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Nothing Else But Miracles
From the author of A Place to Hang the Moon comes a hopeful World War II story about three scrappy siblings on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
When 12-year-old Dory Byrne’s pop left New York City’s Lower East Side to fight Hitler, he promised her and her brothers that they’d be safe. Like he always said, “the neighborhood will give you what you need.”
There’s the lady from the bakery, who saves them leftover crullers. The kind landlord who checks in on them. And every Thursday night, the Byrnes enjoy a free bowl of seafood stew at Mr. Caputo’s restaurant. . . which is where Dory learns about the abandoned hand-pulled elevator that is the only way to get to Caputo’s upper floors.
But when a new landlord threatens their home in the community that’s raised them and kept them safe, the secret elevator—and the abandoned hotel it leads to—provides just the solution they need.
Based on a very real place in old New York and steeped in the history of World War II, Nothing Else but Miracles is a warm and inviting story of resilience, the tight-knit community of the Lower East Side, and the miracles that await in unexpected places.
Kate Albus is the award-winning author of A Place to Hang the Moon , a JLG Gold Standard Selection, An Indie Pick, An ALSC Notable Children’s Book, A CCBC Choice book, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winner. Nothing Else But Miracles is rich with details from her grandparents’ stories of Coney Island and the Fulton Fish Market.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
When 12-year-old Dory Byrne’s pop left New York City’s Lower East Side to fight Hitler, he promised her and her brothers that they’d be safe. Like he always said, “the neighborhood will give you what you need.”
There’s the lady from the bakery, who saves them leftover crullers. The kind landlord who checks in on them. And every Thursday night, the Byrnes enjoy a free bowl of seafood stew at Mr. Caputo’s restaurant. . . which is where Dory learns about the abandoned hand-pulled elevator that is the only way to get to Caputo’s upper floors.
But when a new landlord threatens their home in the community that’s raised them and kept them safe, the secret elevator—and the abandoned hotel it leads to—provides just the solution they need.
Based on a very real place in old New York and steeped in the history of World War II, Nothing Else but Miracles is a warm and inviting story of resilience, the tight-knit community of the Lower East Side, and the miracles that await in unexpected places.
Kate Albus is the award-winning author of A Place to Hang the Moon , a JLG Gold Standard Selection, An Indie Pick, An ALSC Notable Children’s Book, A CCBC Choice book, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winner. Nothing Else But Miracles is rich with details from her grandparents’ stories of Coney Island and the Fulton Fish Market.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
Kate Albus
4 books607 followersKate Albus grew up in New York but now lives in rural Maryland with her husband and children. She loves reading, baking, knitting, hiking, and other activities that are inherently quiet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
August 2, 2023
4.5 stars
This book was such a wonderful read! I’ve had a “crush” on the Lower East Side of Manhattan since the first grade, when my teacher read “All of a Kind Family” to my class. I’ve had the opportunity to visit that great city many times as an adult, touring Ellis Island, climbing inside the Statue of Liberty, visiting the Tenement Museum, walking on Rivington Street (Sydney Taylor connection!), and so many other adventures. I’ve never had the chance to go to Coney Island, but many books that I’ve read detailing it, including this one, make me determined to see it someday!
Thank you, Kate Albus, for painting such a vivid picture of New York City life during WW2. The characters of Dory, Fish, and Pike, and their determination to stick together no matter what, will stay with me long after I’ve finished this story. And I’m really hoping for a sequel!
One more shout-out, this time for the very detailed author’s notes at the end! On my next trip to NYC, I’m looking for that motel!
This book was such a wonderful read! I’ve had a “crush” on the Lower East Side of Manhattan since the first grade, when my teacher read “All of a Kind Family” to my class. I’ve had the opportunity to visit that great city many times as an adult, touring Ellis Island, climbing inside the Statue of Liberty, visiting the Tenement Museum, walking on Rivington Street (Sydney Taylor connection!), and so many other adventures. I’ve never had the chance to go to Coney Island, but many books that I’ve read detailing it, including this one, make me determined to see it someday!
Thank you, Kate Albus, for painting such a vivid picture of New York City life during WW2. The characters of Dory, Fish, and Pike, and their determination to stick together no matter what, will stay with me long after I’ve finished this story. And I’m really hoping for a sequel!
