19 year-old Jakob Novis is a math wizard, and has been working hard to break the Enigma cipher at Bletchley Park in 1940, unintentionally ignoring his19 year-old Jakob Novis is a math wizard, and has been working hard to break the Enigma cipher at Bletchley Park in 1940, unintentionally ignoring his headstrong, 14 year-old sister Lizzie. Lizzie is secretly trying to locate her American born mother, who mysteriously disappeared from the Warsaw embassy, where she volunteered to go, as it was being closed. She is presumed dead, except Lizzie is sure she is alive. Meanwhile, their grandmother in Cleveland is hell bent on Lizzie coming to America. Lizzie runs off, and is reunited with Jakob at Bletchley Park, where she notices many details as a messenger, eventually figuring out what happened to her mother, along with Jakob and two other friends from Bletchley Park, by risking her life....more
Ex-Bostonian cop Franklin Warren arrives in idyllic Bethany, Vermont, to become a detective with the state police, recommended by a family friend. A dEx-Bostonian cop Franklin Warren arrives in idyllic Bethany, Vermont, to become a detective with the state police, recommended by a family friend. A disgruntled farmer dies in a barn fire, an apparent suicide, and Warren uses the investigation as a means to meet his new community. The pregnant widow has four young sons, and becomes a target for her husband's brother, who is angered by not receiving an inheritance, which he sorely needs. There are many people in town, who did not like the decedent, and Warren slowly uncovers other petty crimes and country kindnesses, dispensing his own sensible justice along the way. I look forward to reading the sequel....more
A heart-wrenching story: Amy is a thirteen-year-old Japanese-American girl living in Hawaii in early 1941, when her great-grandmother gets sick. With A heart-wrenching story: Amy is a thirteen-year-old Japanese-American girl living in Hawaii in early 1941, when her great-grandmother gets sick. With a newly-born baby brother, Amy is the only one able to travel, to be with her family in Hiroshima. After Pearl Harbor is bombed, Amy is stranded and forced to translate English radio transmissions for the Japanese army. She hears of internment camps in America but thinks it is propaganda until she hears of her family's fate, causing her to rethink her national loyalties. Then, her life is forever changed as a hibakusha as her new home is obliterated. Good artwork, with panels showing what words are inadequate to describe....more
Continuation of a trilogy, with mostly new characters. Katya Marston is a privileged English orphan, who closest relationship Abigail is found dead inContinuation of a trilogy, with mostly new characters. Katya Marston is a privileged English orphan, who closest relationship Abigail is found dead in the ruins of the World Trade Center; however, her body has the same markings as a murder in Tecumseh County, Ohio, bringing a local deputy sheriff (Roo) to NY City to investigate. The ties back to Russia are numerous, as Abigail's art gallery is hosting a rare show of icons, angering many. Everyone is after Katya, who has no idea why until she and Roo begin to solve the clues left by Abigail as they are chased by competing interests. Well written, taut, historical thriller: trying to resurrect the Romanovs to rule Russia. Looking forward to the third book.
P.S. How weird to have two consecutive, unrelated books with a major character named Roo, neither of whom is a marsupial?
Merged review:
Continuation of a trilogy, with mostly new characters. Katya Marston is a privileged English orphan, who closest relationship Abigail is found dead in the ruins of the World Trade Center; however, her body has the same markings as a murder in Tecumseh County, Ohio, bringing a local deputy sheriff (Roo) to NY City to investigate. The ties back to Russia are numerous, as Abigail's art gallery is hosting a rare show of icons, angering many. Everyone is after Katya, who has no idea why until she and Roo begin to solve the clues left by Abigail as they are chased by competing interests. Well written, taut, historical thriller: trying to resurrect the Romanovs to rule Russia. Looking forward to the third book.
