WWII – One Chapter

Keeper of Lost Children by Jadeqa Johnson

5 stars Historical Fiction

I could not read this book fast enough! With multiple timelines, I was thrown between the lives of Sophia, Ozzie, and Ethel. The situations of the characters were different enough to keep the character’s stories separate as I read but when I had to put the book down to actually go to sleep, I did write down some notes as I didn’t want to lose track of any of the important information in the lives of these captivating individuals.

It is the 1940’s, his world is at war and Ozzie wants to make a life for himself. Enlisting with the Army, Ozzie is sent to Germany, where desegregation of the military has just begun. Ozzie thinks he’s keeping his life together amidst all the activities surrounding him. Being alone for the first time in his life, he has made a few friends, and accountability rests all on his shoulders. Although he left his mother back home, her voice is constantly replaying in the back of his mind. The temptation is just too great and Ozzie can’t resist. Out with the guys at a club, he meets a local, Jelka. She fills the void that Ozzie left behind at home. It’s all fun and games for a while until he hears the words that snap him to attention, she’s pregnant.

It’s the mid 1960’s, Sophia is living on a farm with her brothers and parents. Sophia bears a lot of responsibility. Sophia has always felt more like a farmhand than a daughter to her parents, but she never questioned it because life on a farm is hard. A smart student, she earns the opportunity for a free ride to a prestigious school, West Oak Academy. I loved the way Sophia navigates her way to the academy, as she knows the reality of the circumstances that she lives in. Once there, the reality of the situation hits. This is a good academic fit for Sophia, but when she arrives with her meager belongings, she realizes there are going to be many more hurdles that she’ll have to jump over besides the ones she just cleared. It’s hurdle after hurdle as Sophia tries to make a better life for herself. These obstacles left me cheering for Sophia throughout the book. She’d have to be successful, right? She had the determination and the makings to be successful individual. She couldn’t let outside issues and a couple bullies bring her down, could she? She’s going to have to face her parents someday and when that happens, it should be interesting. Sophia can’t keep dodging the facts.

And we have Ethel. Ethel was trying to make the best of her life, but she was missing something. She wanted to have children. It’s the mid 1950’s and Ethel and her husband were unable to have children of their own. Ethel notices a group of nuns with children in the distance, so Ethel approaches them which creates life changing events for her. I saw Ethel as an innocent, sweet women with a huge heart. Ethel wanted to help the nuns and the children, whose lives they oversaw easier. Ethel started out doing what she knew she could do and she later enlisted the help of others. I don’t think Ethel knew the intensity or the impact that she would make in the lives of these individuals.

I enjoyed all the individuals inside this story and as their stories merged, I loved the story even more. The effect that each one of them had with one another created a deep and long-lasting impression. This book was more than I expected when I first read about it. Definitely a must read. 5 stars

Thank you to Simon & Schuster, NetGalley, and Sadeqa Johnson for providing me with a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker

5 stars Middle School

A fabulous read! The last half of this book, I could not put down! I was up into the early morning hours as I had to know what happened, yet I didn’t want my journey with Lucas and Alice to end. Could I have predicted that Lucas would meet up with Alice? No. What transpired between them was not romance but something deeper and far more reaching than either of them could have predicted.

Lucas was a delivery boy. It got him out of the abbey where he lived. It wasn’t quite freedom, but he was free from the eyes of everyone around him. The Germans did monitor the world outside the abbey, but Lucas was getting used to their checkpoints and the restrictions that they placed on the residents. Lucas knew what they expected and he knew how to make his deliveries within the town. Lucas had a soft heart which got noticed around his peers and thence he got the name Petit Éclair. At first, his peers thought this name was funny and Lucas fought hard to get rid himself of this title, but it is, what it is and now, there were only two bullies who would taunt Lucas by calling him Petit Éclair.

The story takes off when Petit Éclair (a.k.a. Lucas) rescues a sackful of kittens from the hands of the bullies who still taunt Lucas. They had thrown the kittens into the canal. Desperate to find shelter for these kittens and get back to his deliveries, Lucas places them in a deserted barn located at the end of a trail, for now.

How Lucas was going to care for these kittens was beyond me, but he might have the means since he has access to different delivery customers. Returning to tend to the kittens, Lucas discovers a horse in the barn. The horse Bia belongs to Alice who is attempting to also hide it, only she is hiding it from Hitler’s men for fear of what they would do it. Alice is determined to get her horse to America where it can be free. I loved Alice’s energy and her confidence as she began to inspire Lucas. She shows him what it is like to be resourceful in difficult situations. Lucas and Alice’s were so different yet here they were, striving for the same dream, which pushed them closer together.