One more shout-out, this time for the very detailed author’s notes at the end! On my next trip to NYC, I’m looking for that motel!
February 7, 2024
I loved this so much - maybe even more than A Place to Hang the Moon.
February 15, 2023
Kate Albus has done is again with this second wonderful book. Where her first book, A Place to Hang the Moon, took readers into British children's lives in WWII, this second darling story explores the lives of children on the other side of the Atlantic in New York City during the same war. With her signature compassion and humor, Albus draws readers into the lives of three siblings navigating the challenges of adolescence and wartime without parents to guide them. What results is a beautifully written tear-jerker guaranteed to melt the heart of any reader.
October 14, 2023
I absolutely loved A Place To Hang the Moon, so much that I read it in one day on my own, then reread it aloud to my kids just a few weeks later. All that to say, I had high hope for this book and was left underwhelmed.
First off, there were many moments that I really did enjoy! I thought the way the siblings grow together over the course of the story was very sweet. Their friendship with some other kids also grows in a special way. I also appreciated how this was a different kind of WWII story, set on the home front instead of overseas. There were tons of true to life references throughout, from movies and songs on the radio to food and books and even Coney Island games.
However, I felt like the writing was hard to connect with, between the sentence fragments and narrator breaking the 4th wall, to even the historical facts. It felt like things could really have used another round of editing to smooth things out. A lot of the plot revolves around the MC lying to various people without consequence, either natural or from an authority figure. She lied about where she was, how she got a cat, how she was spending their money, and it always worked out. The money aspect was really hard for me to swallow in the historic context. Somehow this family is completely strapped for cash and yet they are going to the movies, buying lunch at the delicatessen, riding the subway, buying treats at Coney Island (but don’t have enough money for a ticket, they have to dishonestly obtain one). One child gets a job so they can pay for rent, yet these “little purchases” are written off without issue. And there are a number of times when the MC talks to the Statue of Liberty that always felt odd instead of sweet. Plus there are a handful of other things that felt out of place to me (climbing up and down a “rope” of sheets dangling outside a building! Putting a kerosene lamp in the middle of a Billards table and playing around it!). There was just too much going on in this story.
The ending was supposed to be really moving and heartwarming and I just found it too syrupy sweet. Everything worked out in a very Hallmark movie ending way. (Prior to the ending I loved how a neighbor stepped in to help them, but the very ending I found to be too much.) and then in the author’s note we find out that the facts of the ending were fudged, which makes me feel even more like it didn’t work. If wounded soldiers ACTUALLY came home as described, I would have been more ok with it.
Anyhow, I know this will still be a hit with kids who love historical fiction, and I think as a read aloud it es a lot of space to talk about both history and how we make choices. But it’s not one I’m going to be rereading so I can experience it with my kids.
First off, there were many moments that I really did enjoy! I thought the way the siblings grow together over the course of the story was very sweet. Their friendship with some other kids also grows in a special way. I also appreciated how this was a different kind of WWII story, set on the home front instead of overseas. There were tons of true to life references throughout, from movies and songs on the radio to food and books and even Coney Island games.
However, I felt like the writing was hard to connect with, between the sentence fragments and narrator breaking the 4th wall, to even the historical facts. It felt like things could really have used another round of editing to smooth things out. A lot of the plot revolves around the MC lying to various people without consequence, either natural or from an authority figure. She lied about where she was, how she got a cat, how she was spending their money, and it always worked out. The money aspect was really hard for me to swallow in the historic context. Somehow this family is completely strapped for cash and yet they are going to the movies, buying lunch at the delicatessen, riding the subway, buying treats at Coney Island (but don’t have enough money for a ticket, they have to dishonestly obtain one). One child gets a job so they can pay for rent, yet these “little purchases” are written off without issue. And there are a number of times when the MC talks to the Statue of Liberty that always felt odd instead of sweet. Plus there are a handful of other things that felt out of place to me (climbing up and down a “rope” of sheets dangling outside a building! Putting a kerosene lamp in the middle of a Billards table and playing around it!). There was just too much going on in this story.
