34. If You Lived During the American Revolution

34. If You Lived During the American Revolution. Chris Newell. Illustrated by Steffi Walthall. 2026. 88 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, history, nonfiction]

First sentence: Colonization by European peoples of what we now call the United States of America began as early as the sixteenth century.

I read a few "If You Lived...." books growing up. There is a newer series of books similarly titled that are being published now. This is the first I've read of the newer series. It is on a heavy, complex topic. Heavy because it's about war. Complex because every conflict, every war, has at least three sides. It is also written to line up in accordance with modern sensibilities. For better or worse. There are certainly some benefits, I'm sure, to a modern take on the past. But if exclusively or overly so, it can come across as super judgy. In other words, America should never have been colonized and all wars were a result of us unnecessarily colonizing. And the colonization of America could never be justifiable, etc. And sometimes I just want my history to be, you know, just record what was without comment or bias or opinion. Neither obnoxious praise or condemnation.

As for the facts in this one, I am too long out of school to know how accurate or inaccurate it may be. OR if the emphasis is rightly placed. It could be perfectly, perfectly fine as far as facts are concerned. OR it could have a mistake here or there. I wouldn't be able to distinguish. I last studied the American Revolution in college, and I found it fascinating then.

What I liked about the original series was how the questions were answered concisely and were full of I didn't know that facts. But this one is on a more complex, darker topic. It is probably easier to read than a textbook. (At least the textbooks of my past). BUT it isn't "fun" or "light" or "casual." (And it would probably be wrong if it was.)

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

25. The Nazi Conspiracy

25. The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill. Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. 2025. 384 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, mg nonfiction, ya nonfiction, world war II]

First sentence: The President is hiding.

Premise/plot: This is a young reader's adaptation of adult nonfiction. It is historical nonfiction focusing on the Second World War. Spies. Intelligence. War. History. It is an interesting, mostly fascinating story. It is about the long process of setting up a meeting between the 'big three' the Allies--Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill. Setting up a meeting between two at a time, was perhaps easier, getting them ALL ready to meet and agree on how to plan ahead for the war, much more difficult.

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this one. I did. I have an interest in World War II. I like history. I like nonfiction. I think it's good to adapt books for younger readers to make them more accessible. You can be greatly interested in a subject and still need it to be written more for your age and/or reading level. It was relatively easy to follow the main people.

One thing--for better or worse--is that the book ends by saying that the 'secret plot' has mystery surrounding it. Was there truly a "secret" plot? Was it fabricated? Was it a manipulation tactic? Was it exaggerated? How 'real' was the danger? Was it just head-games by politicians? BUT the majority of the book treats it as true, historical, documented fact. And then it throws ambiguity into it--if I was reading the last bit properly?!?! So I'm not sure how to feel about it.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

22. A World without Summer

22. A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out. Nicholas Day. 2025. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, nonfiction, middle grade nonfiction, history]

First sentence: The only way to understand is to have been there. The world loud isn't loud enough. The word hot isn't hot enough. The word-- None of the words are enough. The only way to understand is to have been there. But if you had been there, you would be--well, you would be dead. So we will do the best we can.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction. History. Nature. Science. This is the story of the eruption of a the volcano Tambora in April 1815 and how it impacted the world for several years. YES, years. The book's title might mislead you into thinking it was a short span of time the world's global climate was changed by this volcanic eruption--and all its aftermath. But it was in fact several years before things began to stabilize and 'return' to 'normal.' Of course, that's not quite the whole truth. For that generation there would always be some effect. (For example, the malnutrition--starving or nearly so--of those growing up would leave a forever impact on their bodies whose growth and development would remain stunted.) 