When Alice opens Lucas’ eyes to the truth behind Bois Larris, he immediately changes. His maturity leaps. Lucas knew that it held many secrets but as Alice peels back the layers, Lucas sees the truth right before his eyes. I believe this is what powers Lucas, this is the nudge Lucas needed. There was no stopping Petit Éclair now. He has the means to take control, to change things, and with Alice by his side, Lucas will make a difference.

This was another great novel by Sara Pennypacker. Definitely one that I highly recommend. Thank you to Fierce Reads, Goodreads and Sara Pennypacker for sending me this copy of The Lions’ Run. I won this book in Goodreads Giveaway. 5 stars.

The Teacher of Nomad Land: A Story of World War II

5 stars Middle School

The apple never falls far from the tree. Another cover love title for me and I’m so glad I picked this book up. He was once a blackboard teacher with the nomads, and now, he is dead. An accident leaves Babak (age 13) and Sana (age 8) orphaned and the tribe without a teacher.

Its 1941 and we’re in Iran. Their father has just passed away, and the siblings are waiting for their aunt to pick them up. The children’s life is turned upside down when their aunt informs them of the new lifestyle that awaits them. I loved how Babak secretly kept an eye on his sister and how both of them tried to hide the reality of their lives from one another. They had dreams and even when other individuals were attempting to smash their dreams, they kept reaching for them.

Deciding to find the nomads, they set off, to make a life for themselves. They needed a safe haven, and they knew the nomads could provide that, but what could they offer in return? Their father had set the foundation and now, the siblings decided to follow in his footsteps. They would attempt to become the nomad’s teacher.

They hit a few snags along the way, including meeting Ben. The relationship with Ben provides the sibling strength and growth within themselves and strengthens the bond between them. I liked Ben as a character; he played his part well and was beneficial to the dynamics of the book.

A great book. The author’s notes at the end of the book are definitely worth reading as they’re informative, covering different topics addressed in the book: alliances, alphabet, territories, and language barriers.

“Never give up on your dreams, no matter how painful and difficult your journey is.” (Lisa).

Also Here: Love, Literacy, and the Legacy of the Holocaust by Brooke Randel

5 stars Memoir

It was almost too late. The memories and history were almost buried in the past as the family didn’t want to press the issue. They knew she had lived through one of the most important and traumatic experiences in history, yet she didn’t and wouldn’t talk about it. It only took one phone call to change all that.

This was such a great book to read. I could understand why her family didn’t press her to share the details of her experiences during WWII and yet, Golda had so much to offer her family when she finally does open herself up to them. We know that our own history shapes us and what Golda experienced as a young girl during the Holocaust definitely affected her life. As her granddaughter Brooke brings Golda’s story to light, Brooke struggles herself. Both parties are struggling to bring light to Golda’s past. What a unique story. I commend Brooke for sharing this book with us readers.

The recipes and photographs in the back are an added bonus. 5 star read

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys

4 stars Middle School

I’m tired! This book was exhausting……on a good level. Lizzi didn’t think her mother was dead, so she took it upon herself to prove it. Was Lizzi onto something as she investigated her mother’s death? Surprises and secrets began to pop up as the story started rolling.

The characters were a mature bunch, perhaps it was caused by the situation that they were forced into, or it was their nature, nevertheless, I thought they acted mature for their age. Determined and strong, Lizzi and Jakob become very important and very good at what they do. Jakob was the oldest, codebreaking was something that he liked to do during the war as he thought it was his way of helping. When his little sister Lizzi decided to follow in her brother’s shoes, little did they know what impact she would make.

With plenty of activity and great information on codes and codebreaking during WWII, this book was very interesting, and I really enjoyed it. 4 stars

The Little Liar by Mitch Albom

5 stars Historical Fiction

I cannot tell a lie. That’s Nico’s life at the beginning of this book but as the story ended, the truth is far from Nico’s mind. The German’s realize what an important asset Nico would be to their mission while Nico’s believed that what he was providing to his Jewish community was a service. His honesty and naivety gave his community peace, which Nico took great pride in, but the reality was, their lives were being torn apart. Day in and day out, he provided them comfort. I wanted to scream as he played along with German’s plan. Wake up Nico!! You’re leading the lambs to slaughter! They’re not going to get great jobs and wonderful conditions! Realization finally hits Nico when his family and friends came into the picture. Goodness! As they arrive and are being processed, their destination hits Nico. He knows……he understands ……but it’s already too late.