The ending was supposed to be really moving and heartwarming and I just found it too syrupy sweet. Everything worked out in a very Hallmark movie ending way. (Prior to the ending I loved how a neighbor stepped in to help them, but the very ending I found to be too much.) and then in the author’s note we find out that the facts of the ending were fudged, which makes me feel even more like it didn’t work. If wounded soldiers ACTUALLY came home as described, I would have been more ok with it.
Anyhow, I know this will still be a hit with kids who love historical fiction, and I think as a read aloud it es a lot of space to talk about both history and how we make choices. But it’s not one I’m going to be rereading so I can experience it with my kids.
November 14, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
Nothing Else but Miracles is an excellent middle grade historical novel set in the Lower East Side of Manhattan during World War II. It follows a 12 year old girl surviving at home with her older and younger brothers while their dad is off fighting Nazis, trying to stay under the radar since the oldest sibling is only 17 and it's technically illegal. This has interesting historical detail, great family dynamics, and a sort of adventure element that reminded me of The Boxcar Children, though I won't spoil it. Definitely would recommend this one, and I think it could be a good option for the younger end of middle grade readers. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Nothing Else but Miracles is an excellent middle grade historical novel set in the Lower East Side of Manhattan during World War II. It follows a 12 year old girl surviving at home with her older and younger brothers while their dad is off fighting Nazis, trying to stay under the radar since the oldest sibling is only 17 and it's technically illegal. This has interesting historical detail, great family dynamics, and a sort of adventure element that reminded me of The Boxcar Children, though I won't spoil it. Definitely would recommend this one, and I think it could be a good option for the younger end of middle grade readers. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
January 13, 2024
3.5
Not A Place to Hang the Moon but still a cute heartwarming story about 3 kids left by themselves while their Dad is away at war. Not sure what consequences there was for all the lying that went on but that's my "Mom side" kicking in. lol
Some events didn't really seem like it would acutally be able to happen but that is where your imagination comes into place. The language was more a "modern type" feel was well for me vs the time period it was set in. Still a cute little read aloud story.
Not A Place to Hang the Moon but still a cute heartwarming story about 3 kids left by themselves while their Dad is away at war. Not sure what consequences there was for all the lying that went on but that's my "Mom side" kicking in. lol
Some events didn't really seem like it would acutally be able to happen but that is where your imagination comes into place. The language was more a "modern type" feel was well for me vs the time period it was set in. Still a cute little read aloud story.
March 5, 2024
A beautiful novel :)
I understood Dory's circumstances but sometimes I just wanted to smack her the way she acted. Pike was adorable, and Fisher reminded me of myself some.
They all had to grow up fast during wartime.
A family doing the best they could to keep everything together in a unique and uncertain time.
I understood Dory's circumstances but sometimes I just wanted to smack her the way she acted. Pike was adorable, and Fisher reminded me of myself some.
They all had to grow up fast during wartime.
A family doing the best they could to keep everything together in a unique and uncertain time.
November 7, 2023
Really wanted to love this book after how wonderful Albus’s first book was. But I just could not get into this one. Plot was shallow and didn’t really go anywhere. There were some aspects to love about the characters, but on the whole the writing felt repetitive and stagnant. Ending wrapped up quickly without much explanation of some details throughout the story.
August 29, 2023
Kate Albus knows how to write wholesome sibling dynamics. I couldn’t help but love and care for these young characters. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for what historical middle grade she comes out with next.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced reader copy for review.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced reader copy for review.
September 14, 2023
As I was reading this, echoes of other stories would flit into my head. I thought of Scout and Boo Radley. I thought of Barbary from Rose Macaulay's "The World My Wilderness" and her scrappy survival skills. I thought of Francie Nolan and her lively and complex New York world. I thought of Count Rostov from "A Gentleman in Moscow" and how a hotel can become an unexpected refuge. The protagonist of 'Nothing Else But Miracles', Dory Byrne, is her own unique, aggravating, and funny little self and yet richly echoes her literary forebears. She is learning to see the world around her like Scout. She is scrappy like Barbary and wholly at home in NYC like Francie. She is resourceful like Count Rostov. And there's a Boo Radley in this story.
