Birchbark House, award-winning author Louise Erdrich's first novel for young readers, this same slice of history is seen through the eyes of the spirited, 7-year-old Ojibwa girl Omakayas, or Little Frog, so named because her first step was a hop. The sole survivor of a smallpox epidemic on Spirit Island, Omakayas, then only a baby girl, was rescued by a fearless woman named Tallow and welcomed into an Ojibwa family on Lake Superior's Madeline Island, the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. We follow Omakayas and her adopted family through a cycle of four seasons in 1847, including the winter, when a historically documented outbreak of smallpox overtook the island.

The Birchbark House was written by Louise Erdrich and published by Hyperion in 1999.

As a reader and teacher:

I really enjoyed this story – especially all the details of the chores Omakayas did, and her relationship with her family and the mischievous crow, Andeg. I learned more about the Ojibwa culture and thought more deeply about what they may have experienced. This story was really a survival story – one where the main character faced a variety of hardships, including sickness and death. It kept me hooked until the end.

I also liked the main character’s special connectedness to animals and how she learned from her family. 

As a writer: 

Since I grew up on the shores of Lake Superior, I was particularly interested in the setting. The author used lots of specific detail in her descriptions. Even though this story did not follow a traditional plot, the family conflicts and hardships, as well the development of the character Omakayas kept me interested and wanting to finish the story. The way the author sprinkled in traditional language added to the authenticity of the story (there is a glossary at the back).

Opening Line:

“The only person left alive on the island was a baby girl.”

Quotes:

“The air was fresh, delicious, smelling of new leaves in the woods, just-popped-out mushrooms, the pelts of young deer.”

“Everything was ice in her dream, and she was sliding on it.”

Other Info:

Louise Erdrich has written several other books in the Birchbark House series.

Here’s a discussion of the importance of names for the Ojibwa girl, Omakayas, in The Birchbark House.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday – THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE

I’d heard a lot about this book, but the title didn’t draw me in, so I wasn’t prepared for how much I would love it. It’s compelling historical fiction with a great story about persevering despite economic, physical and emotional hardships.

Description from Amazon:  

Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.

So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?

The War That Saved My Life was written by Kimberly Brubaker and published by Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin Group) in 2015.

My Take:

Right from the beginning of this story, I wanted to stick up for Ada and I wanted so much for things to get better for her. I really liked her determination, and the way she loved and looked out for her brother. It was interesting to learn more about some things I didn’t know much about before, such as club foot, the separation of families during the war, and Dunkirk. Reading the details through Ada’s eyes made me think much more deeply about the war and related events. I didn’t want to put this book down until I finished the whole story (and then I wished there was more!)

From a writer’s perspective, I thought the opening chapter was very effective at setting the stage for the novel and providing information the reader needs to know. It was interesting that Ada had a realization about herself so early in the novel.

 Opening Line:

“Ada! Get back from that window!” Mam’s voice, shouting.

Quotes:

“I had never needed taking care of, but I decided not to say so.”

“Onions were so scarce they might as well have been solid gold.”

“A pall of dust and smoke choked the sunlight, but the street sparkled as though covered with stars. Glass. All shattered glass.”

Other Info:

The War That Saved My Life won a Newbery Honor Medal in 2016. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley has written several other historical novels.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: September 17

I think I learn most of the history I know from reading fiction! I really enjoyed this fictionalized story about the plan to save children from the bombings in Britain during World War II. This book is another one of the nominees for the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch Award.

Here’s the Amazon description:

In July 1940, a British government-sponsored program called Children's Overseas Reception Board -- or CORB -- was set up to send children from Britain to Canada and other Commonwealth countries, in order to rescue them from the bombings of British cities. The City of Benares was a luxury liner that was recruited in September 1940 to transport 90 of these children to Canada, along with the ship's regular passenger complement. A convoy of ships including The Benares set off from Liverpool in mid-September and approximately six hundred miles out, after the naval escorts had withdrawn, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat and sank in about half an hour. Only thirteen of the CORB children survived the sinking. As a result of this tragedy, the program was cancelled.

