A LAND OF PERMANENT GOODBYES by Atia Abawi

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi

Realistic Fiction, Refugees, Bombings, Civil War

2018: 285 pages

Description
School Library Journal (December 1, 2017)

Gr 7 Up-Told from the point of view of Destiny, this novel focuses on one Syrian family tragically affected by a senseless and brutal war. Tareq, the eldest son, along with his father and young sister, are the only members of their immediate family still alive after their village is bombed. The only practical means of survival is to flee their homeland for Turkey, Greece, and ultimately, Germany, to evade persecution and probable (if not inevitable) death. Abawi presents a gripping, heartbreaking story about the refugee crisis in Syria, and how all wars cruelly impact people, society, and nations. The author does not shy away from many of the barbaric acts of terrorism perpetrated against the anti-establishment Muslim citizens: beheadings followed by vacant-eyed human heads posted on metal spikes to terrorize nonbelievers into compliance. She contrasts this poignantly, memorably, and poetically with the endearing way she describes Tareq and his loving family. Several other characters are introduced. Alexia, an American on vacation in Greece, decides to stay in the country to help. Her story is an integral one as it merges with Tareq's arrival, though the thread ends somewhat abruptly. Overall, Abawi skillfully places humanity enmeshed in war into two sides: the "hunters" who feed on the suffering and the "helpers" who lend a hand. VERDICT An inspiring, timely, and must-have account about the Syrian refugee disaster and the perils of all wars; best supplemented with nonfiction information for research purposes.-Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

This is an unforgettable book that can do much to inspire compassion and understanding in readers. It can also encourage curiosity to learn more about global unrest. Although there is no gratuitous violence, there are disturbing descriptions as described in the review above, including the implication of rape. These scenes are not dwelled upon and are part of the fabric of the refugee experience. The overwhelming takeaway is the refugees' fear, uncertainty, hunger, cold, loss, and grief. Highly recommended for grades 8 and up.

 

WHEN THE WORLD WAS OURS by Liz Kessler

When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler

Historical Fiction, Holocaust, WWII, Friendship

2021; 337 pages

Description

Booklist starred (May 15, 2021 (Vol. 117, No. 18))

Grades 6-8. Best friends Leo, Elsa, and Max are celebrating Leo’s ninth birthday in 1936 Vienna. Leo’s papa takes their picture, and as their lives spin apart during the next five years, all three depend on their copy of that picture as a touchstone. Elsa, who is Jewish, loses her home, is forced into a ghetto, and is eventually transported to Auschwitz. Leo is Jewish, too, and after his papa is arrested, Leo and his mother try to escape Austria. Max, who was a bullied outcast before he met Elsa and Leo, is the son of a high-ranking Nazi, and he embraces the brainwashing camaraderie of the Hitler Youth movement. The heartbreaking narrative follows the characters across time and space as they age and struggle down their separate paths. And though they still remain connected to one another, a reunion now may bring only grief. Based on the real-life experiences of author Kessler’s relatives, the narrative is brutally honest and totally believable. Readers share the inner thoughts of each character as they adapt to their unimaginable circumstances. Despite the characters’ initial grade-school ages, this emotional novel is best suited for older middle-grade readers.

My Comments

A perfect ELA supplement for our 8th-grade Social Studies curriculum. Although the three friends are in elementary school initially, they grow both in age and emotionally as the war wreaks havoc on their lives and friendships. This is a powerful story, but as the reviewer notes, it is best suited for older middle school students. Highly recommended.