Dory is 12 years old and lives with her father, 17 year old brother Fish, and 8 year old brother Pike in a New York City apartment, close enough to the tip of Manhattan that Dory has made a friend of the Statue of Liberty ('Libby'). Pop is off to fight in WWII in the lead-up to D-Day and Dory, Pike, and Fish have to survive without him. The neighborhood that Pop has lived in his whole life and the kids have lived in their whole lives is looking out for them. But survival is still tough for these kids. The burden of the family falls on Fish, and I love how the three siblings have to learn to trust each other to make it through. I absolutely adored the love between the siblings. They make sacrifices for each other and Dory especially comes to appreciate both her brothers as she learns to look beyond her own survival and emotions.
New York feels so alive and vibrant through Dory's eyes and there is a wonderful sense of history through Dory's discovery of an old hotel and through the kids' visits to Coney Island and other New York landmarks. The individuals that people the neighborhood are from all different nationalities and bring the kids all kinds of food, some of it they love (crullers) and some not so much (some Eastern European dish with beets!). I loved the Byrnes' relationship with their neighbors, the Morellos, who have kids Fish and Dory's ages.
Through the whole story, there's the poignancy of absence with Pop gone and the heartbeat of the children's love for him. They keep Pop alive in their own unique ways and, sure enough, the neighborhood is looking out for them. I loved the personification of 'Libby' in the story and how the theme of liberty takes on richness as the kids face their challenges and mature. The story is also funny and winsome and has a Beverly Cleary flavor in capturing the endearing (and sometimes mildly disgusting) idiosyncracies of kids. And I'd like to put in petitions for an older brother like Fish and a sequel for a story about Pike, the library lover and reader.
Dory is 12 years old and lives with her father, 17 year old brother Fish, and 8 year old brother Pike in a New York City apartment, close enough to the tip of Manhattan that Dory has made a friend of the Statue of Liberty ('Libby'). Pop is off to fight in WWII in the lead-up to D-Day and Dory, Pike, and Fish have to survive without him. The neighborhood that Pop has lived in his whole life and the kids have lived in their whole lives is looking out for them. But survival is still tough for these kids. The burden of the family falls on Fish, and I love how the three siblings have to learn to trust each other to make it through. I absolutely adored the love between the siblings. They make sacrifices for each other and Dory especially comes to appreciate both her brothers as she learns to look beyond her own survival and emotions.
New York feels so alive and vibrant through Dory's eyes and there is a wonderful sense of history through Dory's discovery of an old hotel and through the kids' visits to Coney Island and other New York landmarks. The individuals that people the neighborhood are from all different nationalities and bring the kids all kinds of food, some of it they love (crullers) and some not so much (some Eastern European dish with beets!). I loved the Byrnes' relationship with their neighbors, the Morellos, who have kids Fish and Dory's ages.
Through the whole story, there's the poignancy of absence with Pop gone and the heartbeat of the children's love for him. They keep Pop alive in their own unique ways and, sure enough, the neighborhood is looking out for them. I loved the personification of 'Libby' in the story and how the theme of liberty takes on richness as the kids face their challenges and mature. The story is also funny and winsome and has a Beverly Cleary flavor in capturing the endearing (and sometimes mildly disgusting) idiosyncracies of kids. And I'd like to put in petitions for an older brother like Fish and a sequel for a story about Pike, the library lover and reader.
September 9, 2023
With all the family love, heartache, and resilience (as well as the immersive community!) of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn but for a younger audience.
I especially love that while there is a love for books in this story (as with A Place to Hang the Moon), Dory isn't the bookworm of the family and only learns to appreciate books when she's put in a position to give them a fair chance.
The true love and affection between siblings and the beauty of a close and involved community combine in a truly wonderful story. Add to that a nod to "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and you have a story you don't want to put down.
December 30, 2023
Beautiful story!
December 27, 2023
Charming middle-grade historical fiction. This novel echoes many of the vibes that I adore in Kate Albus’s debut novel, A Place to Hang the Moon: a trio of supportive siblings who were left to fend for themselves must present the appearance of having a legal guardian, so as to avoid being sent into foster care. It’s not as dire as it sounds, since the eldest is a very responsible boy, almost a man, who takes good care of his younger sister and brother. I absolutely love their camaraderie and supportiveness of each other. And the dialogue is wonderful.