P.S. How weird to have two consecutive, unrelated books with a major character named Roo, neither of whom is a marsupial?...more
Set in a small Georgian town called Maxwell in the 1920s, this book published in 1944 has virtually disappeared. During WWI, a white man (Tracy Deen) Set in a small Georgian town called Maxwell in the 1920s, this book published in 1944 has virtually disappeared. During WWI, a white man (Tracy Deen) realizes he loves Nonnie, a college-educated black women he has always known. Nonnie seems satisfied with small town life, and they begin a doomed sexual relationship, resulting in a pregnancy. Tracy is under enormous familial, social and religious pressure to get married to Dottie Pusey, while Nonnie loves Tracy unerringly. When the inevitable happens, Nonnie's brother visiting from Washington D.C. snaps, resulting in an innocent black man being killed for a crime he did not commit. ...more
Another excellent book in the Adam Lapid series. Israel's political leaders are debating a vote to end its boycott of Germany and initiate negotiationAnother excellent book in the Adam Lapid series. Israel's political leaders are debating a vote to end its boycott of Germany and initiate negotiations to accept reparations from Germany for the Jews killed during the Holocaust and the property stolen by the Nazis from the Jews. Adam Lapid goes to a protest, where violence ensues. He tries to help a badly injured policeman, but instead is arrested on suspicion of causing the injuries. Adam is bailed out of jail by a journalist with an offer to assist a wealthy industrialist investigate the suicide of his 23-year old daughter. While Adam dislikes the client, he is happy to be away from the arresting officer, who is hell bent to render justice. As he investigates, Adam learns that the father and daughter have long been estranged, but his moral compass convinces him to solve the mystery of her death no matter the costs....more
In 16th century Korea, the people suffered under the cruel reign of a tyrant, King Yeonsan. He stole land for personal use, banned and burned books, aIn 16th century Korea, the people suffered under the cruel reign of a tyrant, King Yeonsan. He stole land for personal use, banned and burned books, and kidnapped women for his harem. Seventeen-year-old Iseul lived a sheltered, privileged life as a noble until her older sister, Suyeon, was taken. Iseul decided to travel through forbidden territory to rescue her sister, with an audacious plan to solve a murder and ask for her sister's release from the King. Meanwhile, Prince Daehyun has lived in fear from his half-brother, King Yeonsan, watching him terrorize his countrymen. They join forces to try to do the impossible: launch a coup, kill the King, free the people, and save Iseul's sister....more
Another historical fiction winner for young readers by Alan Gratz. Frank and Stanley are best friends and the son of Navy pilots stationed at Pearl HaAnother historical fiction winner for young readers by Alan Gratz. Frank and Stanley are best friends and the son of Navy pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor. They are touring a warship when the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor occurs on December 7th, 1941. Frank must face his demons and help Stanley deal with the sudden distrust and overt racism he faces because of his Japanese mother. Gratz did a good job of making readers feel they were in Oahu during the planes bombed the base and island....more
Conor Broekhart and his parents live on the Saltee Islands, off the Irish coast, late in the 19th century. Conor spends his days studying the science Conor Broekhart and his parents live on the Saltee Islands, off the Irish coast, late in the 19th century. Conor spends his days studying the science of flight with his tutor and being bossed around by Princess Isabella, saving her life in a daring jump/dive. When a schemer commits regicide, Conor and his tutor are blamed, sending Conor to prison on Little Saltee Island, where he and the other inmates must mine diamonds in dangerous conditions, and avoid other deadly intent. Conor manages to ingratiate himself in a gang, while working on a plan to escape to the mainland and America with pilfered diamonds. However, his plans have to be modified when man who killed the King threatens Isabella and Conor's family. Conor's cellmate may have been the best character in the story. ...more
This is a sequel to The Night Diary, a Newbery Honor book, where twins Amil and Nisha, and their family travelled from Pakistan to India. This novel iThis is a sequel to The Night Diary, a Newbery Honor book, where twins Amil and Nisha, and their family travelled from Pakistan to India. This novel is their subsequent experiences, as a displaced family, in a new country. Nisha has encouraged Amil to draw, rather than write. Their grandma gets sick, their servant who has become a member of the family disappears, and they start helping a child refugee, with even less than they have although they do not have the resources to do so, only the caring. The author delves into a number of serious social and mental health issues in a thoughtful way that is appropriate for younger audiences....more