September 17 is a novel that tells the story of three of the children that were on board the City of Benares, as they experience and survive the disaster and wait to be rescued. One lifeboat was not picked up by the destroyer sent to make the rescue, and was at sea with 46 passengers, children and adults for eight days until it was picked up near the Irish coast. Two teenaged girls held onto an overturned lifeboat for 18 hours before they were picked up, while another family, including two children not on the CORB program, floated on a tiny raft for hours before being rescued. The characters whose adventures are described are all real, though some conversations and encounters have been fictionalized by author Amanda Lewis.

September 17 by Amanda West Lewis, Red Deer Press, Markham, Ontario, 2013.

My Take:

It was so interesting to learn about the City of Benares and the CORB experiment, and how children might have reacted and experienced the events! I found the book a little slow to get started, but this changed as the trip got underway. There were quite a few characters to keep track of, but they all had different stories and perspectives.

From a writer’s perspective, I’d look closely at how actual facts were embedded into the story to make a compelling narrative.

Opening Line:

“A heavy clod of wet earth fell on Ken’s head. His hands began to shake.”

Quotes:

“He’d been so focused on drawing that he’d forgotten completely where he was.”

“As she stood staring out over the concrete breakers, she imagined the German boats landing on her beach that wasn’t a beach anymore.”

“The raft soared up to the top of each wave and then came smashing down, slamming their bodies with the impact.”

“There was no moon, and the stars covered every part of the sky and were reflected in every part of the water. He was living in a bowl of stars.”

Other Info:

Amanda West Lewis has written five books for young people. She enjoys many different creative pursuits such as writing, directing theatre, and calligraphy. She is the artistic director of the Ottawa Children’s Theatre.

She is married to author Tim Wynne-Jones.

On her website, Amanda West Lewis says, "As a writer, I love the extraordinary complexity, subtlety and magic of language."

For more, visit Amanda West Lewis ’s website.

Looking for more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books? Visit Shannon Messenger’s blog for a list of bloggers reviewing great books today! Shannon is the founder of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the author of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: One Came Home

I listened to the audiobook version of One Came Home during some long car rides, and it was a perfect choice. Listening gave me a chance to really appreciate the distinctive voice for the narrator that the author created using specific words and phrases (notice I don’t mean the sound of the voice of the woman who read the story).  

Today’s Pick:  One Came Home

by Amy Timberlake

Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013

From Random House:

In the town of Placid, Wisconsin, in 1871, Georgie Burkhardt is known for two things: her uncanny aim with a rifle and her habit of speaking her mind plainly.

But when Georgie blurts out something she shouldn't, her older sister Agatha flees, running off with a pack of "pigeoners" trailing the passenger pigeon migration. And when the sheriff returns to town with an unidentifiable body—wearing Agatha's blue-green ball gown—everyone assumes the worst. Except Georgie. Refusing to believe the facts that are laid down (and coffined) before her, Georgie sets out on a journey to find her sister. She will track every last clue and shred of evidence to bring Agatha home. 

Yet even with resolute determination and her trusty Springfield single-shot, Georgie is not prepared for what she faces on the western frontier.

My Take:

I liked the mystery of Georgie trying to find out what happened to her sister, and that’s what kept me listening. It took me a little while to get into the story, since the main character and narrator Georgie seemed to get sidetracked with reminiscing. I think upper middle graders will easily relate to some of the themes in the story, like Georgie feeling responsible for her sister’s death, having a crush on a boy, and stubbornly trying to solve problems without help. It was also fun to read a “wild west” novel and learn a bit about life in the 1870’s.

If you are interested in learning more about creating a character with a strong voice, this is a good novel to read. I loved Geogie’s style and her vocabulary!