 

KILLER OF THE FLOWER MOON: THE OSAGE MURDERS AND THE BIRTH OF THE FBI (adapted for young readers) by David Grann

 

Killer of the Flower Moon: The Osage  Murders and the Birth of the FBI (Young Readers by David Gran

Narrative Nonfiction, Human Rights, Native Americans, U.S. History

322 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews (October 15, 2021)

A young readers’ adaptation of the 2017 title by the same name tells the story behind a series of murders in 1920s Oklahoma. Opening with the murder of Anna Brown, a 34-year-old Osage woman, readers are led through the chain of evidence as well as being introduced to critical background information such as the seizure of much Osage territory by the U.S. government and the consequences for Osage people of finding oil on their land. By the time FBI special agent Tom White was put on the case, an Osage man had been murdered and Anna’s mother had died under mysterious circumstances, contributing to feelings in the community that they were being targeted for their wealth. The book evokes the atmosphere of the time through photographs and the quoting of sensationalistic newspaper headlines, but the author handles the material respectfully and does not go into graphic detail about the deaths. Each chapter uncovers a new layer of exploitation and corruption in a system that required the Osage to have White guardians who dictated how and where they could spend their money. The bureau’s undercover operatives used the latest forensic and investigative techniques to confirm alibis and reveal false identities. The story unfolds in a gripping way, allowing readers to piece together what happened with the information given. This compelling page-turner highlights criminal exploitation of Osage people and the work of the modern FBI. (who’s who, glossary, note on sources, sources, notes, illustration credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

My Comments
A powerful and tragic story. So many people recommended this book to me for years, but I avoided reading it for this very reason. I am so, glad, however, that I finally did. There are so many lessons about the lure of greed, corruption, and the dehumanization of Native Americans. There are also examples of tremendous and courage and integrity. It's an important story that would make for deep conversations if read as a class or with a parent. This story is and should be unforgettable. Pair this with the fascinating Master of Deceit: J. Edgar Hoover and America in the Age of Lies by Marc Aronson

WHEN WINTER ROBESON CAME by Brenda Woods

 When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods

Historical Fiction, African Americans, Race Relations, Watts Riots 1965 Los Angeles, Novels in Verse

160 pages

Description

In August 1965, twelve-year-old Eden's older cousin from Mississippi comes to visit her in Los Angeles, and while the Watts Riots erupt around them, they continue their investigation of the disappearance of Winter's father ten years ago.

My Comments

Engaging, educational. I wish that Eden's character was older and that the cover didn't look so young because this book would be good for grades 7 and 8. Also, the cover is very young looking. Otherwise, this would be a great book for 8th grade since her older cousin is 14 and the time period fits into their curriculum.

Book Quotes

"I want to write music. I pause. I think.

You written any yet?

Some. They're not very good.

Why you gonna talk yourself down? There'll be plenty of folks to do that for you.

You haveta believe in yourself, cousin. That's my rule number one.

I ask, What's your rule number two?

Believe in yourself some more.

-page 85 (When Winter Robeson Came)

SAINT IVY: KIND AT ALL COSTS by Laurie Morrison

Saint Ivy: Kind At All Costs by Laurie Morrison

Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Social-Emotional

329 pages

Description

School Library Journal (July 1, 2021)

Thirteen-year-old Ivy knows what she is good at: being kind to others. Like many middle schoolers, Ivy is grasping for an identity, and has decided that being kind is her "thing," the way sports or academics are for other kids. Ivy is not so good at being kind to herself, however, and her relationships with her family and friends suffer. Ivy is always ready to help others, but won't share or let herself be helped in turn. The lively narrative projects an authentic middle school voice and the Philadelphia setting is vivid, populated by nuanced characters and situations. Ivy's caring mother regularly asks Ivy to share her feelings, but then hides the risks of her surrogate pregnancy. One of Ivy's oldest friends, alienated by her determination not to share any vulnerabilities, decides that their friendship has run its course. Ivy is Jewish; her father has a male partner while her friend Lila has two mothers, and Ivy has Black and Latinx friends at school. The story shows the benefits of living in such a diverse community: Ivy's Nana encourages her to "embrace all the parts of herself," and Ivy embraces this in others too. When she first encounters Lila's blended family and wonders about their history, she quickly understands that she "doesn't need to understand the inner workings of Lila's family." Surrounded by all sorts of loving families and community members, it's no wonder that Ivy has found a knack for being kind. VERDICT Relatable realistic fiction for upper elementary and middle school readers navigating friendships, boundaries, and identity, with appeal for fans of similarly themed stories such as Varian Johnson's Twins, Shannon Hale's Real Friends, and Celia C. Pérez's Strange Birds.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn P.L. © Copyright 2021. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Plot moves along well. Good depiction of middle school friendships. I would give this to 7th and 8th graders and some sixth graders depending on maturity level. Liked this one!