The book is equally fascinating and bleak. It is impactful. For sure.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved much about this one. What I didn't love--well--I hated. The book doesn't allow much for subtly messaging the reader, allowing the reader to connect dots between the past and present. (IF in fact there are any dots to be connected between the past and the future.) The author is all about hitting readers over the head with a hammer. Perhaps with both hands holding a hammer. While I would say most of the book can be read and enjoyed, the agenda is so heavy-handed and extremely not subtle that it becomes obnoxious. There's a right way and a wrong way to get your message across. Sometimes less is more. Sometimes being subtle is more effective. Let readers reach their own conclusion and trust them a bit more.

 

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

20. All The Blues in the Sky

20. All the Blues in the Sky. Renee Watson. 2025. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, Newbery, verse novel, grief, problem novel]

First sentence: I didn't know
best friends could die.

Premise/plot: After Sage's best friend, Angel, dies, Sage begins attending a grief counseling group with those her own age. She feels that some understand because the people they lost died suddenly, but she's angry that others in the group are included because the people they lost didn't die suddenly. Her logic is that losing someone through hospice isn't the same, couldn't ever be the same. Or losing a grandmother is one thing but losing a best friend another. She rolls her eyes when others share knowing that her pain is greater, better. That's her logic at any account. By the end of the novel--after Sage rages a bit--Sage will have an opportunity to rethink her logic when she learns that her great-aunt is dying.

My thoughts: All the Blues in the Sky was the Newbery this year. It is a verse novel. It was a quick read. It is an emotional read. It checks a lot of the boxes for award winners. It just does. But that doesn't always mean it's a great fit for kids. Not that there's anything objectionable or inappropriate. I just mean kid-appeal. The greater the number of tears shed the better the chances for adults to LOVE it and want to give it all the awards. I'm not sure kid logic works quite like that. THOUGH again if this one is read and loved by kids, that's great.

I personally didn't love Sage's logic. It felt slightly obnoxious. BUT it might be extremely authentic. I do wish that the book focused more on Sage's whole life--and not just her attendance of grief counseling. But again, it's never, never fair to review the book you want instead of the book that is.

Note: I'm not sure if this is a children's book or lower middle grade. But there is a boyfriend and kissing. Which I'm not sure many Newbery medals feature a romantic element.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

19. Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams

19. Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams. Katherine Paterson. Illustrated by Sally Deng. 2025. 112 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, middle grade nonfiction, books about books, aftermath of world war II, biography]

First sentence: Everything about the flight was miserable. Of course, it wasn't meant to be comfortable. The man and the woman were on a military transport build during World War II to ferry troops and armaments to the front.

Premise/plot: Katherine Paterson has written a biography of Jella Lepman.

My thoughts: I am not often speechless about the books I read. Though nonfiction sometimes isn't the easiest to review. What can I say about this book? It is oversized. Don't be fooled by its picture book appearance or the fact that it is illustrated. It is for children. If I had to guess I'd say ages eight or nine plus. That might be a little young. The subject matter perhaps is best matched with older readers. The format presents a bit younger.  It doesn't feature chapters like many nonfiction books for older readers.

I found it a fascinating read. It covers decades but roughly begins in 1945 after the end of the Second World War. Jella Lepman is being sent to Europe, to countries still overwhelmed and struggling with the aftermath of war. Her 'job description' if you will is to 'repair' or 're-educate' the women and children of those countries. To repair or mend the lives of the most vulnerable--women and children--from the long-term damages of war. She seeks to do this through books. YES, books. She wants to create a large--extremely very large--collection of books written in many, many, many, many languages to bring together the children of the world. She imagines a space of safety where children can thrive--books are a part of her message, but creativity is also encouraged--think art: drawing, painting and the like. It won't be an easy sell, but, Jella Lepman is determined.

