Title: Salt to the Sea
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Pages: 400
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 9780399160301
Publication Date: February 2, 2016*
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25614492-salt-to-the-sea
In a nutshell: Sepetys returns to the setting of World War II in her new book that's told from the perspective of
four young adults from various countries, including Lithuanian nurse Joana, runaway Prussian soldier Florian, Polish refugee Emilia, and Nazi sailor Alfred, each of whom has a secret to hide. It highlights yet
another historical event I was unaware of - the tragic maritime disaster
of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German ship carrying wounded
soldiers and civilian refugees that was attacked and sunk by a Russian
submarine in the Baltic Sea, claiming what was probably over 10,000
lives.
I'd recommend it to grades: 9 and up
I'd recommend it to: historical fiction readers, fans of The Book Thief or Titanic, and anyone who likes a good survival story
What I liked most about this book: After
reading this third book by Ruta Sepetys, I'm officially adding her to
my list of favorite historical fiction authors. I could wax poetic for
days about her gorgeous writing and genius way of revealing the plot
without telling it outright, but I'll keep this short and sweet. I
adored Between Shades of Gray, and I didn't immediately realize
that this was a companion novel of sorts. Yet again Sepetys manages to tell a horrific tale in a way that
is hauntingly beautiful and hopeful. It's full of bravery, romance,
pain, love, and sacrifice, and I loved every page of it.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I promised not to go on and on about the beautiful language, but I'll just leave this sentence here: "War had bled color from everything, leaving nothing but a storm of gray."
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars
*I read an ARC from the publisher thanks to an awesome co-worker who got it at ALA this year. Thanks, Janis!!! :)
Title: Odette's Secrets
Author: Maryann Macdonald
Pages: 240
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12969636-odette-s-secrets?ac=1
In a nutshell: Odette is a young French girl of Jewish decent who lives in Paris during World War II. After her father joins the French army and the persecution of the Jews worsens in Paris, Odette's mother sends her to live in the French countryside to pose as a Christian in order to protect her. This verse novel fictionalizes the true story of Odette Meyer, one of many of France's hidden Jewish children.
I'd recommend it to grades: 4 to 7
I'd recommend it to: poetry lovers, historical fiction fans, and students who aren't quite ready for Anne Frank's diary (or as a complement to her diary)
What I liked most about this book: The language is
beautiful yet age-appropriate/childlike, and the breadth of emotion is
both realistic and stunning for such a young girl. Many of the adults in Odette's life stand as excellent role models for her and for readers, especially her neighbor/godmother, Madame Marie, who as a Christian helps protect Odette and her mother. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful read that's also a quick read due to its verse novel format, so even struggling readers could enjoy it.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): It saddened me to find out that Jews were banned from many public places including libraries in Paris during that time, but Odette and her cousins find a loophole and end up spending an afternoon in the library trying to retain some normalcy in the midst of the chaos around them, illustrating how books can be tools of peace and joy even on the darkest days. Books, stories, and poetry all play key roles in Odette's readjustment to her new life.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
Title: Shadow on the Mountain
Author: Margi Preus
Pages: 304
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
ISBN: 9781419704246
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.0; Interest Level - 6th and up; Points: 8.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13591179-shadow-on-the-mountain
In a nutshell: Espen (code name Odin) begins his life as a spy in Norway by smuggling illegal newspapers at the age of 14. Follow Espen's ascent to full-fledged teenaged spy over the course of 1940 to 1945 as Norway becomes more and more overpowered by Germany. It's an inspiring tale of bravery and friendship that will chill and thrill you.
I'd recommend it for grades: 5 to 8 (There's only one part that's kind of violent.)