Opening Line:

“So it comes to this, I remember thinking on Wednesday June 7, 1871.”

Other Info:

Amy Timberlake lives in Chicago with her husband. Besides writing, she loves cooking and taking photos.

One Came Home is a Newbery Honor Book, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book and a Winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Juvenile Novel.

Other books by this author:

That Girl Lucy Moon

The Dirty Cowboy (picture book)

For more, visit Amy Timberlake’s website.

Looking for more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books? Visit Shannon Messenger’s blog for a list of bloggers reviewing great books today! Shannon is the founder of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the author of the middle grade novels, Keeper of the Lost Cities and Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2).

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Paperboy

I saw this book mentioned in various places and decided it was finally time for me to read it. I found a copy online through my public library.

Today’s Pick: Paperboy

by Vince Vawter

Delacorte Press, 2013

From Random House:

An 11-year-old boy living in Memphis in 1959 throws the meanest fastball in town, but talking is a whole different ball game. He can barely say a word without stuttering, not even his own name. So when he takes over his best friend's paper route for the month of July, he knows he'll be forced to communicate with the different customers, including a housewife who drinks too much and a retired merchant marine who seems to know just about everything. 

The paper route poses challenges, but it's a run-in with the neighborhood junkman, a bully and thief, that stirs up real trouble--and puts the boy's life, as well as that of his family's devoted housekeeper, in danger.

My Take:

I’m not surprised that this book was a Newbery Honor book, because it really stood out from other middle grade novels I’ve read. The writing style and voice were unique and the characters came to life with all the realistic details of the late 1950’s.

From a writer’s perspective, the opening line really drew me in. It’s a great one to think about if you are working on getting yours right. This story also has a very distinctive voice for the first person narrator. It’s worth studying to see how word choice and phrasing help to create his voice. The narrator tells us in chapter 1 that he hates commas and leaves them out of his typing whenever he can, so that contributes to the distinctive writing style.

Opening Line:

“I’m typing about the stabbing for a good reason. I can’t talk.”

Quotes:

“For some reason saying my name was the hardest thing of all for me to do.”

“Streets are like friends that I don’t have to talk to.”

“All the grown-ups around me were making things hard for me all at once like they had gotten together and planned it.”

Other Info:

Vince Vawter is a retired newspaper editor who lives on a farm in Louisville, Tenn.

This is his first published children’s book.

I was so interested to read the author’s note in the back of the book that explains how Vince has a stutter and how he learned to overcome it. No wonder the book and main character seemed so realistic!

In an interview with Vince Vawter at RandomActsofReading, he gives this advice to writers: “Don’t worry about inspiration. You will write when you just can’t stand it anymore.”

For more, visit Vince Vawter’s website.

You can find more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books by checking out Shannon Messenger’s blog! Shannon is the founder of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the author of the middle grade novels, Keeper of the Lost Cities and Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2).

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Yesterday's Dead

In my mission to read all the nominees for the 2014 Silver Birch Fiction Award from the Ontario Library Association, so far I’ve managed to read 7 out of the 10 books. If you’re interested in what I have to say about them, these are the ones I’ve read: Eldritch Manor by Kim Thompson, Nobody's Dog by Ria Voros, Ultra by David Carroll, The Curse of the Dream Witch by Allan Stratton, The Hypnotists by Gordon Korman and Record Breaker by Robin Stevenson.

Today’s Pick: Yesterday’s Dead

by Pat Bourke

Second Story Press, 2013

From the publisher:

Meredith struggles to cope during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918...

Thirteen-year-old Meredith yearns to become a teacher but must leave school to help support her family. To find the best paying job for a young girl of her class, she travels to the city to work as household help in a doctor’s home. From the start, her life is made difficult by the cantankerous and prickly butler, and confrontations with Maggie, the doctor’s spoiled thirteen-year-old daughter.