One thing I think the book desperately, desperately needs IS a timeline.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

69. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World

  

69. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance. Jennifer Armstrong. 1998. Random House. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, nonfiction, history, biography, adventure, South Pole, survival, AUDIOBOOK]

First sentence: Just imagine yourself in the most hostile place on earth. It's not the Sahara or the Gobi Desert. It's not the Arctic. The most hostile place on earth is the Antarctic, the location of the South Pole--what's the difference? The Arctic is mostly water--with ice on top, of course--and that ice is never more than a few feet thick. But under the South Pole lies a continent that supports glaciers up to two miles in depth. Almost the entire southern continent is covered by ice. The mammoth icecap presses down so heavily that it actually distorts the shape of the earth. The ice never melts; it clings to the bottom of the world, spawning winds, storms, and weather that affect the whole planet.

I have read Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World six or seven times now. (Most recently in February 2025). The narrative is so strong and compelling, and, yes, even inspiring. It is definitely one of my favorite nonfiction books. And nonfiction isn't something I usually take the time to reread. It is rare for me to keep coming back again and again to a nonfiction book.

Originally published in 1998, Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World won the Orbis Pictus Award in 1999. The book follows "the extraordinary true story of Shackleton and the Endurance." If you are unfamiliar with this story, then you really SHOULD read this one. It is a great introduction to the subject. Chapter by chapter, the book follows Shackleton and his men on their journey to Antarctica. Almost from the start, there are indicators that their goal, their quest, will not be an easy one to achieve. After a series of mishaps--thanks to nature--it becomes a long fight to survive. 

 The story is simple and yet dramatic. I think the story would be gripping no matter who told it. But I do think that Jennifer Armstrong did a wonderful job in painting a very human picture of Shackleton and his crew. I think the ending was beautiful--very moving! This one is a book I think everyone should read. 

My most recent read--July 2025--was by audio book. The story is compelling as a traditional read, but as an audio read, I felt that it was even more compelling. It resonated more with me as an audio book. The events of the book are truly horrifying and amazing. Horrifying in the amount of hardship and struggle and uncertainty and pain and anguish. Amazing in the fact that ALL the men survived. 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

31. How Sweet the Sound

 

31. How Sweet the Sound: A Soundtrack for America. Kwame Alexander. Illustrated by Charly Palmer. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, nonfiction, picture book for older readers, poetry, history]

First sentence: Listen to the fireside chorus
of the motherland
to the talking drums
dancing beneath the golden sun
that beat a bold tapestry
of yesterday's stories
and tomorrow's dreams.
To the magnetic chants that welcome each day
and the praise songs that sing us farewell.

Premise/plot: Picture book for older readers. How much older? A lot older. The premise is simple enough: an overview or history of Black Music in America. The delivery is anything but simple. How Sweet The Sound requires a LOT of unpacking--which requires effort and diligence. NONFICTION POETRY. History is conveyed through poems. Poetry in and of itself requires a good bit of unpacking to appreciate. The lines are coded; in other words, each poem features many coded lines--insider code that requires unpacking. Meaning can only be clarified/understood if you're in the know. Each poem has a decoder, if you will, annotations that go into greater depth explaining most every word. If you don't read the back matter, then you've missed the point. 

My thoughts: I read it the first time and skipped the back matter. I was not impressed. Not really. Sure I knew that my appreciation was expected, was required, was almost mandatory. (Some books are like that.) I decided that before I gave it a review, I'd reread it. I decided to start with the back matter. Would I recommend this method? Maybe. Probably. It wouldn't hurt. I would either a) suggest starting with the back matter b) suggest reading a spread/poem at a time and then flipping to the back matter.

I don't know that I love this one. I think in part because I keep wanting the book to be something else. Which is not at all fair. I'll try to clarify. I love, love, love, love, love reading picture books about jazz, for example. Fiction. Nonfiction. I have read many picture book biographies of black jazz musicians, for example. I've read picture book biographies of other musicians--not just jazz. This book isn't about one genre, or even a handful of genres. It is all encompassing. ALL genres, many centuries, many decades. There's some name-dropping here and there--mainly coded. But this is like a fly-over or skimming. It isn't a deep-dive. Poetry is a natural choice for the narrative. It is. It truly is. It makes sense in so many ways. Yet poetry is another barrier for me personally.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

13. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World

  

13. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance. Jennifer Armstrong. 1998. Random House. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, nonfiction, history, biography, adventure, South Pole, survival]

Just imagine yourself in the most hostile place on earth. It's not the Sahara or the Gobi Desert. It's not the Arctic. The most hostile place on earth is the Antarctic, the location of the South Pole--what's the difference? The Arctic is mostly water--with ice on top, of course--and that ice is never more than a few feet thick. But under the South Pole lies a continent that supports glaciers up to two miles in depth. Almost the entire southern continent is covered by ice. The mammoth icecap presses down so heavily that it actually distorts the shape of the earth. The ice never melts; it clings to the bottom of the world, spawning winds, storms, and weather that affect the whole planet.

I have read Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World five or six times now. (Most recently in 2022). The narrative is so strong and compelling, and, yes, even inspiring. It is definitely one of my favorite nonfiction books. And nonfiction isn't something I usually take the time to reread. It is rare for me to keep coming back again and again to a nonfiction book.

Originally published in 1998, Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World won the Orbis Pictus Award in 1999. The book follows "the extraordinary true story of Shackleton and the Endurance." If you are unfamiliar with this story, then you really SHOULD read this one. It is a great introduction to the subject. Chapter by chapter, the book follows Shackleton and his men on their journey to Antarctica. Almost from the start, there are indicators that their goal, their quest, will not be an easy one to achieve. After a series of mishaps--thanks to nature--it becomes a long fight to survive. 

 The story is simple and yet dramatic. I think the story would be gripping no matter who told it. But I do think that Jennifer Armstrong did a wonderful job in painting a very human picture of Shackleton and his crew. I think the ending was beautiful--very moving! This one is a book I think everyone should read. 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

32. The Girl Who Sang

The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival. Estelle Nadel. Illustrated by Sammy Savos. 2024. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [graphic novel; graphic memoir; Jewish/Holocaust]

First sentence: Will I ever be free?

Premise/plot: The Girl Who Sang is a MEMOIR [nonfiction autobiography] in graphic novel format. It is set primarily during the Second World War, but the memoir continues through some turbulent aftermath years. After the war, the family of siblings emigrate to the United States. But there is no magical, warm and fuzzy happily ever after story. Love sometimes isn't enough to keep a family of siblings together. 

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, loved this one. I don't read many graphic novels--fiction or nonfiction. But this one is a MUST. I found it compelling and haunting. It was SO well done. I have read plenty of books about the Holocaust and the Second World War. I've read fewer graphic novels, however, this is a powerful format for storytelling. Perhaps the story will impact readers more by being in this format.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

14. Mexikid

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir. Pedro Martin. 2023. 320 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction Graphic Novel; MG Graphic Novel; Newbery Honor]

First sentence: They call me Peter...but my real name is Pedro.

Premise/plot: This one is a graphic novel MEMOIR. It is set in the summer of 1977. Pedro Martin is recalling/chronicling the adventures/misadventures of a family (round trip) road trip from California to Mexico (and Mexico to California). Being the seventh in a family of nine kids, he's got plenty of stories to share. Long story short, his family is going to Mexico to spend time with the grandfather and make preparations for his return with them to the United States. 

My thoughts: This one is great when it comes to details. I'll try to explain what I mean. His details help put you right there in the scene. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, etc. He is especially good at grounding the book in TIME and presumably in culture. 

I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would. I am not usually a graphic novel reader. It's not my usual type of book to read. 

I will say that this one might not be for super-sensitive readers. Namely, his grandfather's "mission" to accomplish before they leave for the United States might make some readers squeamish. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

193. Shipwrecked!

Shipwrecked! Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor. Martin W. Sandler. 2023. [October 31] 138 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Nonfiction]

First sentence: Almost everything made by humans, at one time or another, has been carried over the oceans. And it's not only people and goods that depended upon the sea for transportation. Ideas, cultures, religions, technologies, and the arts historically spread by seas. 