I hated to see Nico face the reality that was now his. I hated to see Nico change and become someone that he didn’t originally want to be. All the Jews that he had comforted and encouraged didn’t travel to greener pastures. No. He had ushered them into a life of suffering, hardship and for many, their own deaths. Now the path was being paved for Nico’s family and friends, the tables had now turned. The train was traveling to Auschwitz.

Nico accompanies this cattle car as they make their journey to the concentration camp. The story never loses speed as they fight to survive the brutality of their new lives. Nico has now become the best little liar, the truth so far removed from what he says that no one knows the reality. I liked how the book moved quickly and how the story stirred so many emotions inside me. Nico wasn’t a character that I liked but I understood him, and he “played” his role so well. As the survivors try to continue with life after the war, I enjoyed this part of the book. Their struggles, successes and mindset created the perfect ending. 5 stars

Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin

5 stars YA History

“The Nazis were not really guarding Prisoners at Auschwitz. They were guarding the secret of their massive crimes.”

A story of survival turns into a story of bravery and honor as individuals take it upon themselves to reveal the reality of their daily lives. This mission of hope gives them strength, energy, and determination every day, as they live in an unimaginable nightmare in Nazi Germany. If only they could escape and share their story, other lives could be saved.

It was March of 1942 and I found myself getting to know a young teenager named Rudi. In its second year, World War II was far from being over and Rudi was determined to be a part of it. Armed with a plan, Rudi wanted to fight against Hitler, and he was going to do it his own way. He had to put his plan into motion soon before he was shipped off to who-knows-where with other Jewish boys. I was rooting for Rudi as he put his plan into motion. His plan had worked to some degree, as he covered quite a bit of ground in his travels. Unfortunately, Rudi got stopped and without any papers, his plan had come to an end.

As a prisoner now, Rudi became part of a group of prisoners that were forced to work in the Nazi gas chambers and crematoriums. Able to make friends easily, Rudi does his job well and he keeps his wits about him. I became a part of Rudi’s life as he explains his duties, the situation, and his surroundings. Death and disease are everywhere yet, Rudi’s eyes are open as he watches and observes everything around him. Details are important to Rudi as his head fills with the sights, sounds, and smells of Auschwitz. The gas chamber changing rooms were constructed like a bath house, giving the victims the hope that their lives were important. Hooks, signs, and fans awaited the prisoners as they walked in, only they didn’t realize that they would never walk out. Rudi knew after watching such despair and horror for two years in Auschwitz that something had to be done.

Rudi knew that he needed to make another plan. He needed to tell his own personal story of what he had witnessed firsthand to someone who could warn others. Rudi needed to return home. Rudi needed to return to the place that he once escaped from and give them an account of his past two years. He needed his message to spread as a warning so lives could be.

What a fantastic read! Between the journeys that Rudi tried to make, his time inside Auschwitz and the prisoners, I couldn’t put this book down. As I read Gerdi’s story, this Jewish teen had a different outlook on life as the war raged on. Rudi wanted to make a difference and he was willing to take some risks while Gerdi chose a more sheltered and safe approach to the war. Gerdi had some risks but on a different level than Rudi’s. Two friends, one war, and an uncertain future. 5 stars.

We Must Not Think of Ourselves by Lauren Grodstein

5 stars Historical Fiction WWII

What an interesting read. I enjoyed hearing the stories that Adam was collecting to preserve the past. As the world around him was falling apart and his own world was facing so much uncertainty, Adam was chosen to record (preserve) the history of the individuals in the Warsaw Ghetto in which he was now living.

An English teacher, Adam now teaches English to some of the children who attend his classes in the ghetto. After Adam accepts his new assignment, he wants to learn about the other individuals around him. Everyone and anyone’s story are welcomed as Adam takes voice to paper, recording each life. Sharing a small apartment with nine other individuals, Adam tries to make the small corner in the apartment his own. Lack of privacy, resources, and loneliness Adam finds that his curtain cannot shut himself off from everyone.

