J.E. Laufer

When the Nazi's invade, Pearl and her family run for the woods. Immediately, one of Pearl's brothers is missing, and her grandmother dies. Although the remaining family finds a rudimentary shelter, they are freezing and starving. Two of the children set off to find work on a farm. A few weeks later, Pearl also finds work nearby. Weeks, months, and years pass, with Pearl hearing very little about her family.

Although this book is listed as young adult, it felt more like a pre-teen or middle grade book. The book itself could have used more details or description of Pearl's life. The lack of details made this book feel less than real. Although this is not a book I would re-read, it is appropriate for a much younger audience.… (més)

A true tale of both hope and inhumanity dressed in the finery of fiction. While Pearl and her family are hunted and separated, many of them survive and relate what they went through to their own family members. That is how this book came about. My biggest takeaway is the totally un Christian attitudes and behaviors of ordinary people who weren't even stupid enough to be nazi. A very moving book complete with post war follow up and even some family pictures.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Little Egg Publishing Company via NetGalley.… (més)

Visit Giggleville where wishes can come true. The story progresses through a variety of children making wishes. At first the wishes are for themselves, material things, skills etc. The next group of wishes are for the world: disease free, no bullies, lots of laughter, no more fighting, everyone to be happy etc. The illustrations are wonderful. They are full of vibrant colours, fun "creatures/children" with a lot of activity going on. This is a great book to use when talking about imagination and about making changes in our world. If only wishing were that easy. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (més)