Premise/plot: Shipwrecked is middle grade nonfiction. Sandler introduces readers to seven shipwrecks, or, excavations of shipwrecks. The book focuses on how shipwrecks are discovered, recovered, salvaged, etc. What can we learn about the past by examining/exploring shipwrecks? How has the art or science of exploration/excavation changed over the past hundred years?

The shipwrecks discussed in this one include: Antikythera, Cape Gelidonya, Shinan, The Mary Rose, Sao Jose Paquete de Africa, The Hunley, The Erebus and The Terror. The book also includes a final chapter--or appendix--where other shipwrecks are featured. These "bonus" or "extra" shipwrecks get a few paragraphs each. 

My thoughts: I found this fascinating. I wasn't expecting to find it fascinating. This subject or sub-sub-genre isn't my usual "cup of tea." Yet I found myself absorbed in these stories. Mostly I found myself interested in the history of it all. 

Definitely recommended for those that enjoy nonfiction.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

169. Impossible Escape

169. Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe. Steven Sheinkin. 2023. [August] 256 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Nonfiction; YA Nonfiction]

First sentence:  Rudi would find a way to fight Adolf Hitler. It can be said, without risk of exaggeration, that he would go on to be--while still a teenager--one of the great heroes of the entire Second World War. But not in a way he ever could have imagined.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction for middle school and high school. To be fair, nonfiction for everyone. [But I might be biased in thinking everyone needs to read World War II books, in particular books about the Holocaust.] This one tells the story of two teens: Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba and Gerta Sidonová. 

My thoughts: I had read about Rudi Vrba  [Walter Rosenberg] before in an adult book. So I knew what to expect. It didn't make this one less necessary. I think it is important for stories to be told to all audiences, in appropriate ways of course. I found it a quick, absorbing read. I think for those that know less it might be even more so. 

Last October I read Jonathan Freedland's The Escape Artist. It was an AMAZING, amazing read. Difficult topic/subject to be sure. Definitely thought provoking. This one for young adults seems tamer. But I do think it is still a good read.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

152. Abandon Ship!

Abandon Ship! The True World War II Story About the Sinking of the Laconia. Michael J. Tougias and Alison O'Leary. 2023. [February] 272 pages. [Source: Library] [MG Nonfiction; Nonfiction; World War II]

First sentence: Port Tawfiq, Egypt, simmered in the summer sun of mid-August 1942.

Premise/plot:  Nonfiction book suitable for MG, YA, and Adults about the sinking of RMS Laconia on September 12, 1942, in the midst of the Second World War. It was carrying British soldiers, of course, but also women and children--in addition to 1,800 Italian Prisoners of War. The destination was Britain, but it sank shortly it was torpedoed. The German submarine realized afterwards that the ship they'd bombed had been carrying thousand plus ITALIAN POWs. Commander Werner Hartenstein decided to help rescue those he'd just attacked--yes, the Italians, but also all the others. Some he took aboard his own ship, others he helped find accommodations on lifeboats. (The lifeboats were a bit haphazard. Some too full. Others less so. Some more seaworthy than others.) The most in need of medical attention received it. Women and children were prioritized as well. But this isn't a sweet, warm-and-cozy rescue. For things got a LOT more complicated and complex as the rescue unfolded...

