Cold War on Maplewood Street

Title: Cold War on Maplewood Street

 

Author: Gayle Rosengren

 

Summary: Joanna is growing up in 1962, and she feels that a lot of things are not fair for her. Her brother Sam joined up with the military and is now out on a ship somewhere far away -  a ship heading to Cuba. Joanna fears for her cherished, only brother's safety, and feels guilty about not writing him as part of a "promise" that she made in the heat of anger when Sam left.

As well as her fears for her older brother's safety, Joanna also begins to worry about smaller things, like her strange neighbor, staying home alone, the boy-girl party coming up on Saturday night at the popular girl's house, and other middle school worries. As her world seems to turn upside down during the Cuban missile crisis, Joanna must stay strong, for her mother, and most of all, her brother Sam.

 

Comments: I really enjoyed this book. It is based off of the author, Ms. Rosengren's personal childhood experiences, which I find to be quite interesting.

Joanna is realistic and relatable on many levels - she is a character that can be put into any time period and still work. Her worries and insecurities are all very typical for a girl of her age, and that is part of what makes her likeable.  

The story is short and powerful, yet not the sort of powerful that makes the reader cry or anything. The book carries just the right amount of power for a reader, and I think that the book could be suitable for 8+, but most likely best understood by those 10+.

Joanna and Sam's relationship is very sweet, even if it does have its ups-and-downs, and I always enjoy seeing positive sibling relationships in literature.

 

Rating: 5 stars

 

What the Moon Said

Title: What the Moon Said

 

Author: Gayle Rosengren

 

Summary: Esther is a nine/ten year old girl living in the big city with her family during a tough time; The Great Depression. Her family is struck by the hard time and they move to a farm; leaving Esther's beloved city life behind, but taking her mother's superstitious ways with them. Esther grows to love life on the farm, with her new school and best friend Bethany. However, Esther longs for her mother to tell her that she loves her or to hug her; like her friends' mothers all do. Instead, Esther's mother is less open with her affection towards her than towards her siblings; causing Esther to believe she doesn't love her at all. However, when Esther suffers a life threatening incident and their farm crops begin to fail, Esther realizes that maybe her mother really does love her after all.

 

Comments: I loved this book! Historical fiction is my favorite, and this story from The Great Depression did not disappoint. The book was beautifully written and any reader can relate to Esther in some way; she is a very original and loveable character. This book is fine for a reader ages 8+ (as long as you are okay with the mother's superstitious ways, which nearly take Esther's friend away form her). I think this book could be a new favorite! I loved the end; with Esther's realization of her mother's true love for her, and realizing that love is more of an action than a word.

 

Complaints: None.

 

Rating: 5 stars!