Based on true events, this story hit all my emotions. From laughter to sadness, I looked forward to Adam’s stories and his interactions with those living in the ghetto. To record their history, to let their voices be heard and remembered, he gave these individuals hope and peace. 5 stars

The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel adapted by Salva Rubio

4.5 stars Graphic Novel Middle School/YA

Edita loved her books, an adoration that would lead her on quite a journey in her life. As a young child, Edita enjoyed reading and was a sponge, immersing herself into books, as she wanted to know everything. With her parent’s encouragement, Edita was on her way. Edita’s greatest fear was time. Edita feared was that she wouldn’t finish all the books that she wanted to read, in her lifetime. I can totally relate to how Edita felt. The adults in her life had other fears they were dealing with which were now starting to hit closer to home. The troops were beginning to march in. Whispered conversations were now the norm, schools started shutting down and stars were being stitched on clothing. Edith was lucky as she used her stories to help her get through the days. When the family is finally forced out of their home, Dita can’t decide which books she wants to take with her. With her ONE suitcase limit, this is a difficult decision. NONE!?!

Now, that was crazy talk! Dita leaves with her family, carry no books inside her suitcase. The family is shuffled and pushed around like cattle, following all the other individuals who are forced out also. They’re lost, scared, and nervous. What is happening? The illustrations do a terrific job showing the feelings and bleakness of this time period as the individuals try to grasp exactly what is happening in their lives. Now is not the time to be modest or arrogant, Edith’s family knows they need to do what is expected of them to survive. When they finally stop drifting around, the camp they find themselves in, is trying to organize itself. They’re utilizing the talents of each of the prisoners, to benefit themselves. Dita’s special talent of reading is one that I didn’t think she realizes how special it was. With her ability to read different languages, Dita is able to assist many other prisoners and she becomes the secret librarian. Dita takes this job seriously but there were other important roles that she had. Fourteen-year-old Dita, taking risks that some adults were afraid of taking, and putting herself out there for the benefit of others: that’s one strong teen forced to live in a concentration camp.

This is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, an Auschwitz prisoner in WWII. A graphic novel adaptation is from Antonio Iturbe, The Librarian of Auschwitz. I found that this graphic novel touched on the important topics of Dita’s life and that the story moved quite quickly. Given that this book covers only 120 pages and Iturbe novel covers over 400 pages, Rubio did a great job showing the highlights of Dita’s life and how important she was. Having read both books (I loved Antonio’s novel!), and knowing that this is a graphic novel adaption, a lot of the details of the original book had to be left out. The author did include in his Epilogue some great information that I feel is important to this book and should be read. 4.5 stars

Yonder by Ali Standish

5 stars Historical Fiction Middle School

Jack was a hero. Jack jumped into the racing floodwaters and rescued the two girls from downing while the rest of the congregation stared as the raging waters carried the girls away. If you ask Jack though, he’ll tell you a different story as Jack doesn’t want the attention and the glory. Jack just wants to be Jack. Jack is street smart which is working out for him but the truancy officer thinks Jack needs to be book smart too so he hunts Jack down and tries to make him attend school. Jack doesn’t learn much from the books in school but he does learn about the individuals inside the building.

Danny is the book’s narrator and he attends school with Jack. Like Jack, Danny also delivers the newspapers around town while Danny’s mother keeps the newspaper running. Danny’s mother has an important job and I liked that she was honest with her son as this helps Danny. It’s June of 1943, the war is raging and segregation is occurring. Danny’s father has enlisted while Jack’s father has returned home from the war, bringing home with him parts of the war which overshadow his life. Two teen boys: they’re the same, yet they’re different.

I liked the relationship of Danny and Jack. They could be themselves and they enjoyed being around each other. They liked to have fun together and they were able to talk freely without worrying about what they were saying. When Lou showed up, they tried to include her. Danny had led a sheltered life but when his eyes were opened, we got to see his world through his eyes now.

There seems to be some mysteries popping up in the book when Jack disappears and Danny takes it upon himself to find him. Lou has a different mystery that she wants to solve. I feel that Jack’s disappearance is based on Jack’s solving his own mystery and perhaps, Jack will never find him. Will anyone solve their mystery? I liked how Danny started to take an interest in the war besides just collecting his scrap metal for school. Jack feels comfortable around Danny and talks to him about some personal issues. I loved hearing the excitement in Jack’s voice as he talked about and wondered about Jack’s disappearance.

This is such a fantastic book. A book about war, bullying, friendship, family, and love.