Both novels share the same historical timeframe, World War II, but the setting couldn’t be more different. Now we’re living in New York City, which of course feels very different from the English countryside setting of A Place to Hang the Moon. Although not without its charm, especially in scenes inside the century-old abandoned hotel hideaway, the NYC atmosphere in this novel didn’t appeal to me that much. I loved everything else about it!
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy historical fiction, lovely prose, great characters, and middle grade fiction that’s perfect for pre-teens, teens, and grown-ups alike.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Margaret Ferguson Books for a digital advance review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Both novels share the same historical timeframe, World War II, but the setting couldn’t be more different. Now we’re living in New York City, which of course feels very different from the English countryside setting of A Place to Hang the Moon. Although not without its charm, especially in scenes inside the century-old abandoned hotel hideaway, the NYC atmosphere in this novel didn’t appeal to me that much. I loved everything else about it!
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy historical fiction, lovely prose, great characters, and middle grade fiction that’s perfect for pre-teens, teens, and grown-ups alike.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Margaret Ferguson Books for a digital advance review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 15, 2023
I wanted to like this book. I appreciated the descriptions of WW2 era Manhatten, and the underlying plot of three siblings taking care of one another on the home front while their father serves in the European theater. But, to be honest, Dory was not a very likable main character. She had very little personal growth in the entire book (basically, only coming to grips with her resentment of her older brother/guardian at the end of the book, as the plot was rapidly being wrapped up with a tidy bow). In fact, her negative traits of lying, repeatedly breaking into a building belonging to a benefactor, mooching, cheating, and finagling to get her way only seem more celebrated and rewarded as the book goes on. She also is unrepentantly a deliberately careless student, a sloppy child with poor hygiene (far too many mentions of burbling snot!), critical of many neighbors who are unfailingly kind to her, and pretty careless with some important responsibilities. This all sounds harsh, but it could possibly have been overlooked if the overarching plot line had been more riveting. It felt choppy, unrealistic, and, at times, saccharine. I can’t really recommend this book, especially for its intended audience.
April 12, 2024
This book looked promising to me but it was underwhelming.
I looove anything set in NYC and I enjoy WWII reads. I also remember finishing Albus’ A Place to Hang the Moon and being so bummed it was done cuz it was that good!
But in this book there were a lot of things that went nowhere or could have become something cooler, if that makes sense. The story didn’t have the same charm or warmth to it. Dory’s personality (esp the lying) wasn’t my fave. Ending was rushed. Some forced time period hat tips like saying “shucks, mister.” I don’t understand how people are saying this book is as good as Albus’ first one 🤷🏼♀️
I looove anything set in NYC and I enjoy WWII reads. I also remember finishing Albus’ A Place to Hang the Moon and being so bummed it was done cuz it was that good!
But in this book there were a lot of things that went nowhere or could have become something cooler, if that makes sense. The story didn’t have the same charm or warmth to it. Dory’s personality (esp the lying) wasn’t my fave. Ending was rushed. Some forced time period hat tips like saying “shucks, mister.” I don’t understand how people are saying this book is as good as Albus’ first one 🤷🏼♀️
July 15, 2024
Kate Albus has done it again!
I read A Place to Hang the Moon last year and absolutely fell in love with it. It was actually among my top five books of 2023. Somehow, I loved Nothing Else but Miracles even more.
We follow Dory and her two brothers as they are left alone in New York while their dad is called to fight in World War II. This story has so many elements that I label as 'wholesome': lovely sibling dynamics, descriptions of food, and an overall fine balance of dark and uplifting themes.
What I like best about Kate's books is that I can totally see kids loving these stories just as much as an adult (me, me) could. Despite the difficult topics explored, her stories capture so much coziness, hope, and love. Both stories are unbelievably underrated, and if you are reading this review, I urge you to do yourself a favor and pick up either one of them.
Kate Albus, you have won a very loyal reader. Thank you for writing!
I read A Place to Hang the Moon last year and absolutely fell in love with it. It was actually among my top five books of 2023. Somehow, I loved Nothing Else but Miracles even more.
