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.

HATTIE BIG SKY by Kirby Lawson

Historical Fiction, World War I, Frontier and Pioneer Life, Self Reliance

289 pages

Description

Booklist starred (September 1, 2006 (Vol 103, No.1)
In this engaging historical novel set in 1918, 16-year-old orphan Hattie Brooks leaves Iowa and travels to a Montana homestead inherited from her uncle. In the beautiful but harsh setting, she has less than a year to fence and cultivate the land in order to keep it. neighbors who welcome Hattie help heal the hurt she has suffered from years f feeling unwanted. Chapters open with short artic,es that Hattie writes for an Iowa newspaper or her lively letters to a friend and possible beau who is in the military in France. The authentic first-person narrative, full of hope and anxiety, effectively portrays Hattie's struggles as a young woman with liimited options, a homesteader facing terrible odds, and a loyal citizen confused about the war and the local anit-German bias that endangers her new friends. Larson, whose great-grandmother homesteaded alone in Montana, read dozens of homesteaders' journals and based scenes in the book on reral events. Writing in figurative language that draws on nature and domestic detail to infuse her story with the sounds, smells, and sights of the prairie, she creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters.

Horn Book Guide (Spring 2007) Set in Montana during World War I, Larson's novel tells a

gripping story of frontier life through the eyes of an unlikely homesteader--a sixteen-year-old orphan girl. Pressures to be a "loyal" American complicate her situation after she befriends a German couple. Evocative yet straightforward language ably depicts Hattie's joys and struggles. Recipes and an author's note are included. Reading list.

Comments

Pair this with Prairie Lotus for a more realistic take on

“Little House in the Woods.” I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. Kids might be reluctant to borrow it, thinking it could be old fashioned, but it’s a great story, an adventure, an example of female independence, courage, and resilience

WAR HORSE by Michael Morpurgo

Fiction, World War I, Horses, Friendship
Grades 5-8
67 pages

"We'll be friends, you and I. I'll call you Joey,' Albert said. 'I'll look after you. We'll always be friends, I promise.' Albert Narracott, a farmer's boy, makes this promise to his horse, Joey, in Devon, England. But this is before the First World War, and before Joey leaves for France to become a war horse. What happens to Joey in the British army? What will the Germans and the French do to him when they find him? And how will Albert find Joey again? Read this story and find out."
- The Publisher

GREAT book! Full disclosure I love horses, but this story about friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness will touch the heart of anyone.