Reading Level: Ages 9-12

I can recommend this work of historical fiction as it gives the young reader a sense of life in an ethnic Norwegian neighborhood in Brooklyn in 1944, as well as a historical perspective of the effect of WWII on families who had sons, husbands, and brothers, in the war.

It also reinforces the fact that in spite of life-altering world events, the life of a 13-year old, Judy Strand, centers around the same concerns teens have today: friendships, first love, gangs and bullies, and discovering who one is. In addition, Judy learns early in the book that the man she loves deeply as "Pa" is in fact, not her biological father. She struggles with this new-found knowledge that causes anger, frustration and confusion, throughout this year in her life.

Tragedies surrounding her friends' families causes her to come to terms with her own feelings and she comes to understand the power of forgiveness—both of others and herself. Although the main character is a girl, I think there are enough strong male characters in the book that boys will enjoy this novel also.

— Vy Armour, Member SCBWI