We follow Dory and her two brothers as they are left alone in New York while their dad is called to fight in World War II. This story has so many elements that I label as 'wholesome': lovely sibling dynamics, descriptions of food, and an overall fine balance of dark and uplifting themes.
What I like best about Kate's books is that I can totally see kids loving these stories just as much as an adult (me, me) could. Despite the difficult topics explored, her stories capture so much coziness, hope, and love. Both stories are unbelievably underrated, and if you are reading this review, I urge you to do yourself a favor and pick up either one of them.
Kate Albus, you have won a very loyal reader. Thank you for writing!
October 24, 2023
In NYC during WWII three siblings try and survive.
I’m disappointed. I adored Kate Albus’ first book but this wasn’t nearly as good of a follow up. While it had the same charm Albus seems to carry, it didn’t have a fraction of the plot. This story went NOWHERE. Things would happen and I’d think, “who cares?” The plot didn’t really go anywhere and as a result I felt very detached from it. Also- the characters weren’t nearly as likable. The names drove me CRAZY and rubbed me wrong the entire story.
I’m disappointed. I adored Kate Albus’ first book but this wasn’t nearly as good of a follow up. While it had the same charm Albus seems to carry, it didn’t have a fraction of the plot. This story went NOWHERE. Things would happen and I’d think, “who cares?” The plot didn’t really go anywhere and as a result I felt very detached from it. Also- the characters weren’t nearly as likable. The names drove me CRAZY and rubbed me wrong the entire story.
June 24, 2023
While at times I found Dory’s character endearing and humorous, the entire plot of this story is built upon her lies, a premise I have a hard time getting behind for young readers.
October 10, 2023
I needed a sweet, cozy and heartwarming read- and Kate Albus did not disappoint. Like her first book, she has a way of sharing the realities of life (in America this time) during WWII without taking you into the pits of despair. Again, a story featuring siblings and their sweet relationship as they face wartime NYC.
Not a cliffhanger or thriller but I didn’t want it to end.
I read a library copy but will be adding a personal copy to my home library.
Not a cliffhanger or thriller but I didn’t want it to end.
I read a library copy but will be adding a personal copy to my home library.
February 7, 2024
Truly beautiful. I love Kate Albus's writing and if you enjoyed A Place to Hang the Moon, you'll love this one too!
June 30, 2024
Enjoyed this one more than A Place to Hang the Moon because the kids are way less perfect and thus way more interesting. I would have liked for Dory to pay the consequences for all her lying, and to find the dang treasure, dad nab it.
June 3, 2024
Cute and fun read! I will say however that I was bothered by the lies the girl told, it was like her first response to trouble and she didn’t seem to experience any repercussions from it. But other than that, I did enjoy the setting, the characters, the writing.
Listened to on Libby thanks to my local public library.
Listened to on Libby thanks to my local public library.
August 28, 2023
Will read anything Kate Albus writes. Truly.
Kate's A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON became one of my favorite books of all time, so I was *very* excited to read what she put out next. And let me say: Kate is one of the greats, because NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES was just as stunning.
Kate's second book -- another MG historical fiction story -- tells the story of three sibling on the Lower East Side of Manhattan during WWII. While waiting for their dad to come home from the fight, the Byrne siblings carry on with the help of their neighborhood. But with a grouchy landlord out to reveal their parent-less dwelling, they need a place to escape. Then twelve-year-old Dory discovers a hideout, an old hotel abandoned for decades that provides them the home -- and the miracles -- they need.
Based on a very real place in old New York and steeped in the history of the last year of World War II, NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES shows how, when things get tough, the neighborhood really will give you what you need… and may even offer up a miracle or two in the process.
Kate has a magical way of crafting stories that are so heartfelt and tender, funny and engaging, meaningful and thoughtful, so seamlessly weaved into one beautiful story. They're books you hold close to your chest. They're books you cherish.
It's one I'm going to be thinking about -- and recommending -- this book for a long time. Add Kate's books to your TBR immediately!
Thank you to Kate for the ARC (and Netgalley/Holiday House for the e-ARC) in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES is out 9/5/23!
Kate's A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON became one of my favorite books of all time, so I was *very* excited to read what she put out next. And let me say: Kate is one of the greats, because NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES was just as stunning.