As the deadly Spanish Flu sweeps across the city, members of the household fall ill one by one. With the doctor working night and day at the hospital, only Meredith, Maggie, and Jack, Maggie's handsome older brother, are left to care for them. Every day the newspapers’ lists of “Yesterday’s Dead” add to Meredith’s growing fears.

My Take:

This story hooked me from the beginning and held my attention all the way through. I was rooting for Meredith to make it through her struggles—first in coping with the difficult situation of leaving home to work and then in coping with the household and patients during the Spanish Flu. I didn’t know much about the Spanish Flu and its effects before, so it was interesting to learn about.

As a writer, I admired how the author made me feel almost like I was living in 1918. The details of the time period unfolded naturally through the story.

 Opening Line:

“Meredith half walked, half ran along the wide hallway of Union Station.”

Quotes:

“She scrubbed at the bowl as if she could rub homesickness off along with the tarnish.”

“Mama would say the good in people always evened out the bad in the end, but Mama wouldn’t say that if she met Parker.”

“We’ll just do the best we can,” she said, “and then pray that it’s enough.”

Other Info:

Pat Bourke lives in Toronto, Canada where she is working on her next book. She also works as a business editor.

On her blog, she talks about the benefits of a writing group: “Reading and critiquing the work of others is hugely important to becoming a better writer, and the better you get at writing, the more you’ll have to offer in terms of reading and critiquing.”

Yesterday’s Dead is her first published novel.

For more, visit Pat Bourke’s website.

You can find more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books by checking out Shannon Messenger’s blog! Shannon is the founder of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the author of the middle grade novels, Keeper of the Lost Cities and Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2).

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Record Breaker

I’ve decided to read all the nominees for the 2014 Silver Birch Award from the Ontario Library Association and I hope I will finish them by early May when kids will pick a winner. If you’re interested in what I have to say about them, these are the ones I’ve read so far: Eldritch Manor by Kim Thompson, Nobody's Dog by Ria Voros, Ultra by David Carroll, The Curse of the Dream Witch by Allan Stratton, and The Hypnotists by Gordon Korman

Today’s Pick: Record Breaker

by Robin Stevenson

Orca, 2013

From Amazon:

It's 1963, and Jack's family is still reeling from the SIDS death of his baby sister. Adrift in his own life, Jack is convinced that setting a world record will bring his father back to his senses and his mother back to life. But world events, including President Kennedy's assassination, threaten to overshadow any record Jack tries to beat—from sausage eating to face slapping. Nothing works, and Jack is about to give up when a new friend suggests a different approach that involves listening to, not breaking, records.

My Take:

This is a touching story about a boy trying to cope with the sadness in his family after his baby sister’s death. It was easy to relate to Jack, trying different things to try to help his mom and his dad back to a point where they can be stronger family. It’s a fairly short, easy to read story that kept my attention all the way through. There are some funny parts to the story, especially what happens as Jack tries to break different world records.

As a writer, I liked how the author wove in historical details from the time period of the story (1963). The writing style was straightforward with enough detail to give a good picture in my mind of what was happening.

 Opening Line:

“The world record for rocking in a rocking chair is ninety-three hours and eight minutes, set six years ago, in 1957, by Mrs. Ralph Weir, of Truro, Nova Scotia.”

Quotes:

“Everything seemed so wrong lately, and it seemed to me that the wrongness must show.”

“It didn’t seem right for the teacher to know about what was going on in my family when I hardly knew anything myself.”

Other Info:

Robin Stevenson lives in British Columbia, Canada and loves to travel. She enjoyed writing when she was a child, but stopped in high school and then got interested again after her son was born.

On her website Q & A, she says this about her writing: “I like to write the same way I read– to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.”

Other books by this author include:

A Thousand Shades of Blue

Attitude

Ben the Inventor

Ben’s Robot

Big Guy

Damage

Dead In the Water

Escape Velocity

Hummingbird Heart

Impossible Things

In the Woods

Inferno

Liars and Fools

Out of Order

Outback

The World Without Us

 For more, visit Robin Stevenson's website.