Set in Hungary in 1943-44, Gina Vitay is a General's daughter living a live of luxury in Budapest, when she is abruptly sent to an authoritarian schooSet in Hungary in 1943-44, Gina Vitay is a General's daughter living a live of luxury in Budapest, when she is abruptly sent to an authoritarian school with no explanation. She finds herself isolated in a plain uniform, and things get much worse as she offends her classmates. The dichotomy between the safe, insulated world of the school and the war going on in Europe, where people are dying makes for an interesting setting. Gina is told there is someone to help her, but does not know who, and becomes especially worried when her weekly calls from her father cease. Further intrigue exists, with the mysterious Abigail, a statue that stands in the school's garden, who hears the complaints and heartaches of the students, and helps solve them. The all-seeing and all-knowing guardian of girls, whose presence becomes so very important to Gina. Gina is forced to grow up fast, and make adult decisions to survive as she is a potential means to exert pressure on her father....more
A remarkable talent many years of her time, Diane Oliver died in a motorcycle accident in 1966 at the young age of 22, having only lived to see four oA remarkable talent many years of her time, Diane Oliver died in a motorcycle accident in 1966 at the young age of 22, having only lived to see four of her stories published. Thank goodness, someone tracked down and published her other stories, which explore issues of Jim Crow laws, poverty, racism which permeated life in 1950s and 1960s in the South. Her characters are well-developed and the situations realistic, with the protagonists usually Black women. It is a shame that her promising and insightful storytelling did not progress to allow her the fame achieved by other authors....more
Max is an unwilling Kindertransport refugee, forced by his loving parents to escape the perils of Nazi Germany and go to London to stay with an adoptiMax is an unwilling Kindertransport refugee, forced by his loving parents to escape the perils of Nazi Germany and go to London to stay with an adoptive family will take him in. Fortunately, his adoptive family is wealthy, but Max has to deal with being different than others in his new school. Max is Jewish, and very worried about his parents, who could not emigrate with him. He vows to find a way to return and rescue them, which effort is aided by his adoptive family's connections to Britain’s intelligence agencies. He agrees to become a spy for the British to execute his plan. He is joined by two immortal creatures, a dybbuk named Stein and a kobold named Berg, permanently stuck to his shoulders, which provide for levity along the way. 3.5 stars rounded up for the deft way in which author Gidwitz deals with complex societal issues....more
Excellent historical fiction, 4.5 stars rounded up. 54 miles is the distance between Selma and Montgomery Alabama, and this book is set in 1965 duringExcellent historical fiction, 4.5 stars rounded up. 54 miles is the distance between Selma and Montgomery Alabama, and this book is set in 1965 during the famous civil rights march led by Martin Luther King. Adam is a young idealist, who decides to travel to Selma, despite the dangers of the racist police department and jeopardizing his NY City college graduation. He is a bi-racial child with a black mother and white father: his mother left Alabama swearing never to return and his father was shunned by his family after marrying Thelma. Adam is beaten and his uncle Luther gets him from the hospital, where Adam discovers some family secrets as his father George's racist brother hates Adam. Meanwhile, Luther is the only person, who looks after George's white father in a nursing home. Adam gets in serious trouble with the law in a small town, forcing his mother to return and save Adam by humiliating herself. Good characters, with lots of important U.S. history included. Recommended....more
Drawing on the extraordinary real-life story of Polish teenager Lidia Zakrzewski, Nielsen has written a fictional version of Lidia's prodigious effortDrawing on the extraordinary real-life story of Polish teenager Lidia Zakrzewski, Nielsen has written a fictional version of Lidia's prodigious efforts, starting as a 12-year old, to become a Polish resistance fighter, trying to best the vaunted Nazi oppressors and free their country from tyranny. Using forged papers and her fair features, protagonist Chaya becomes a courier and travels outside of the Warsaw ghetto, smuggling food, papers, and even people. Then, Chaya joins a resistance cell that runs raids on the Nazis' supplies. But after a disastrous mission, Chaya's network shatters and she finds herself alone. Esther, a member of her cell, finds her and delivers a message sending Chaya on the most dangerous mission of her life in support of a major uprising. Well researched, strong characters....more