 

EFREN DIVIDED by Ernesto Cisneros

Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Immigration, Children of Immigrants, Deportation, Mexican-Americans

263 pages

Description
Booklist starred (February 1, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 11))
Efrén Nava has a tight-knit family—Max and Mia, his younger twin siblings; his hard-working father, Apá; and his mom, Queen of the Best Sopes, Amá (otherwise known as "Soperwoman" in Efrén’s mind), who is the glue that keeps the family together. 
Efrén is happy with the way his life is going—he's working hard at school, spending time with his best friend David, and visiting his school library. But one day, Efrén’s world comes crashing down when his beloved Amá gets deported. Now he must do his part in supporting his family, which means helping take care of his siblings, managing money, and being strong for his father, all while keeping up at school and helping David become class president. How long, he wonders, can the family go on without Amá? With matter-of-fact storytelling from Efrén’s point of view, Cisneros' debut offers a vivid glimpse into the difficult, tenuous lives of immigrant families, succinctly communicates the heartbreaking impact of deportations, and demonstrates the resiliency of those affected, all grounded in the perspective of a relatable protagonist. This timely middle-grade novel will not only open dialogue with children on the issue of immigration but also encourage conversations on the subjects of kindness, empathy, and activism. A moving novel perfectly pitched to its audience.

My Comments

This accessible novel provides material for book group or class discussions on empathy and cultural perspectives. Cisneros shows how fear keeps children of immigrants from sharing their difficulties and heartbreaks with teachers or adults who could help them. Some background information on the Mexico-United States border would be helpful, but Cisneros does a wonderful job portraying the experience of one family that is easily understood by a middle school reader.

 

THE BRIDGE HOME by Padma Venkatramen

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

India, Homelessness, Child Labor, Survival, Families

194 pages

Description

Booklist starred (February 1, 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 11)) Grades 5-7. In India, 11-year-old Viji and her 12-year-old sister, Rukku, run away to Chennai after their violent father strikes out at them. Unprepared for living on the streets, they befriend two homeless boys: Arul, who lost his family in a tsunami, and Muthu, who escaped from a so-called school where he was confined and forced to work. Together they pick through garbage dumps for glass and metal scraps to sell, sleep on an abandoned bridge, and form their own family. Rukku’s intellectual disability has made her dependent on Viji, who gradually learns that her sister is more capable than she had thought. When Rukku and Muthu fall ill, Viji makes tough decisions in hopes of saving their lives and later must cope with her grief before she can move on. The four children and their tight-knit relationship are portrayed with conviction and finesse. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to her sister, the affecting narrative transports readers to a faraway setting that becomes vivid and real. Although the young characters face unusually difficult challenges, they nevertheless find the courage they need to move forward. The author of A Time to Dance (2014), Venkatraman offers an absorbing novel of love, loss, and resilience.

My Comments This book is one of those rare finds that you can give to almost anyone. It brings alive the plight of children in heartbreaking circumstances, but also how the human spirit can often prevail. Absolutely love this one.

 

THE SKYLARK'S WAR by Hilary McKay

 

The Skylark's War by Hilary McKay

Historical Fiction, World War I, Sex Roles Fiction

324 pages

Description

Booklist starred (August 2018 (Vol. 114, No. 22))

Grades 7-10. While most writers fill in their main character’s backstory in a few paragraphs, this unusual novel begins when Clarry is born, in 1902, and follows her for more than 20 years. 