You can find more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books by checking out Shannon Messenger’s blog! Shannon is the founder of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the author of the middle grade novels, Keeper of the Lost Cities and Exile(Keeper of the Lost Cities #2).

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Sugar

As a child, I was always fascinated by stories that introduced me to life in a different time period, and I still am. I found out about this book through a post on From the Mixed Up Files, a great place for learning about writing and reading books for middle grade readers. The version I read was an e-book from my local library.

Today’s Pick: Sugar

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Little Brown and Company, 2013

From Amazon:

Ten-year-old Sugar lives on the River Road sugar plantation along the banks of the Mississippi. Slavery is over, but laboring in the fields all day doesn't make her feel very free. Thankfully, Sugar has a knack for finding her own fun, especially when she joins forces with forbidden friend Billy, the white plantation owner's son.

Sugar has always yearned to learn more about the world, and she sees her chance when Chinese workers are brought in to help harvest the cane. The older River Road folks feel threatened, but Sugar is fascinated. As she befriends young Beau and elder Master Liu, they introduce her to the traditions of their culture, and she, in turn, shares the ways of plantation life. Sugar soon realizes that she must be the one to bridge the cultural gap and bring the community together. Here is a story of unlikely friendships and how they can change our lives forever.

My Take:

Sugar is a strong and spunky character with lots of questions about her life situation. This is a fairly short book, so I read it quickly. I found it really interesting to read about what happened to some of the slaves after they were set free. I hadn’t thought before about how difficult it was to work harvesting sugar cane. For me, the best part of the story was how Sugar came to lead the way in accepting and learning about the Chinese workers that came to live at their plantation.

I enjoyed the poetic language in this book. It’s another example of a story with a great voice.

 Opening Line:

“Everybody likes sugar. Folks say, “There wouldn’t be any good food without sugar.”

Quotes:

“I run past the cane fields, then up the grassy knoll where the big house sits to keep dry when the river overflows.”

“Even though the day is bright, worry and fear are striking like invisible lightning and silent thunderbolts.”

“It’s exciting, making new friends.”

Other Info:

Jewell Parker Rhodes lives in Pennsylvania, where she teaches creative writing.

Her first novel for children, Ninth Ward, was named a Coretta Scott King Honor Book  and was featured as a Today show Al's Book Club for Kids selection.

Sugar was chosen as a Junior Library Guild Selection.

Here’s what Jewell Parker Rhodes says about writing historical fiction for children: “While teaching historical facts is important, fictional techniques allow readers to empathize with characters and feel, sense the events via concrete details.”

Other Children’s Books by this Author:

Ninth Ward

For more, visit Jewell Parker Rhodes at her website for children’s books.

You can find more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books by checking out Shannon Messenger’s blog! Shannon is the founder of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the author of the middle grade novels, Keeper of the Lost Cities and Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2).

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Making Bombs for Hitler

Today is Remembrance Day. It's a day to think about the past and those who fought, the present and those who continue to fight, and the future and our dreams for peace.

I wanted to feature a book fitting the occasion, so I am reposting my thoughts on Making Bombs for Hitler by Canadian author, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. I also recommend these compelling middle grade stories related to war and how it affects families:

A Diamond in the Desert by Kathryn Fitzmaurice
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Septys
Cherry Blossom Winter by Jennifer Maruno

Today’s pick:  Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Scholastic Canada, 2012

Summary from Good Reads:

In this companion book to the award-winning Stolen Child, a young girl is forced into slave labour in a munitions factory in Nazi Germany.

In Stolen Child, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch introduced readers to Larissa, a victim of Hitler’s largely unknown Lebensborn program. In this companion novel, readers will learn the fate of Lida, her sister, who was also kidnapped by the Germans and forced into slave labour — an Osterbeiter.

