Mary's Monster

 

A. Bibliographic Data

 Judge, Lita. 2018. MARY’S MONSTER.  Roaring Brook Press. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1626725004

B. Summary

Pairing free verse with over three hundred pages of black-and-white watercolor illustrations, Mary’s Monster is a unique and stunning biography of Mary Shelley, the pregnant teenage runaway who became one of the greatest authors of all time.

Legend is correct that Mary Shelley began penning Frankenstein in answer to a dare to write a ghost story. Most people don't know, however, that the seeds of her novel had been planted long before that night. By age nineteen, she had been disowned by her family, was living in scandal with a married man, and had lost her baby daughter just days after her birth. Mary poured her grief, pain, and passion into the powerful book still revered two hundred years later. In Mary's Monster, author/illustrator Lita Judge has poured her passion into a gorgeous book that pays tribute to the life of this incredible author.

C. Critical Analysis 

This unique Graphic novel tells the heartbreaking biography of the life of Mary Shelley, I am not someone who likes graphic novels typically, but this book is beautifully illustrated and interesting. I have never been into the hype of Frankenstein, but we all know the story one way or another and I found this read to intriguing. I want to actually research her more now because I found her story more interesting than Frankenstein itself. Mary had many monsters which obviously lead her to writing a piece that will carry on for generations. I find Lita Judges writing to pull you into the emotions Mary must have felt during her early years. This novel is full of darkness, romance, and horror. I recommend this to those who can handle dark, mental illness, abuse, and suicide. A great example of how writing or any expression can really help you release those monsters inside you.

D.  Book Reviews

A 2019 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
A 2019 Amelia Bloomer Project Book

“Readers will be enthralled by the dark and exacting verse, beautifully accompanied by haunting black-and-white watercolor spreads. . . A must-purchase.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

“[T]his is a stirring, impeccably researched portrait of a remarkable woman and her literary 'progeny.' Much like Mary, Judge forges a Creature all her own.” ―Booklist

“Darkly evocative . . . Students of literature will appreciate the powerful poetry that brings life to Mary Shelley's story the way that Shelley herself breathed life into her novel of a scientist who animates a corpse.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A godsend for high school students approaching the Romantics with skepticism (and for teachers charged with demonstrating their relevance) . . . A booktalk-ready title with broad YA appeal.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“Impressive.” ―Horn Book

E. Connections

·         Lita Judge Teachers Guide which is full of amazing lesson ideas.

 

Torpedoed

 

A. Bibliographic Data

  Heiligman, Deborah. 2023. TORPEDOED. Square Fish. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250865778

B. Summary

From award-winning author Deborah Heiligman comes Torpedoed, a true account of the attack and sinking of the passenger ship SS City of Benares, which was evacuating children from England during WWII.

Amid the constant rain of German bombs and the escalating violence of World War II, British parents by the thousands chose to send their children out of the country: the wealthy, independently; the poor, through a government relocation program called CORB. In September 1940, passenger liner SS City of Benares set sail for Canada with one hundred children on board.

When the warships escorting the Benares departed, a German submarine torpedoed what became known as the Children's Ship. Out of tragedy, ordinary people became heroes. This is their story.

C. Critical Analysis 

 If you have followed me you would know that I love reading WW2 stories and this is one I actually not heard of which makes it even more exciting to read for me. The book keeps you intrigued all the way through and you can see that Heiligman did amazing research. The book allows for a great introduction to the time, and the story of families who made the hard decision to send their children away to the safety of Canada and the U.S. This ship alone is a fascinating experience for children, and the story of the journey, the U-boat in the territory and how the ship is being torpedoed. I don’t want to give the book away, but it is full of intriguing facts, and I love that it has actual photos of surviving children and more. It’s a very enjoyable read, especially for those interested in this period.