I'd recommend it to: James Bond and Sound of Music fans, spy novel lovers, WWII historical fiction fans
What I liked most about this book: It's
another of those historical fiction books that's about WWII but focuses
on a part of the war that doesn't get as much attention. I
enjoyed it, but something about the speed of the novel was off. Parts
felt rushed, and other parts felt long, and I wasn't thrilled with how
it ended so abruptly. However, I love how evident it was that this has
been heavily researched. The end matter in this book rocks; it includes a
timeline of the German occupation in Norway, pictures of the real man
Espen's character is based on, some spy-related activities, and other
cool stuff.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): When they're in their early teens, Espen and his friends build a weapons storage facility that's camouflaged in the mountain. It's a poignant moment when you think about how much life changes in the middle of a war. Most teenage boys build forts in the woods; these boys had to build a place to hide weapons to protect themselves from Nazi soldiers. Chilling.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 3 stars
Yes. You read that correctly. I liked Out of the Easy so much I rushed out to get Between Shades of Gray, and let me tell you, it was even better. It's probably the best book I've read so far this year, but I digress. Here's my review of this incredible book by one of my new favorite authors!
Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Pages: 344
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 9780399254123
Publication Date: March 22, 2011
AR Levels: Book Level: 3.6; Interest Level: 6th-12th; Points: 9.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7824322-between-shades-of-gray
In a nutshell: Fifteen-year-old Lina is on her way to a promising career as a talented artist when Stalin's soldiers arrest her and her family and force them to leave their Lithuanian home in the middle of the night in 1941. They journey thousands of miles packed into filthy rail cars to arrive at a Siberian work camp, where they are worked to the bone and treated like animals. Can Lina and her family find hope in the grays of the arctic wilderness?
I'd recommend it for grades: 8 and up (heavy subject matter)
I'd recommend it to: historical fiction fans, WWII buffs, readers who liked Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank or Night by Elie Weisel, and anyone who enjoys a powerful yet heartbreaking story of survival
What I liked most about this book: It's
chillingly enlightening and beautifully written even if the subject
matter makes you sick. I was completely unaware of these displaced and
abused people who suffered so much at exactly the same time as the
Holocaust but in the wastelands of Siberia. It hurts to read this book,
but I couldn't put it down. Also, the mother in this book is one of the strongest and bravest women I've encountered in a book in a while. I'm amazed at how completely opposite she is from Josie's despicable and uncaring mother in Out of the Easy. It's an interesting contrast.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I teared up a few times while reading this book, but there's a scene that's set in the rail car that really moved me. In the midst of chaos and fear and filth, Mrs. Rimas, the Lithuanian librarian, begins to tell stories to the children waiting in uncertainty to put them at ease. I couldn't help but wonder if I were in that dire situation if I'd be able to selflessly put aside my own fear in order to do what I've devoted my own life to - improving the lives of children. This sweet, brave librarian swallowed her sheer terror to try to calm those frightened children. I hope I never have to be put in that situation, but if I were, I hope I'd be that brave too. This book is full of courageous moments like that one. It's inspiring.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): I'd give this one 6 stars if I could, but I'll give it 5 and play fair.
Title: Code Name Verity
Author: Elizabeth Wein
Pages: 452
Publisher: Egmont Press
ISBN: 9781405258210
Publication Date: February 6, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th grades; Book Level: 6.5; Points: 15.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11925514-code-name-verity
In a nutshell: I almost can't write a summary without giving too much away, but I'll say this. This novel is about friendship - friendship so strong it will move you to your core. It's the story of two girls who answered the call to serve their country during WWII in Britain (one as a spy and one as a pilot), who stumbled into a life-changing friendship along the way, and who are torn apart by their commitment to their cause and each other. You should just take my word for it and read this one.
I'd recommend it for grades: 9 to 12+ for the torture scenes and for the language at times
I'd recommend it to: students who can't get enough of WWII books or who like suspenseful mysteries that are deeply character-driven
What I liked most about this book: The characters. The two female leads are phenomenal yet authentic. You laugh, cry, and cringe right along with these girls. Don't think this is just for girls either. Guys, you'll love this too. There's torture and fighter pilots and double agents and more! I wish I could tell you more, but I don't want to give anything away!
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): As with any good spy novel, there's hardly anything I can tell you that's not spoiler-y, but I can say that the format of this book adds so much to its success. Reading the notes of the captured female protagonist puts you right in the horror of being a prisoner of war while still leaving plenty up to the imagination.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 brightly shining stars
