  | Louisa June and the Nazis in the waves Author: Elliott, Laura | |
| Price: $24.48 | ||
Summary:
In 1941, after Hitler declares war on the United States, unleashing U-boat submarines to attack American ships, Louisa June, with the waves outside her house carrying dangerous enemies, must help her mother after her father and brother are caught in the crossfire.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.40 Points: 7.0 Quiz: 516987 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/15/22)
School Library Journal (+) (03/01/22)
Booklist (+) (03/01/22)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/02/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 03/01/2022 Gr 4–6—Middle grade lovers of World War II historical fiction will find this title engrossing. Thirteen-year-old Louisa June lives along the coast of Virginia at the start of American involvement in World War II, as Hitler begins sending U-boats to attack U.S. ships. Her father and brothers work on boats, and will soon be signing up to help with the war effort. Louisa June's family is directly affected by a torpedo, sent into a tailspin after her father's tugboat is sunk by the Nazis. Her parents deal with their grief, while she figures out her place in the war and how a teenage girl can be of any help like her older siblings. Cousin Belle proves to be a bellwether figure to the family and an advocate for Louisa June while her mother suffers from depression and debilitating anxiety. Many readers will be surprised to learn about German U-boats torpedoing the East Coast of the United States after Pearl Harbor. Elliot's story delivers facts and a thoughtful approach to characters experiencing grief and depression, while adding some maritime adventure in a segment where the family comes together to rescue a British sailor. The conclusion happens swiftly, possibly leaving readers disappointed in not knowing what happens next to Louisa June and her loved ones after the daring rescue. Elliot provides a thorough author's note to dispel any doubts about the authenticity of the events written about in the course of the novel. Main characters are cued as white. VERDICT A must-have for all middle grade historical fiction collections. Recommend to those who enjoyed Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's The War That Saved My Life and Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's Making Bombs for Hitler.—Kim Gardner - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 03/01/2022 *Starred Review* As the U.S. is drawn into WWII, life on the East Coast changes drastically for Louisa June and her family. Her older brothers and sister enlist in various forms of service to support the war efforts, and Louisa June puzzles about how she can help. Then her favorite brother—gentle, poetic Butler—goes out with their father on a boat that gets torpedoed, the blast killing Butler and seriously injuring Dad. This sends her fragile mother into a deep depression, while the reality of U-boats trolling the nearby waters galvanizes locals to protect their homes and country. Louisa June and her friend Emmett persist in their efforts to find a way to help as she also manages home life, stepping up while her parents are incapacitated in their own ways. Elliott weaves a deeply moving historical tale, including small but significant details that flesh out the situations and characters, even the secondary ones. Louisa June and Emmett—along with her elderly, adventurous cousin, Belle—carry the story with their spunk and individualism. Additionally, the extensive and fact-filled backstory shared in the author’s note gives readers even more context for understanding the times on the home front during WWII and includes black-and-white photos. An excellent middle-grade read that balances adventure, emotions, and family. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