In addition to her other tasks, Lida's small hands make her the perfect candidate to handle delicate munitions work, so she is sent to a factory that makes bombs. The gruelling work and conditions leave her severely malnourished and emotionally traumatized, but overriding all of this is her concern and determination to find out what happened to her vulnerable younger sister.

With rumours of the Allies turning the tide in the war, Lida and her friends conspire to sabotage the bombs to help block the Nazis’ war effort. When her work camp is finally liberated, she is able to begin her search to learn the fate of her sister.

In this exceptional novel Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch delivers a powerful story of hope and courage in the face of incredible odds.Lida and her younger sister are caught by the Nazis and separated. Lida is sent to a slave labour camp, where she works from dawn to dusk on only bread and soup. clad in one thin dress and no shoes. Even if she manages to survive the war, how will she find her sister again?

My Take: 

I couldn’t put this book down! Whenever I read about life in a work or concentration camp, I am shocked and saddened that people could ever treat other people in such a cruel and inhumane way. At times, this book made me feel very emotional. I was rooting for the main character, Lida, and her friends to survive. The author did a great job of creating a character that I cared about. I liked the way her research blended seamlessly into the story to create a compelling read. Now I want to read her other book about Lida’s sister, called Stolen Child.

As a writer, I would study this novel to see how every detail was portrayed through the main character's perspective. There is nothing unnecessary to the story here.

Other Info:

Marsha Skrypuch didn’t learn how to read until she was in grade 4, when she taught herself by reading the fat book, Oliver Twist.

Her book, Stolen Child, won the 2011 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Americas.

In an interesting interview with Debbie Spring for the Canscaip IBBY Interview Spotlight in September, 2012, Marsha says, “My own learning challenges made me the kind of writer that I am. I write the kinds of books that I would have liked to be able to read when I was a kid – complex and lots of action and not talking down to the reader.”

I recommend reading this fascinating interview for more about how Marsha does her research and her thoughts on the differences between books for adults and books for children. She says: “In children’s fiction, the reader steps into the shoes of the person who is experiencing the mistreatment, and that builds compassion.”

Other books by this author include:

Silver Threads - 1996

The Best Gifts - 1998
The Hunger - 1999
Enough - 2000
Hope's War - 2001
Nobody's Child - 2003
Aram's Choice - 2006
Dear Canada: Prisoners in the Promised Land: The Ukrainian Internment Diary of Anya Soloniuk, Spirit Lake, Quebec, 1914 - 2007
Daughter of War - 2008
Call Me Aram - 2009
Stolen Child - 2010
Last Airlift: A Vietnamese Orphan's Rescue from War - 2011
One Step At A Time: A Vietnamese Child Finds Her Way – 2012

 For more, visit Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch’s website.

You can find more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday books by checking out Shannon Messenger’s blog! Shannon is the founder of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the author of the middle grade novels, Keeper of the Lost Cities and Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2). 

 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Cherry Blossom Winter

Today’s Pick: Cherry Blossom Winter by Jennifer Maruno

Published by Dundurn Press, 2012

From Amazon:

Ten-year-old Michiko wants to be proud of her Japanese heritage but can't be. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, her family's possessions are confiscated and they are forced into deprivation in a small, insular community. The men are sent to work on the railway, so the women and children are left to make the trip on their own.

After a former Asahi baseball star becomes her new teacher, life gets better. Baseball fever hits town, and when Michiko challenges the adults to a game with her class, the whole town turns out.

Then the government announces that they must move once again. But they can't think of relocating with a new baby coming, even with the offer of free passage to Japan. Michiko pretends to be her mother and writes to get a job for her father on a farm in Ontario. When he is accepted, they again pack their belongings and head to a new life in Ontario.

My Take:

It was interesting to learn about the life of Japanese-Canadians during the Second World War, especially through Michiko’s eyes. This is a quiet novel but I liked the sense of family and the details about life in a different time and place. This book is the second in a series of three about Michiko’s life. After finding this second book at the library, now I'd like to read the first one!