Kate's second book -- another MG historical fiction story -- tells the story of three sibling on the Lower East Side of Manhattan during WWII. While waiting for their dad to come home from the fight, the Byrne siblings carry on with the help of their neighborhood. But with a grouchy landlord out to reveal their parent-less dwelling, they need a place to escape. Then twelve-year-old Dory discovers a hideout, an old hotel abandoned for decades that provides them the home -- and the miracles -- they need.
Based on a very real place in old New York and steeped in the history of the last year of World War II, NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES shows how, when things get tough, the neighborhood really will give you what you need… and may even offer up a miracle or two in the process.
Kate has a magical way of crafting stories that are so heartfelt and tender, funny and engaging, meaningful and thoughtful, so seamlessly weaved into one beautiful story. They're books you hold close to your chest. They're books you cherish.
It's one I'm going to be thinking about -- and recommending -- this book for a long time. Add Kate's books to your TBR immediately!
Thank you to Kate for the ARC (and Netgalley/Holiday House for the e-ARC) in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. NOTHING ELSE BUT MIRACLES is out 9/5/23!
October 20, 2023
This book was such a delight! It was fun to see how the author highlighted life in New York through her storytelling. After reading "A Place to Hang the Moon" (and really loving it) I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. There are similarities, both books are about 3 siblings during WW2 living without parents (although due to different circumstances). But "A Place to Hang the Moon" takes place in England, and this one takes place in New York. At first glance the similarities turned me off, but then I realized that even though this book is not a sequel, it is a story told during the same timeline just in a different location.
It was fun seeing how the author weaved together the neighborhood to become part of the setting itself. And towards the end the book even caused me to shed some tears. Its hard to compare the two books, but if I had to choose I might say I like this one better than the hang the moon. :)
It was fun seeing how the author weaved together the neighborhood to become part of the setting itself. And towards the end the book even caused me to shed some tears. Its hard to compare the two books, but if I had to choose I might say I like this one better than the hang the moon. :)
June 15, 2023
I absolutely adore Kate Albus‘s first book A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON, and her sophomore novel is just as wonderful!
Thanks to @netgalley for the eARC, which releases from @margaretfergusonbooks 9/5/23
Dory, the protagonist, is the middle sibling, between responsible Fish and bookish Pike. Full of spunk and practicality, she prefers trousers to dresses, and looks to the Statue of Liberty for inspiration and guidance. With their mother dead and their father sent off to the war, the siblings must learn how to work together in order to stay together. Set in 1945, in the Lower East side of NYC, this family discovers just how much their neighborhood has to offer them in this charming, heartfelt story. I laughed and I cried, and read the whole book in one sitting! I can’t wait to share it with readers in the fall!
Thanks to @netgalley for the eARC, which releases from @margaretfergusonbooks 9/5/23
Dory, the protagonist, is the middle sibling, between responsible Fish and bookish Pike. Full of spunk and practicality, she prefers trousers to dresses, and looks to the Statue of Liberty for inspiration and guidance. With their mother dead and their father sent off to the war, the siblings must learn how to work together in order to stay together. Set in 1945, in the Lower East side of NYC, this family discovers just how much their neighborhood has to offer them in this charming, heartfelt story. I laughed and I cried, and read the whole book in one sitting! I can’t wait to share it with readers in the fall!
December 23, 2023
In this book, Kate Albus’s newest novel, I could immediately tell that her style had shifted immensely. I adored A Place to Hang the Moon, but I found this narrative voice to be tangential, expositional, and overall a bit distracting. It actually bothered me, and I had a hard time enjoying the read. In my opinion, story wasn’t bad, but some parts rather annoyed me - like how Dory is ALWAYS lying. Sadly, did not live up to my expectations.
October 12, 2023
It’s decided, I’ll read anything Kate writes! Her first book quickly became one of my all-time favorites, and this one didn’t disappoint either. She is masterful at creating characters that you can’t help but love. The affection of these siblings, their fierce loyalty to one another, the way their neighborhood of the Lower East Side of Manhattan rallies around them - there’s just so much to love!
September 19, 2023
A lot I liked about this. Some things I didn’t like. Characters seemed believable to me with real flaws and real growth (that was the one thing I didn’t love about A Place to Hang the Moon — the kids were practically perfect).