The novel is set in Seattle in 1933. Times are tough and corruption is rampant. A former prizefighter is murdered by a small time mobster named GeorgeThe novel is set in Seattle in 1933. Times are tough and corruption is rampant. A former prizefighter is murdered by a small time mobster named George Miller, who claims he acted in self defense. However, the investigating cop feels that the scene has been staged and conducts a thorough investigation, involving dirty money and a dame. He uses a lowly young reporter, William "Shoe" Shumacher, who is paid by the inch and barely surviving, to publish stories, which irritate his more senior and seasoned members of the Fourth Estate. Good twists and turns....more
Set in the mid-1950s, Calvin Greene and his parents flee Chicago after their house is attacked, and their family shattered. They move to Levittown, anSet in the mid-1950s, Calvin Greene and his parents flee Chicago after their house is attacked, and their family shattered. They move to Levittown, an all-white suburb in Pennsylvania, where they are passing. His father, a war veteran, is very strict, pressuring his son to blend, which is creating enormous stress for Calvin. His neighbor Mary wants to be his girlfriend, but Calvin only has eyes for Lily Baker, a black girl insisting on integration. Meanwhile, Mr. Vernon, his real estate company, and the local home association are regulating who can buy homes and settle in their idyllic town. Set in the time period after Brown versus Board of Education, the violent death of Emmitt Till (a cousin of Calvin's BFF in Chicago) unsettles the family and Calvin is motivated to become an activist. The book was ambitious, but I found there were too many subplots and convenient events to really enjoy the story....more
Inspired by true events, Lucy Wilson arrives in rural Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, a pioneering superintendent of Inspired by true events, Lucy Wilson arrives in rural Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, a pioneering superintendent of education. Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe or reader for the locals, Lucy is horrified by the primitive living conditions and illiteracy she finds. Cora decides to teach adults to read and write, using idle schoolhouses on moonlit nights, enlisting help from Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills and Lucy, who enjoys her partnership with this odd fellow....more
Like Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys, The Reformatory is based on the real Dozier School for Boys that was owned by the state of Florida from 1900Like Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys, The Reformatory is based on the real Dozier School for Boys that was owned by the state of Florida from 1900-2011 in the Jim Crow South, including some the horrors that occurred there. Twelve-year-old (black) Robbie Stephens, Jr. is sentenced to six months there for defending his older sister, Gloria, from the drunken advances of the son of the largest (white) landowner in town. Everybody in law enforcement has it out for the Stephens family, looking for Robert Sr.
Due does very well with compelling characters and tension, including weaving a blurry line between the dead and living as Robbie has a gift? for seeing haints (ghosts.) Through his friends Redbone, Blue and a caring custodian, Robbie learns the school's rules and how to survive. Knowing that Robbie will not survive there, Gloria is working the system, with a civil rights lawyer and organizing an escape in case the legal route fails. Recommended....more
A very different WWII historical fiction book than others. Like many other Americans in 1939, young tax attorney Ansel Luxford does not want to get inA very different WWII historical fiction book than others. Like many other Americans in 1939, young tax attorney Ansel Luxford does not want to get involved in the European conflict, but an opportunity arises and he and his wife move to Washington DC to work for the Treasury Department. Ansel joins a small team trying to wage economic warfare on the Nazis, rather than military warfare. Working with leading figures of these times, like J P Morgan and British economist John Maynard Keynes, there are other interests trying to undermine the team's efforts, and perhaps a spy in their midst. Luxford's wife also plays an unusual role, having secured a secretarial job in an governmental office....more
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