My thoughts: WHAT AN ORDEAL. I found this one captivating and fascinating. But also super-intense. I'm not sure I'd have been able to handle it as a child. But it is an incredibly told tale of survival. I do wish it was more well known. (I'd not heard of it before.) I would have been watching documentaries and such about it if I'd known. It tells a big picture story, but it also focuses in on some of the survivors and their MANY ordeals in the days and weeks (yes, WEEKS) spent at sea adrift.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

124. If You Sailed on the Titanic

If You Sailed on the Titanic. Denise Lewis Patrick. Illustrated by Winona Nelson. 2023. [January] 80 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction, Children's and Middle Grade]

First sentence: If you had set sail on the Titanic, you would have been looking forward to an amazing experience on the largest ocean liner ever built. You may have been a wealthy traveler who was used to grand hotels and excellent meals. You might have been a young sailor, excited about crossing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. Or, you and your family might have been leaving the life you knew behind, hoping to find a wonderful new home in America. Whatever your dreams might have been, everything would have changed in the middle of one dark night when the unexpected happened to the "unsinkable" Titanic.

Premise/plot: This "If You...." title asks and answers twenty-five questions regarding the Titanic. Each "chapter" is a question and answer. Just a few pages--text and illustration. Questions like....

"What was daily life like for passengers on the Titanic?"
"Were there animals on the ship?"
"Who rescued the survivors?"
"Can people visit the wreckage?"
"Are the Titanic movies true?"

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this one. I loved the organization and layout. I found the illustrations helpful and engaging. I thought the questions were good, for the most part. Obviously, this one was written and published before the loss of the submersible Titan. But there is a chapter about tourists being able to pay loads of money to go down in a submersible to view the Titanic themselves.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

105. The Woman in the Moon

The Woman in the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Helped Fly the First Astronauts to the Moon. Richard Maurer. 2023. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [Link to cover image] [middle grade; young adult]

First sentence: One evening in the late 1950s, Massachusetts senator John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert were enjoying a relaxing dinner with their companion, a brilliant, eccentric inventor named Charles Stark "Doc" Draper.

Premise/plot:  The Woman in the Moon by Richard Maurer is a biography of Margaret Hamilton, a mathematician who 'helped fly the first astronauts to the moon.' That is the sum of it; Margaret Hamilton wrote computer codes--routines and subroutines, the software that was integral to the space program.  

My thoughts: When I saw the cover (linked above), I initially thought I was committing to a smaller book--not physically smaller--but a picture book. This is a biography for upper elementary OR middle school OR possibly high school. I think it is not so much the complexity of the subject matter that determines the ideal audience as it is the interest level of the reader. In other words, the more you are interested in math, science, history--the space race--the better this one will "read." If you have zero interest in the subject, then chances are you'll find it 'dull' and 'dry.' 

I do have an interest in history and the space race. I just don't have an interest in math and science. I found this to be a little too technical for me. Reading is subjective and if my mind was wired differently--to appreciate more technical sciences--then perhaps I would have found it fascinating. It is not the fault of the author. 

My favorite bits were the sections that focused on her personal life.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

85. Harboring Hope

Harboring Hope. Susan Hood. 2023. [March] 400 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Knock! Knock!
A package at the door!
It was rectangular,
big enough
that Henny had to grasp it
with two hands.
It was addressed to her.
Who was it from?
What was inside?

Premise/plot: Middle grade historical fiction novel written in verse with a World War II setting--this is how I'd describe Susan Hood's newest novel, Harboring Hope. It is based on the life of Henny Sinding, a young woman (teen? tween?), who helped Jews escape from Nazi-Occupied Denmark. She was part of a network, certainly, part of the Danish Resistance. She smuggles Jews onto the Gerda III, a supply boat. The boat then takes the Jews to a safer country. (The historical note at the end pointed out that 99 (or 98) percent of Jews were saved--avoided deportation to concentration camps or falling into the hands of the Nazis. This is a really HIGH number.)

As I said, this is one story about one person who helped. It has fallen out of favor--and who am I to argue--to call them rescuers. I hope it isn't incorrect to say helped. 

My thoughts: I definitely felt the story was engaging/compelling. I am always open to reading more stories [fiction and nonfiction] about World War II and the Holocaust. Every story is important. This one is based on a true story, a real person. 

I don't automatically love, love, love the verse novel format. I would read it either way--verse or prose. The subject matter is heavy, weighty, serious. The verse doesn't seem to be elevating the narrative. In other words, the verse doesn't seem especially poetic. 