She and her older brother, Peter, grow up in a somewhat affluent, rather grim London household, but each year their emotionally distant father sends them off to Cornwell to spend a gloriously happy summer of freedom with their grandparents and their cousin Rupert. Midway through the book, 

WWI begins and their lives (Rupert’s in the trenches in France, and his cousins’ and their friends’ 

in England) are increasingly shaped by forces beyond their control. The characters are sharply delineated by their varied personalities, inclinations, and experiences. Their actions, though occasionally unexpected, seem inevitable in retrospect. McKay brings the period settings to life with vivid details, particularly when the war brings horrors to France and hardships to the home front. Flashbacks to the boys’ pivotal boarding school days fill the gaps in their stories, but the focus always returns to Clarry, her steadfast relationships, and her gradually widening world. Though love, pain, and loss shape this emotionally resonant story of coming of age in turbulent times, the ending is quietly hopeful and wholly satisfying.

Comments
I was drawn into this story despite some misgivings about it being too old-fashioned, but the writing style fits the time period perfectly. The timeless themes of war's devastating effects are portrayed honestly. The historical aspect brings to life the time period. This book should appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommended.

THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Makesy

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse 

by Charlie Mackesy

Description

From the revered British illustrator, a modern fable for all ages that explores life's universal lessons, 

featuring 100 color and black-and-white drawings.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" asked the mole.

"Kind," said the boy.

Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book based on his famous quartet of characters. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse explores their unlikely friendship and the poignant, universal lessons they learn together.

Radiant with Mackesy's warmth and gentle wit, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse blends hand-written  narrative with dozens of drawings, including some of his best-loved illustrations (including "Help," which has been shared over one million times) and new, never-before-seen material. A modern classic in the vein of The Tao of Pooh, The Alchemist, and The Giving Tree, this charmingly designed keepsake will be 

treasured for generations to come.

My Comments

This book opens your heart. It's like drinking a refreshing glass of water when you didn't even know you were thirsty. Highly recommended for all ages!

LUCKY BROKEN GIRL by Ruth Behar

 

Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Realistic Fiction, Cuban-Americans, Immigration, Grief, Loss, Coming of Age

243 pages, Pura Belpre Award

ruthbehar.com

Description

Horn Book Magazine (July/August, 2017)

In this novel based on the author’s childhood, Ruthie is just ten years old in 1966 when she arrives in Queens from Cuba with her little brother and parents. Because she only speaks Spanish, she is placed in the fifth-grade “dumb” class. Over the next eight months Ruthie’s English improves, she becomes the neighborhood hopscotch queen, and she’s ready to move out of the remedial class. Life is looking up, but then everything comes crashing down when she breaks her leg in a car accident, requiring a full-body cast. Immobile in bed for almost a year, Ruthie is dependent on her mother for everything, and as the months pass, feelings of anger, loneliness, and despair fill her heart. When her next-door neighbor introduces her to drawing and painting, her attention refocuses and she begins to heal emotionally. As she attempts to learn how to walk again, Ruthie finds that friends, family, and the ability to look beyond the present into the future can help turn her “brokenness” into wholeness. Through an unflinchingly honest first-person narrative, readers are taken through a traumatic period in the author’s life (an appended note provides more context and encourages readers to “speak up. Tell your story”). Effectively scattered Spanish phrases lend authenticity, while period references evoke the 1960s setting. alma ramos-mcdermott

My Comments

Author's inscription: "For my son Gabriel, who was also wounded and recovered, and for children everywhere who suffer and look for hope." This is a lovely portrayal of Cuban culture and a loving family who have been forced to leave a country that they love due to political upheaval. The aftermath of a terrible car accident only adds to Ruthie's feeling of isolation. I love how she found art as a way to deal with feelings. This is accessible for all readers.  Highly recommended for grades 6-8.