This week, I was able to read two realistic fiction novels for young readers. One was historical, and the other was contemporary. These books were truly impactful, and reiterated how incredible juvenile fiction can be.
1. Bradley, K. B. (2015). The war that saved my life. Dial Books for Young Readers.
Sometimes family is something you are born into, but sometimes, you must find it yourself. Readers will not be able to help rooting for Ada and her brother Jamie in this book I can only refer to as The Hiding Place for young readers. The realism portrayed in the stinking trains, the sores and lice on the neglected children, the longing for home but also longing for home to be something better, and the mixed feelings Ada has as she tries to learn to trust an adult is so staggering, yet such an incredible picture of what these children must have been feeling. Though the storyline is entirely fictional, the fear, hope, and everyday battles that Ada and Jamie face are all too real. This novel somehow manages to capture the essence of the past while still promoting tolerance and acceptance that is far beyond this time. Susan Smith, who takes the children in, is very clearly mourning the loss of her partner Becky. She does her best to teach Ada that she is worthy and so much more than "just a cripple" like her mother calls her. Thanks to Susan's incredible patience, Jamie's love and trust, and a pony named Butter, Ada learns to fight for what is right, and finally finds Family for herself.
2. Watson, R. (2019). Some places more than others. Bloomsbury Children’s Books.
Some Places More than Others is an exquisite love letter to New York City and its rich history of Black excellence. As someone who has lived in Harlem, this book perfectly captures the camaraderie and culture that spills out of every storefront on those streets. Amara lives in Beaverton, Oregon, but all she wants for her twelfth birthday is to go to Harlem, NYC with her dad and meet his side of the family. She is finally allowed when her teacher assigns her a "Suitcase Project" exploring her family tree and collecting stories and memories. As she interviews her (reluctant) cousins, and grandfather, she learns about her father's childhood, but also about the African American history that is on every corner of Harlem. Some Places emphasizes the importance of knowing where you came from and using that to propel you into your future. It shows the importance of forgiveness between family members, and that love doesn't disappear just because two people disagree.
Nice hook sentences. Both of these could be expanded to strong reviews.
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