D.  Book Review

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalist
Golden Kite Award winner
Hornbook Fanfare selection
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year

"An exceptionally well-researched and impressively crafted tale of desperation, tragedy, and survival." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"
"Extensively documented accounts tell of harrowing escapes, incredible heroism, tragic accidents, eventual rescues, and the gruesome aftermath . . . the real-time unfolding of events is compelling, and young audiences will relate to these stories about students their own age." ―Booklist, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"Heiligman tells a story of bravery, courage, and despair . . . a must-read for all, and a beautiful memorial for those who perished in this tragic event."―School Library Journal, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"Nonfiction maestro Heiligman here tells a riveting wartime story. . . . Heiligman builds and maintains suspense while remaining scrupulously faithful to the historical record." ―Horn Book, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"[A] harrowing yet inspiring look at a little-covered historical event" ―Publishers Weekly on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

E. Connections

·         Nicole Woulfe shares her educator guide

·         Author’s website for author study and great place to look at photos of real items from the ship

·         Study of Torpedos

Bonnie and Clyde

 

A. Bibliographic Data

Blumenthal, Karen. 2018. BONNIE AND CLYDE: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND. Viking Books for Young  

  Readers. ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0451471229

B. Summary

Bonnie and Clyde may be the most notorious--and celebrated--outlaw couple America has ever known. This is the true story of how they got that way.

Bonnie and Clyde: we've been on a first name basis with them for almost a hundred years. Immortalized in movies, songs, and pop culture references, they are remembered mostly for their storied romance and tragic deaths. But what was life really like for Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in the early 1930s? How did two dirt-poor teens from west Texas morph from vicious outlaws to legendary couple? And why?

Award-winning author Karen Blumenthal devoted months to tracing the footsteps of Bonnie and Clyde, unearthing new information and debunking many persistent myths. The result is an impeccably researched, breathtaking nonfiction tale of love, car chases, kidnappings, and murder set against the backdrop of the Great Depression.

C. Critical Analysis 

 

I remember as a teenager watching a Bonnie and Clyde movie and it always stuck with me when they died everyone was trying to take things from their bodies and how they were just carried in front of everyone just dead in their car. It always stuck with me and finding this book gave me a chance to learn so much more about them. I enjoyed Karen Blumenthal’s writing, and you could tell she enjoyed her research of them. You get to read from the beginning of it for Clyde to growing up severely poor, and how it all started. Then you learn about Bonnie, and I find so many things about her story to be interesting from the fact she was married and still wearing his ring even though with Clyde. I really would love to ask questions because I wonder so many things like was, she just obsessed, did she not know how to leave, etc. I also think that they didn’t want to be such criminals but once they started down that path they couldn’t go back. Especially in the 1920’s I feel they knew they would be dead either way in the end. It was interesting to read how the family and friends all were in on it and didn’t want to give up the money coming to them either. I don’t want to give away much more but there are so many thoughts and questions I now have after reading this book and want to learn more. I feel that is a great sign of a book that stirs your emotions and intrigue. I would recommend this book to all ages.

D.  Book Reviews

"Blumenthal has written more than a crime narrative or a biography of the famous outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. The book presents a social and cultural snapshot of the duo’s times"
--School Library Journal

"Through her use of narrative nonfiction, Blumenthal builds a gripping story for readers of all ages. . .Blumenthal weaves her detailed account of history into a suspenseful tale that reads very much like a novel." --Voya

E. Connections

·         Karen Blumenthal's Discussion and Activity Guide is full of lesson ideas, recommendations for research topics, other books to read, photos, and much more.

·         Karen Blumenthal’s playlist recommendations- a great way to dig deeper into the era, cultural representation, and more.

·         Cultural Representation Lesson Ideas

·         Nonfiction Read and Respond Multi- Leveled Lessons

·         Story Map Multi-leveled Lesson

 

 

The Diviners

 

A. Bibliographic Data

  Bray, Libba. 2013. THE DIVINERS. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

    ISBN: 0316126101

B. Summary

A young woman discovers her mysterious powers could help catch a killer in the first book of The Diviners series--a stunning supernatural historical mystery set in 1920s New York City, from Printz Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Libba Bray.

Evangeline O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and sent off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is ecstatic. It's 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult. Evie worries he'll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far.