I admired the writing style, especially the way the author wove in memories to develop the characters and background for the story. Details are carefully chosen to enhance and not overwhelm the writing.

Opening Line:

“Michiko,” her mother called up the back staircase, “please come down.”

Favourite quotes:

“Their whole life changed because of the stupid war. It made her burn with indignation when she thought about it.”

“There seemed to be hope in Kiko’s words but Michiko didn’t believe her. The chances of her family leaving town were as slim as a ghost.”

“Michiko carried the spade. She stepped across the grass, careful not to tread on anyone’s bones.”

Other Info:

Jennifer Maruno started writing in grade 3, creating stories for a make believe Daily Planet newspaper and entering writing contests. She won a tour of a pickle factory and a year supply of pickles!

She lives near Toronto and used to be a school principal. As a teacher and principal, she created curriculum materials for teaching math using literature. Now she writes full time. The idea for her story came from the memories and photographs of her mother-in-law.

On her website, Jennifer Maruno has some wonderful advice for writers: “you have to learn the craft - not a formula”. She also suggests “you have to hang out with writers - they are the only ones in the world that really understand what you do”.

Other Books Include:

Kid Soldier

Totem

When the Cherry Blossoms Fell

War Bird

 

For more info, visit Jennifer Maruno’swebsite.

 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday was dreamed up by the incredible Shannon Messenger. Visit her blog for an up-to-date list of all the bloggers who are participating and posting about middle grade books today!

 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: A Diamond in the Desert

Today’s Pick:  A Diamond in the Desert by Kathryn Fitzmaurice

Viking, 2012.

From the Publisher:

For Tetsu, baseball is so much more than just a game.

On December 6, 1941, Tetsu is a twelve-year-old California boy who loves baseball. On December 7, 1941, everything changes. The bombing of Pearl Harbor means Tetsu's Japanese-American family will be relocated to an internment camp.

Gila River camp isn't technically a prison, but with nowhere to go, nothing to do, and no time frame for leaving, it might as well be. So when someone has the idea of building a baseball diamond and starting a team, Tetsu is overjoyed. But then his sister gets dangerously sick, forcing him to choose between his family and his love of the game. This is an impeccably researched, lyrical story about baseball, honor, and a turbulent period in U.S. history.

My Take: 

Since I’m not a big baseball fan, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I loved the poetic writing style and it was interesting to learn a little about this period in history and the terrible indignities of life in a Japanese internment camp. I felt an emotional connection the main character, Tetsu, and his family, and anger that people had to endure this life. It’s a quieter story, but it’s not lacking in tension. The short chapters made this easy to read and gave space for the reader to process story events.

As a writer, I’d return to this story again to study how the author truly made every word count. The writing seems deceptively simple, but it creates a lot of emotion for the reader.

Favourite quotes:

“I didn’t want food. I only wanted to swing the bat over home plate and watch the ball take off between short and third.”

“But there was plenty being said by our twisted hands, and our stiff shoulders, and our silence.”

Other Info:

Kathryn Fitzmaurice is a full-time writer who lives in California. She became interested in writing at a young age, after visiting her grandmother, a science fiction author.

Kathryn has a smart but bossy dog named Holly, who knows 16 different tricks. (I hope her dog will be in one of her books one day!)

A Diamond in the Desert is based on a true story. According to her blog, Kathryn did two years of research for this book, reading every newspaper printed at the camp and interviewing three of the players on the team, who were still alive and in their 80’s.

The film rights for A Diamond in the Desert have been purchased by Dyson Thomas Films, LLC.  

Other books by this author include:

Destiny Rewritten, 2013

The Year the Swallows Came Early, 2009

For more, visit Kathryn Fitzmaurice’s website.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday was dreamed up by the incredible Shannon Messenger, author of Keeper of the Lost Cities. Visit her blog for an up-to-date list of all the bloggers who are participating and posting about middle grade books today!