If my kids were reading it, we'd definitely talk about all the lying.
If my kids were reading it, we'd definitely talk about all the lying.
April 17, 2024
Interesting book that I couldn’t put down. 3 stars because the main character lies through most of the book and it isn’t addressed.
December 30, 2023
2.5 stars.
Meh.
That just about sums this book up. Meh. If I didn’t know this was written my the same author as A Place to Hang the Moon, I would never in a million years have guessed it. I enjoyed this book as in it was a quick and easy read with a trio of charming siblings. But I have a multitude of problems. Brace yourselves. A rant is coming.
The writing, frankly, annoyed me. The constant breaking of the fourth wall, the lists, etc., all seemed like an attempt to be witty and funny, but mostly came off as grating, especially since they were sometimes very ill placed, at points that were not supposed to be remotely funny.And the DIAMOND. Don’t even get me started. Why mention the diamond at all? It was SO POINTLESS and had ZERO RELEVANCE to the plot. It was just a red herring, which to me (though I’m sure it wasn’t) felt like I was being laughed at. I guessed almost right away that the diamond was a red herring, but when it was revealed that it had nothing to do with the plot, it felt like, “lol I tricked you the diamond was pointless sorry not sorry lol.” It just annoyed me immensely.
The letters Dory found were similar. They had no relevance to the plot. It felt like someone had found them in real life; a cool thing to find but it doesn’t actually come to anything. That’s fine and all, but this is not supposed to be like in real life. This is supposed to be a story.
The plot was another problem. I was confused about what story the author was trying to tell here. The characters did not have to come over any huge struggles or character flaws. They learn practically nothing. They hardly develop. There was no real external conflict, either. The problems with their landlord and stuff was all solved for them by their neighbor.
One last thing (I promise this is the last thing 😂) ‘miracles’ was never really a theme in this book. The word was said, like maybe three times? But it wasn’t important to the characters, it wasn’t important to the plot, it just seemed rather arbitrary.
So, in short, (if you’re still even here, how many people are going to bother reading to the end of this high-schooler’s rant about a middle-grade piece of fiction??) I’m disappointed. I hope Kate Albus’ future works will be more like A Place to Hang the Moon, and less like this.
Meh.
That just about sums this book up. Meh. If I didn’t know this was written my the same author as A Place to Hang the Moon, I would never in a million years have guessed it. I enjoyed this book as in it was a quick and easy read with a trio of charming siblings. But I have a multitude of problems. Brace yourselves. A rant is coming.
The writing, frankly, annoyed me. The constant breaking of the fourth wall, the lists, etc., all seemed like an attempt to be witty and funny, but mostly came off as grating, especially since they were sometimes very ill placed, at points that were not supposed to be remotely funny.And the DIAMOND. Don’t even get me started. Why mention the diamond at all? It was SO POINTLESS and had ZERO RELEVANCE to the plot. It was just a red herring, which to me (though I’m sure it wasn’t) felt like I was being laughed at. I guessed almost right away that the diamond was a red herring, but when it was revealed that it had nothing to do with the plot, it felt like, “lol I tricked you the diamond was pointless sorry not sorry lol.” It just annoyed me immensely.
The letters Dory found were similar. They had no relevance to the plot. It felt like someone had found them in real life; a cool thing to find but it doesn’t actually come to anything. That’s fine and all, but this is not supposed to be like in real life. This is supposed to be a story.
The plot was another problem. I was confused about what story the author was trying to tell here. The characters did not have to come over any huge struggles or character flaws. They learn practically nothing. They hardly develop. There was no real external conflict, either. The problems with their landlord and stuff was all solved for them by their neighbor.
One last thing (I promise this is the last thing 😂) ‘miracles’ was never really a theme in this book. The word was said, like maybe three times? But it wasn’t important to the characters, it wasn’t important to the plot, it just seemed rather arbitrary.
So, in short, (if you’re still even here, how many people are going to bother reading to the end of this high-schooler’s rant about a middle-grade piece of fiction??) I’m disappointed. I hope Kate Albus’ future works will be more like A Place to Hang the Moon, and less like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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