Again, I enjoyed the book. I would read it no matter the format. One plus to having it in verse format, I suppose, is that verse novels *feel* quicker to read.

ETA: Is it historical fiction? Is it nonfiction? I am not 100% sure. I know it is BASED on a true story, the characters were real people, this is history. But does that automatically make it nonfiction? Or can it have fictional elements--like dialogue or sequence of events--added???

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

41. The Tower of Life

The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town In Stories and Photographs. Chana Stiefel. Illustrated by Susan Gal. 2022. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There once was a girl named Yaffa. She was a spirited girl who loved her home and her family. She was born in a shtetl, a small Jewish town that pulsed with love, laughter, and light. The name of her shtetl was Eishyshok (Ay-shi-shok). The family roots of the people in Eishyshok ran deep. For 900 years, their histories and spirits were woven into the fabric of the town. 

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book and/or nonfiction picture book biography. I could see it being classified as either/both. The jacket copy says it is the biography of Yaffa Eliach the woman who created "the Tower of Faces" (aka The Tower of Life) at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. It is definitely the story of her life, her work, her life's work. But it is also so much more than that. It is the story of her community, and the story of the Holocaust as well.

My thoughts: I found this one FASCINATING. I really loved this nonfiction picture book. I loved learning the story behind The Tower of Faces. Though I'd not heard of this particular exhibit, I have heard of the Holocaust Memorial Museum. I would love to learn more about this exhibit and the others as well. I loved, loved, loved the photographs of this one.

I found it a powerfully compelling read. I'm not surprised a bit that it won the Sydney Taylor Book Award. (It was also a Robert F. Sibert Honor book). 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

23. Peace Is A Chain Reaction

Peace is A Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bomb Brought People of Two Nations Together. Tanya Lee Stone. [Plenty of photographs]. 2022. [September] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: From a very young age, we can be taught to hate or fear people who are different from us. Sometimes this racism is buried so deep, it can be hard to see. Sometimes it is clearly visible. War is one of the more obvious ways in which entire nations can be taught to hate--and fear--people of other nations.

Premise/plot: Some books are hard to summarize, Peace Is A Chain Reaction is one of them. It tells primarily of three stories during the second world war: the internment camps of Japanese-Americans, specifically focusing in on one family; a group of young teenage girls [Japanese] whose school closed down to become a factory--a factory where balloon bombs were made; and an American community shaken by the death of six children [or perhaps five children and an adult] due to the resulting explosion of a balloon bomb. Yuzuru John Takeshita, who spent time in several internment/prison camps, brought these two communities together. The book provides context for the second world war and brings to light these events for young readers.

My thoughts: I thought I was relatively well informed on the subject of world war II. I had never heard of the Japanese inventing/using/implementing balloon bombs. I had never heard of balloon bombs successfully reaching the United States and detonating. This was hushed up during the war for various reasons. I'd also never heard or thought about young Japanese women [teenagers] doing factory work, war factory work. So while I'd heard plenty about Japanese-American internment/imprisonment camps, so much of this was new to me. For that reason alone it was a worthwhile read for me.

I liked how these stories were woven together to tell a cohesive story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

10. The Curse of the Mummy

The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun's Tomb. Candace Fleming. 2021. 285 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was said...the boy king's tomb was cursed.

Premise/plot: The Curse of the Mummy is middle grade nonfiction. (Though I could see upper elementary grade students seeking this out if there is an interest in the subject.) It is the true story of the search for and discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of Kings. It explores the mythology--urban legend-izing--of the so-called "curse" that plagued any and all that came into contact with ancient Egyptian artifacts. It clarifies that there was no actual "curse." It looks at how that built up and became a thing...[but how there was no basis of truth in it.]

It is set mainly in Egypt in the 1910s and 1920s. It covers a tiny bit the controversy of who owns these artifacts and how they should be treated. Or should have been treated (but weren't.) 