When the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer. As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfurl in the city that never sleeps. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened....

C. Critical Analysis 

 This book is posi-tute-ly intriguing. With young adult books, you must keep the readers wanting more and this book is one to do that. It is somewhat of an odd book though because there is so much to take in from all the elements of the 1920’s to the supernatural nature and occult tie-ins. I think the author did an amazing job of reminding readers about all things 1920 from jazz, speakeasies, slang teens used, bootlegged liquor, swing dancing, and the world of flappers. Past the setting of the 20’s you get a great description of growing up in a small town, yet you feel Evie’s rebellious, big-spirited teen girls dream of wanting something more. Because of her rebellious nature and special gift that others don’t know about Evie must move to her uncles in NYC, where she has the time of her life with all things New York and the party world. All these elements are a major part of the story yet not exactly the story.

Evie is working with her uncle at a Creepy Museums who ends up being asked to help with strange and gruesome murders that are occurring. Throughout the story, you meet other important (main) characters Memphis, Henry, Theta, and Maple, and learn the beginning about The Diviners and what their gifts are and how they will be useful in the end, and lastly darkness and evil that’s lurking around the corner- Naughty John.

This is just the first book, and I am shocked that I enjoyed this book as much as I did, and I am ready to get the next book. Just be prepared for a chilling paranormal tale. I think we could see this series turn into movies one day.

D.  Book Reviews

A Publishers Weekly Best YA Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Editor's Choice

A Kirkus Best YA Book of the Year

A Top Ten Amazon Best Book of the Year for Teens

A Library Journal Best YA Book for Adults

An Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Finalist

"The Diviners delivers an addictive and terrifying story of young New Yorkers investigating a rash of occult-based murders. Bray sustains a breathless energy throughout this ambitious series-starter, deftly evoking the exuberance of 1920s city life and the evil lurking beneath it."―Entertainment Weekly

* "1920s New York thrums with giddy life in this gripping first in a new [series] from Printz winner Bray...The intricate plot and magnificently imagined details of character, dialogue and setting take hold and don't let go. Not to be missed."―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

* "The compelling and dramatic supernatural plot explores self-actualization, predestination, the secrets everyone hides, and, of course, good versus evil. An absolutely terrific read and, thankfully, the first in a planned series."―School Library Journal (starred review)

*Everyday moments and a romance or two help lighten the mood of this creepy, dark, twisted tale of things that go bump in the night."―VOYA (starred review)

E. Connections

 This would be a hard book to use in your classroom I think because of the chilling, occult, and gruesome storyline. Possibly in small groups or a book club of students who can handle this book you could discuss:

-        the hype of paranormal interest in the 20’s.

-       The ’20s and why was it known as the “roaring 20’s”

-       How did Evie’s teen life relate to teens today?

-       Paranormal interest

-       Author study- her inspiration?

-       Who would you cast for each character if it was made into a movie?

Over Sea, Under Stone

 

A. Bibliographic Data

Cooper, Susan. 2023-Reprint. OVER SEA, UNDER STONE (THE DARK IS RISING).   

   Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 1665932910

B. Summary

Three siblings embark on an epic quest for a mythic grail in this first installment of Susan Cooper’s epic and award-winning The Dark Is Rising Sequence, now with a brand-new look!

All through time, the two great forces of Light and Dark have battled for control of the world. Now, after centuries of balance, the Dark is summoning its terrifying forces to rise once more…and three children find themselves caught in the conflict.

The Drew siblings—Simon, Jane, and Barney—are on a family holiday in Cornwall when they discover an ancient map in the attic of the house, they are sharing with their Great Uncle Merry. They know immediately that the map is special but have no way of knowing how much. For the map leads to a grail: a vital weapon for Light’s fight against evil. In taking on the quest to find the grail, the Drews will have to race against the sinister human beings who serve the dreadful power of the dark—an adventure that puts their own lives in grave peril.

C. Critical Analysis

I chose this book from the beginning because of the interesting cover and because of the tale of 3 siblings going on an adventure. It makes me think of my brothers and I as kids going on “adventures” and creating mysteries. This is the first of 5 books, and I can’t wait to read the rest of them.

If you like Celtic Mythology and/or King Arthur stories you will enjoy this book. The relationship the siblings have is relatable, and the setting is very detailed so that the Cornish seaside town is one you can picture even if you have never seen/been there.

The heart of the story is about a treasure hunt in which the children and their uncle must solve puzzles to find an extremely important item. A story of teamwork and support helps them complete their quest, and along the way have a wonderful adventure.

D.  Book Reviews

"Beautifully told...superbly written." -- "New York Times" on The Dark Is Rising Sequence

 Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and five shortlists for the Carnegie Medal.

E. Connections

 Rise to Reading offers numerous comprehension questions that can be used during book discussions.

Create your own treasure hunt story.

Vocabulary study- list of words.

Matched

 

A. Bibliographic Data

  Condie, Ally. 2011. Matched. Penguin Books.  ISBN: 9780142419779

B. Summary

In Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted Society’s choices. And when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, she is certain he’s the one - until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now she is faced with impossible choices: Between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s ever known, and a path no one has dared to follow...between perfection and the truth.

C. Critical Analysis 

 Condie wrote an interesting tale about a girl who lives in a world where they do everything from eating, who they marry, who they have as friends, what they wear, where they live, what jobs they have, and much more. It reminds me of The Handmaid’s Tale, but a more youthful romance and a world between utopia vs dystopia and Cassia is excited about her Match Banquet, except it goes differently. It is normally someone from another city, but she is matched with her best friend, but she gets another boy's information card. Now she is drawn to that other boy. The story is of a girl who starts thinking on her own and with the other boy- Ky becomes a good friend, and she’s so unsure of what life she should lead. One with Xander or with Ky.

D.  Book Reviews

“[A] superb dystopian romance.” – The Wall Street Journal
 
“Strong feminist ideals and impressive writing that’s bound to captivate.” – The Los Angeles Times  

“Love triangle + struggle against the powers that be = perfect winter escape.” —MTV.com
 
“Matched introduces a smart young woman attempting to make sense of her dystopic world, à la The Hunger Games. Ally Condie’s debut features strong feminist ideals and impressive writing that's bound to captivate.” —The Los Angeles Times 
 
“[A] superb dystopian romance” —Wall Street Journal 
 
“Matched is the hottest YA title since The Hunger Games.” —Entertainment Weekly 
 
“A Must Read” —Girls Life Magazine 

“Condie’s enthralling and twisty dystopian plot is well served by her intriguing characters and fine writing.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review 
 
“A fierce, unforgettable page-turner.” —Kirkus, starred review 
 
“The stunning clarity and attention to detail in Condie’s Big Brother–like world is a feat.” —Booklist
 
“Fans of The Giver will devour this book.” —School Library Journal

E. Connections

Penguin’s Classroom Classic Offers an educator guide with numerous activities.

-       Discuss who you would cast for characters.

-       What would you do if you were Cassia?

-       Do you feel like you relate in any way to Cassia? 

The Book Thief

 

A. Bibliographic Data

     Zusak, Markus. 2007. The Book Thief. Knopf Books for Young Readers.

    ISBN: 0375842209

B. Summary

When Death has a story to tell, you listen.

The Book Thief is one of the best books I have read on the topic of WWll and the Holocaust. I find this topic to be one of my favorites when it comes to historical fiction and nonfiction. It is something that has always interested me in learning more about. Zusak’s storyline and characters are written with details and a plot that drags you in. Lisel is the book thief, and you find that interesting because from the start she is uneducated and is not about to read that well. She and her family are on the train when death comes to collect her younger brother. During this part of the story Lisel “steals” her first book. The Gravediggers Handbook, which she justifies as being okay that she stole it because so much has been taken from her. Soon after her mother passes her off to a foster care woman and is gone forever. Once she is with her new foster parents she connects with the father Hans, and it’s a wonderful story of a caring adult helping a child heal. He teaches her to read, and she falls in love with words

As the book continues, she is embarrassed in school by being put with younger students because she can’t read that well. Hans continues helping her learn to read using her first stolen book and over time Liesel acquires books. It is hard to find books as the Nazis burned books among other things. This book has truly a unique storyline and you see that when she is forced to join Hitler's Youth. During this time a man comes to hide with the family as Hans is in debt to this man's family. Liesel becomes friends with this man, and he eventually writes a book for her, “The Stand over Man. She continues to grow up during this time and steals 14 books in all over time. The story continues with Liesel and her friends growing up during WWll and what it's like for everyone.

C. Critical Analysis

 This book was very powerful in my opinion, and I often connected with the text.  She begins to fall in love with words and realizes that Hitler didn’t need guns when his words were enough to get others to hate.  This part of the book I found interesting because it is often something I think of that one man was able to convince so many to hate others with just words. It has been stated that he possibly never killed anyone himself during his evil reign. So this book hits all the points of things I have thought about over the years with my interest in the Holocaust. I was so deeply into this book that I finished it in one evening. I found the characters to be well written and the writing pulled you into what it must have felt like to be each of these characters. I liked that Zusak included humor in this book as well because it is such a sad and dark topic that you must find laughter when you can, and I find it relatable with life even now. When bad things happen you find that at times you are laughing and think “should be laughing” but it's part of life. This book is a must for all, not just young adults, and I think that there is something for everyone in this story to relate to.

D.  Book Reviews

“The kind of book that can be life-changing.” —The New York Times
 
“Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.” —USA Today

"One of the most highly anticipated young-adult books in years."
- The Wall Street Journal

"Exquisitely written and memorably populated, Zusak's poignant tribute to words, survival, and their curiously inevitable entwinement is a tour de force to be not just read but inhabited."
- The Horn Book Magazine, Starred

"Elegant, philosophical and moving...Beautiful and important." -Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"This hefty volume is an achievement...a challenging book in both length and subject..." -Publisher's Weekly, Starred 

"One of the most highly anticipated young-adult books in years." -The Wall Street Journal

E. Connections

·         Great discussions can happen with the talk of the stories narrator: Death.

·         This book is a great book to use to work on vocabulary as numerous words may be new to your readers.

·         Discussions of the Holocaust and comparing this character with characters from other Holocaust-themed books.

·         These lesson plans are full of questions/discussions to use with analyzing the text.

·         Author study of Zusak as he wrote this book because of his parents stories of growing up during the Holocaust.

·         Publisher released discussion questions: Link

The Downstairs Girl

 

A. Bibliographic Data

     Lee, Stacey. 2021. The Downstairs Girl. G.P. Putnam’s Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 1524740977

B. Summary

By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South

C. Critical Analysis

 This was an amazing historical fiction, and I truly enjoyed learning about life during this period for Asians living in the South. You often hear about the white and black issues of the past and may have learned about the Asian people being brought here to build trains, etc. but I have always wondered what it was like during these times for others. I had always wondered if Asians, Mexicans, and other races had to use the “other doors” as well, so it was interesting to find at the beginning of the story that they didn’t have to but it was often unclear for them what they were supposed to do. I hated that Jo would be fired for jobs for no reason even though everyone knew it was becoming she was Asian. This book encompassed many topics from race, women's rights/positions during this time, honor, finding yourself, and much more. I love how she figured out who she was in the end and used it to her advantage from writing as Miss Sweetie, friendships, finding love, and winning a horse race even though women weren’t supposed to be women jockeys. In the end, I wanted to know what else happened here with Jo and Nathan, her career, and Old Gin.  I would love part 2 but I know that isn’t the point of the book. I just really connected with the characters, and I feel this is a book that is not just for young adults. I find it interesting it fits into that category. I guess because she is finding herself, and she is a late teen herself they are equating that with being a young adult genre book. I find it is a great book for all.

D.  Book Reviews

A Reese's Book Club YA Pick
A New York Times Bestseller
An Indie Bestseller
A People Magazine Best Book of the Year
A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year
One of NPR's Favorite Books of the Year
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Editors’ Choice
A Book Page Best Book of the Year
A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year
A Crystal Kite Award Winner

“The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee is clever, poignant and funny. It’s a bold portrait about a young Chinese-American woman named Jo who is faced with adversity and finds a creative way to use her voice for greater good.” —Reese Witherspoon

“Vividly rendered, intriguingly plotted . . . Jo’s example of resistance and hope is sure to resonate with today’s readers.” —The Washington Post

“Holds a mirror to our present issues while giving us a detailed and vibrant picture of life in the past.” —The New York Times

“A joyful read . . . The Downstairs Girl, for all its serious and timely content, is a jolly good time.” —NPR

“A triumph of storytelling. The Downstairs Girl is a bold portrait of this country’s past, brilliantly painted with wit, heartbreak, and unflinching honesty. Everyone needs to read this book.” —Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval

E. Connections

·         Students can consider elements of the story (such as setting, characters, and elements of expectations) to compare their own life experiences.

·         Create a list of character traits for Jo, Carolina, Nathan, and Old Gin. Discuss what you think about these characters. Can you relate to these characters?

·         Learn more about Women suffragettes and dig into the text. The discussion about race within the suffragette movement and discuss the numerous quotes Jo and Noemi state during the book about “All Women” in correlation to the movement.

·         Depending on students could discuss Jo and Nathan- is interracial relationships in any form still issues today?

·         Discussion questions provided by the author: Link

Between Shades of Gray

 

A. Bibliographic Data

  Sepetys, Ruta. 2011. Between Shades of Gray. Philomel Books.

    ISBN: 0399254129

B. Summary

Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life -- until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she embeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive?

C. Critical Analysis 

I cried like a baby on and off during this book. As someone who has lost 4 babies to see the young mother holding her baby and it dies on the train and how they must get rid of her is just heartbreaking. The death of so many children that Jonas keeps track of. This moment is just a tiny piece of the background story. It's not even Lina’s story. Yet, this is the beginning of what all young and old, men and women had to witness and experience from the very beginning.

That is just the beginning of this beautifully written story. I love historical fiction because it provokes so many emotions, but I feel that we need that in this world. We also learn a lot and are reminded of what We have at times forgotten in the past. We must never forget because the past will always come back around.

Lina goes through so many experiences in the novel, and I can truly imagine how she has felt as a person in general but even more as a teen. From having to remove all their clothes, to seeing people executed, to abuse and so much more. 

The other characters are written so amazing from the mother to the boy- Andrius-they meet on the train to the soldier who is looking out for them the best he can.  There are so many stories within this book.

D.  Book Reviews

"Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both." --The Washington Post

From New York Times and international bestseller and Carnegie Medal winner Ruta Sepetys, author of Salt to the Sea, comes a story of loss and of fear -- and ultimately, of survival.

A New York Times notable book
An international bestseller
A Carnegie Medal nominee
A William C. Morris Award finalist
A Golden Kite Award winner

"Superlative. A hefty emotional punch." --The New York Times Book Review

"Heart-wrenching . . . an eye-opening reimagination of a very real tragedy written with grace and heart." --The Los Angeles Times

"At once a suspenseful, drama-packed survival story, a romance, and an intricately researched work of historical fiction." --The Wall Street Journal

* "Beautifully written and deeply felt . . . An important book that deserves the widest possible readership." --Booklist, starred review

E. Connections

·         Penguin Provides an Educators Guide here.

·         Students could also read the Graphic Novel version.

·         Great book to accompany other books such as:

o   The Book Thief

·         Discussion:

o   What would you do if you were Lina?

o   What did you learn about survival and hope after reading this book? Were you surprised at what the characters had to endure? Would you have hope?

o   Do you have something or someone you can turn to when things are tough?

o   Could you relate to Lina? In what way? Lina used art – what would you use to give yourself hope?

·         Create timelines of real historical events in comparison to the book. Discuss- did the author do a great job with the facts of the era?

·         Discuss labor camps, holocaust, etc.

·         You could watch the movie for this book and compare the book to the movie.