My thoughts: Sixth-grade me would have absolutely loved, loved, loved, loved this one. Sixth grade was a big [memorable] field trip year for me. I've been interested in Ancient Egypt and Egyptian mythology ever since. So adult-me is still excited to have read this one. I do think I read more nonfiction as an adult than I did as a kid. [I think the quality and quantity are better.]

I really enjoyed this one. I read a physical library book copy of this one. The printing seemed a bit off. Some pages looked like copies-of-copies. [Are photocopies even still a thing????] Some text was gray instead of black. [And I don't think it was meant to be.] All of the sections about the curse were black background and white text. Some of these black pages were more gray than black. Again I don't think this was intentional. But technical printing issues aside, I'm very glad I read this one!!!

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

3. The Windeby Puzzle

The Windeby Puzzle. Lois Lowry. 2023. [February] 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Cool wind. Day start. One bird a-twitter. Warblers newly back now, settling in, after winter in a warmer place. Planting time soon. Then the birds would be everywhere: noisy, pecking for the seeds, for the insects. Eggs in the nests: speckled eggs they were, the warblers' nests in the high grasses. Dark, still. But the land was alive: waking, whistling with breeze through the grasses and murmuring with creatures emerging from sleep. 

Premise/plot: The Windeby Puzzle is a blend of history and fiction. [I did NOT know this heading into the book. Because it does effect the pacing and flow of the narrative, potential readers should know this up front]. Lois Lowry lets readers into the process--her craft--of writing a new book. 

This book was inspired by discovery of the Windeby bog body back in the 1950s in Northern Germany. For decades--literally decades--it was assumed to be the body of a thirteen year old girl. New research, however, have shifted conclusions. It is now believed to be the body of a malnourished/sickly sixteen year old boy. Lowry alternates HISTORY and fiction. 

The first history-fiction section assumes that it is a thirteen-year-old girl. Lowry creates the character of Estrild. What led to her death? Was she a human sacrifice? Was she executed? If she was executed, then what was her crime? What would her life have been like? The second history-fiction section takes a turn. If the bog-child-body was a boy, what was HIS story???? Varick was a character--Estrild's best friend--from her first story. But this time around, he is the star of the show. What was HIS life like? What led him to the bog?

Both fictional stories are set in the Iron Age. 

My thoughts: I can honestly say that The Windeby Puzzle is unlike Lowry's previously published children's books. I've read plenty of them--though not all of them. It isn't really similar to any other children's books I've read either. That is neither good nor bad. (It just is.) 

Will it appeal more to adults than children? Maybe. Will it appeal to children at all? I don't know. It's set in ancient history--the Iron Age, and in Northern Germany. The blend of history and fiction is unique. But is it unique in a way that is likely to make children--elementary, middle grade--excited to pick it up and keep turning pages???? I don't know. I suppose if you've got someone in your life that is interested in archaeological digs, ancient cultures, and ancient history, perhaps. OR if perhaps someone who really wants to understand author craft. In getting a glimpse of HOW a story comes together and how the author works to bring her book to life. This book is definitely taste-specific! Will it appeal to adults? Again, I can't say that it is one that would automatically have broad appeal. The author is incredibly gifted and prolific. There will be some readers--perhaps myself included--who will read ANY title Lowry publishes no matter the subject matter, no matter the reviews, just because ANY book has to be good, right???

I am curious to see the reviews start coming in for this one. I am. (I am not always.) Will readers like it? love it? hate it? Find it dull or boring? Or will they find all the nerdy details fascinating? 

Personally, I preferred HIS story to her story. I did not need [yet another] story of a [young] girl who was a feminist over a thousand years ahead of her time who was going to make a stand because girls [and women] have rights and should be treated equally. Those stories always seem out of place, and Lowry admits that her characterization is way out there and not at all realistic. Both stories are set first century AD.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews