A Long Walk to Water

A Long Walk to Water Linda Sue Park

Okay, this is your last free day from the 2012 Caudills. And I am recommending this book to everyone. Yes, everyone. It was recommended to me by my one of my cohorts. Thank you John. I am currently brainstorming a way to work this into a Sunday School lesson in some way. We have it so very comfortable here, it breaks my heart.

“I read a book yesterday called A Long Walk to Water. There are two stories. In the present day, a fictional Sudanese girl walks to a pond twice a day to retrieve water for her family. The two trips take up her entire day.

In the not so distant past, a Sudanese boy is forced to flee his village due to war. He spends most of his childhood years as a refugee walking thousands of miles in between refugee camps. He ends up placed with an American family.

The two stories converge when the boy, now a man, returns to his homeland to bring water and education to his people. Not only does he build a well in the girl’s village, but because the children no longer need to spend their entire day walking to retrieve water, he builds a school for them.

The well doesn’t only bring life and hope to the village where it is located, but it also brings [life and hope] to the surrounding villages. A gift that keeps on giving, exponentially. And it comes out of the pain and suffering of one man’s, child’s life.

And there is more! The man and the girl are from two separate tribes that don’t even like each other! The two tribes have been fighting since before either of our characters was born. The tribes have fought and killed over land – rich land – water rich land.

Why am I book reviewing in the wrong blog? The power of a book is why. This book did more for my heart and mind and soul because it tells a story that demonstrates how our lives should be lived when filled with the Spirit.

This book shows me how one person found their passion, and through persistence, changed the way of life for the future of the children of his homeland.

I think we need to save the next generation from our stupor.”

Still me, but from a separate blog.

Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that one of my girl’s dance instructors had returned from a two and a half year stint with the Peace Corps in Lesotho, Africa. I was insanely jealous. She intends to return and I don’t blame her.

Specials

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

There is nothing quite like a book proclaiming upon its cover, “the final volume,” when you have the next volume waiting at your desk. More of a surprise to me is the fact that readers clamored for more after this one. I find this entry in the series to be its weakest link. Perhaps that is why Westerfeld came back with another, final book. I can hope.

I recommend this book to junior high and high schoolers, primarily girls I am sure, who have read the first two books in the series and would like to know what happens to Miss Tally Youngblood next. I doubt I could sway them, but at this point, I’d suggest there are much better books out there. I am hoping that the “final” volume redeems the series. If not, this series will not make my dystopian literature list. Taking it right off!

See? I don’t love EVERY book. Just most of them.

When we left Tally at the conclusion of Pretties, she and her boyfriend Zane were captured yet again by Special Circumstances. When Specials opens, Tally has already been made into a Special Agent, or Cruel Pretty, herself. Tally is covered in flash tattoos that show the level of her pulse. Her eyes are so black they seem pupilless. Her teeth and nails are razor sharp weapons. And she has been indoctrinated into the sub agency of Special Circumstances – the clique known as the Cutters. Tally is covered in the scars of self-inflicted wounds given to keep her “icy” or focused.

In the first book, Tally was tricked into locating the Smoke so it could be destroyed. In book two, Tally no longer cared about the Smoke in her Pretty head, but tried to become Bubbly so that she could escape back to the Smoke and save the Pretties, or more importantly, her Pretty boyfriend. Book three is back to trying to discover the New Smoke so that it can be destroyed again, only this time, it is on purpose.

Problem is – I just don’t care anymore. There is nothing identifiable with this new Tally. She thinks she is better than everyone else. She feels superior. She is no longer just disgusted by David, the boy from the Smoke, because he is ugly. Now she is also disgusted by Zane, damaged but beautiful, because he is weak. Tally despises average.

Unfortunately, this is necessary. It is the point.

Tally hasn’t just been given unbreakable, ceramic bones and a self-healing, software-filled body. Her mind has been altered, yet again. These alterations give her sudden flashes of anger, euphoria, countersocial impulses and feelings of superiority. So you can imagine she is not very loveable anymore.

What makes Tally special is her ability to alter her own brain. She somehow fixes herself. She doesn’t need a miracle cure to change her back to her original character and personality. Her own unique form of stubbornness and perseverance keep her less changeable than her counterparts. But as Shay would say – Does the universe always have to revolve around her?

And there is the clincher. Tally is a normal American teenager. Hahaha.

The Ring of Solomon: A Bartimaeus Novel

The Ring of Solomon: A Bartimaeus Novel by Jonathan Stroud

Very simply, I love the Bartimaeus Trilogy. I hadn’t considered it before, but Stroud might be in my list of favorite authors, after all, he wrote the character of Bartimaeus, and the demon makes these books so very enjoyable. But I will admit that I haven’t read anything else that he has written.

The Ring of Solomon was a giddy surprise – that it had been written and published. You might have noticed that I don’t keep up on publications. Some books, you know there will be more because you’re waiting for book three of the trilogy. Other times, like this one, you think it is done and you’re satisfied. But so thrilled to be surprised.

Another thing about me, I don’t read reviews, unless I am looking into purchasing for our collection and then I read them all. I don’t even read summaries until I have a book in my hand and I peruse the jacket cover. In the case of this book, I heard about it, requested it and then read it, content unseen.

And so … mark my astonishment when I realized that the Solomon of the title is THE King Solomon of Israel. I said right away that my red flag was up. And yes, on some level it should because this is religious territory …

But remember how much I loved Leviathan? This is the same kind of novel. An alternate universe. An alternate history.

In this alternate universe … how strange ... King Solomon gains his power not through the authority of the One True God and not because he is God’s chosen King over God’s chosen nation. No, his power is derived from a powerful ring. The ring is powerful because it contains the essence of an extremely powerful demon … or “exalted spirit” from the “Other Place” to use Bartimaeus’ terminology.

In addition, in the wrong hands, this ring would be used for evil; however, in the hands of good, wise King Solomon, its power is used with caution, authority, and moderation. And so King Solomon is a good human of his own accord and not because of his relationship with his God.

As far as literature, I must admit. This book is fabulous. I loved it. The characters were fun and interesting. Bartimaeus is still one of my favorite characters. He’s very human, although demonically powerful. I will gush.

I just wish very much, that it didn’t have to be King Solomon. That it could have been another King.

In the end, God is more powerful than a silly little fantasy book. God is all-powerful, almighty, omnipotent, omnipresent and UNcontained. Wild like Aslan. God has gifted Stroud immensely, and as my boss said, perhaps the book will lead a child to find out more about history based upon this romp.

I'd recommend this book to kids who have read and enjoyed the original trilogy although it could stand alone. Kids who enjoy magical fantasies will be drawn to this book. I've often recommended to kids who need something after Harry Potter. I always considered it a Golden Compass without the agenda. And I still do. Age-wise? 5th grade and up.

The Amulet of Samarkand

The Golem's Eye

Ptolemy's Gate

This World We Live In

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Before I introduce my most recent read, you need some background information. Life as We Knew It was published in 2006. I was unaware of it until 2008 when it was nominated to the 2009 Rebecca Caudill list. The Dead and the Gone was published in 2009. And This World We Live In was published last year, but I did not hear about it. I found it quite by accident. I was so excited! I hate to think that I almost missed it. These are called companion novels. The idea is that they all stand alone, but are interconnected. I prefer to call them a trilogy with an order to follow.

The first book is a diary of sophomore Miranda Evans. She is a normal teenage girl dreaming about a prom date and a driver's license. She lives in rural Pennsylvania with her author mother, older brother Matt, and younger brother Jon. She is only distantly aware of reports that a meteor is on a collision course with the Moon. The meteor hits and knocks the moon into a closer orbit with the Earth. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic action are the result along with millions dead. Miranda is no longer living contentedly. The family is barely surviving. There is no food, water or electricity. People start to hoard and store up for a long, cold winter. And then there is a flu epidemic.

The Dead and the Gone

If the first book is about survival in the country, the second book is about survival in the big city – New York City. Same premise. New protagonist – 17-year-old Alex Morales. He and his family live in a very nice neighborhood. His father is the superintendent of an apartment complex and the the family lives in the basement apartment. Alex and his two younger, teenage sisters belong to a devout Catholic family and attend prestigious Catholic schools. When the meteor hits, the kids are at home, their mother is at work and their father is in Puerto Rico. They never hear from them again. Alex is now responsible for his sisters and their safety. They have the same problems as Miranda's family only perhaps more violence and a firm grounding in their faith.

This World We Live In

The third book begins nearly a year after the world catastrophe began. Miranda's family is still surviving on meager food and water rations. Occasionally, they have power. They are uncertain of how long the food will last. There doesn't seem to be much hope. And then the children's father returns with his wife and their new baby along with their gang of travelers. Alex and his youngest sister Julie are among them. So book one and book two meet. How will Miranda's family accommodate even more people under their roof with the same amount of rations?


On my list of favorite post-apocolyptic literature, I recommend this series to junior high and high schoolers. Girls will gravitate to it more because Miranda is the predominant character. There is also romance between Miranda and Alex. I am uncertain as to whether we will acquire the last book in the children's department more so because of the lack of funds than for its content.

Spoiler warning, but necessary:
A tornado hits and Julie is injured and rendered a quadriplegic. Alex is still missing days after the tornado, and Miranda believes she is now responsible for Julie. As an act of mercy, and because she knows she would be following Alex's wishes, Miranda gives Julie sleeping pills and then suffocates her with a pillow.




Sabotaged

Sabotaged by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I am taking a short break from the Caudill list. I repeat. This is not a 2012 Caudill Nominee. It IS the third book in The Missing series. The first book, Found was a 2011 Caudill Nominee and I reviewed it along with the second book, Sent.

This book, series really, already has a following. Boys were not only requesting Sabotaged left and right, but they were physically checking in weekly to see if our copy had arrived. This is the reason I snagged a copy for myself and thought I shouldn’t wait. I am recommending the book to kids in 5th through 8th grade. I am of the opinion that the girls will like it as well, although none have asked for it yet. The main character, Jonah, has a sister, Katherine, who plays a prominent part. And this third book returns a missing female back in time.

I just went back and read my previous two reviews of this series. I have such high hopes. I hate to admit I’m still kind of disappointed. I think it would be really refreshing to read one of these books where the premise is pulled off without a hitch – I mean, they are able to successfully return a missing child back in time with only basic dangers and not an added problem.

You see, it would be and could be dangerous enough returning a thirteen-year-old girl back to the turn of the seventeenth century – especially if she is being returned to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Our missing child is Virginia Dare. The last we know of her in real history, she was maybe nine days old. No one knows for sure what happened or where the colony disappeared to. They might have been attacked by Native Americans. They might have been absorbed into a tribe of Native Americans. Disease could have killed them. A natural disaster, a hurricane, might have destroyed them. It is all speculation.

But the title of the book is Sabotaged and that is precisely what has happened. Some mystery person has sabotaged Jonah and Katherine’s mission to return missing child, Andrea, back to Roanoke and no one knows who can be trusted. Andrea was tricked into changing the time and location of their destination just enough to create confusion. The adult in charge of the mission, JB, cannot find them and doesn’t know where to look in order to provide support and help. Another person who calls himself, “Second,” is helping them a very little bit.

The reader and Jonah have been given a list of rules for time-travelers. For instance, it is very important to make as little impact as possible on the past for it may have repercussions for the future. Past experience has supplied Jonah and the reader with some basic knowledge as well. For example, a tracer and the person it represents will always draw towards each other to become complete. But this mission will make them question everything they have learned thus far. And Andrea/Virginia is not entirely on board with the mission because her happiness and even her life are at stake.

Can you say cliffhanger? Read – mission incomplete.

Leviathan

Leviathan Scott Westerfeld

Last year, I gushed and gushed about Fablehaven. It was my favorite. It is still my pick to win the 2011 Caudill Award. I am anxiously waiting to find out where it places. Now I am halfway through the 2012 list and I think my heart has picked my 2012 favorite. I present Leviathan.

Currently, it resides in Young Adult. I am relatively certain, that money available, I can get it in Juvenile. I would probably recommend it to both boys and girls from 6th grade up. Adults are enjoying it as well.

There are some euphemisms that I am compelled to address. Kids these days say “snap” and “crap” in exchange for a more explicit term for human excrement. In Leviathan, the term is “clart.” There is no mistake about what it is and how it is used. The other term is “diddies” referring to a woman’s breasts. I happen to be more sensitive to such things and took offense. But it is necessary to the plot and I will explain later.

This novel is steampunk and I love it. The author describes steampunk as the blending of the future with the past. The setting is Europe, the summer of 1914, and the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria has just been assassinated in Sarajevo. This is an alternate history.

We have two main characters. The first is the Archduke’s fifteen-year-old son, Aleksandar. He is a prince without an inheritance. His royal father chose a commoner for a wife and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire will not recognize the marriage or the children produced by the union. Upon the death of his parents, Prince Alek is whisked away to neutral Switzerland to hide until a better time when his life will not be so much at risk.

The second protagonist is Midshipman Dylan Sharp of the British Airforce. He is also fifteen and you must be at least sixteen to join the armed forces. But his father was a balloonist and taught Dylan everything he needed to know in order to fly the skies and so Dylan is much better qualified to serve than many of those volunteering. Oh, and Dylan has another secret that could prevent him from realizing his dream to serve from the air. He happens to be a she, Deryn Sharp, hence the diddies being a problem.

As if the above were not exciting enough to captivate the reader, there is MORE! There are two factions that separate the continent and motivate Europe to enter war. Let me introduce the Clankers versus the Darwinists. Britain and its Allies have developed fabricated life based upon Darwin's theories. Scientists have used Life Chains, (DNA), to create new beasts of burden – elephantines, hydrogen sniffers and the great Leviathan itself. It is both an airship and a whale. Can you imagine flying in/on a whale?

Germany and its Allies believe the fabricated beasts to be godless, soulless abominations. They have built steam run machines such as trains, stormwalkers and dreadnoughts to defend and protect their interests. What happens when the two meet peacefully? Not entirely sure yet, but I have ordered the sequel Behemoth and I am not entirely sure I can wait to find out.

Scott Westerfeld is becoming one of my new favorite authors.

Woods Runner

Woods Runner Gary Paulsen

If only life were this simple. If only the problems we faced at this moment concerned the difference between life and death today. It would make our decisions that much easier and perhaps more meaningful as well. We are taught at times to seize the day. But it is so hard without a fire beneath our feet.

I would recommend this book for boys who enjoy historical fiction, 5th through 8th grade. I would also recommend it to anyone who loves books by Gary Paulsen. Like many of Paulsen’s books, the setting is the natural world. There is hunting and tracking. Most importantly, there is survival.

The novel takes place during the Revolutionary War, somewhere between New York, where the British have taken control, and Philadelphia, where the rebels are fortified. The setting is the wild, untamed frontier.

Thirteen-year-old Samuel is our protagonist. He is a woods runner, someone who is more comfortable in the wild, unexplored forest, than in civilization. Someone who knows the woods intimately and even smells green. He is the son of educated parents who grew up in civilized fashion. They can read, write and play musical instruments, but they were also not comfortable in the city. They wanted a peaceful place where they could enjoy the fruits of their hard labor and quiet contemplation.

Samuel is out hunting bear to put meat on the family dinner table. He is perhaps farther than he has ever tracked before. When he looks towards home, he sees smoke – unusual smoke. Concerned, he returns home as quickly as possible. He finds a massacre. Native Americans, Iroquois, working with the Red Coats have slaughtered the people, children included, of this small frontier village. They have looted and burned the log cabins.

Samuel cannot find his own parents among the dead. A superb tracker, Samuel sees that his parents have been taken captive. After burying the dead to the best of his ability, Samuel sets off to trail his enemies and rescue his parents.

Along the way, Samuel acquires scars, friends and a sister. He also discovers that killing other humans does not sit well with him. But he knows in his heart that his passion will be helping others as he has been helped.

This is a quick read because it is so captivating. Between each chapter is an historical reference to help educate the reader. This book reminds me of a condensed and action filled My Side of the Mountain meets Johnny Tremain. This proves to me that the quiet book can still be written in this century and still be as full of meaning.

It makes me realize that the troubles of modern children are very different although no less life-changing or inhibiting. Samuel had so much more to be unhappy about, but he grew from it and took action. How very different from Greetings from Nowhere.

Greetings From Nowhere

Greetings From Nowhere by Barbara O'Connor

Aggie is the owner of the Sleepy Time Motel in the Great Smoky Mountains. She and her husband, Harold, ran the place together up until he died in the tomato patch. She hasn’t had a customer in three months. Her junk drawer is filling up with unpaid bills. As much as she’d rather stay here with “Harold”, she needs to sell the place.

Willow is a quiet, sad 4th grader. Her mother, Dorothy, has left her and her father. They are both having a hard time living without her. And now her father has decided to move away from the home that is still filled with the echoes of Dorothy. He is determined to buy an Inn up in the Mountains and start a new life. Willow wants to stay where memories of Dorothy remain.

Loretta is a cheerful, gregarious 5th grader. She has received a package in the mail. It is filled with all of the remaining earthly possessions of her other, biological, mother who has now passed on. One of the trinkets is a charm bracelet. Each charm marks a location. Loretta is determined to discover the mother she has never known by visiting each place represented on the bracelet, starting with the bear from the Great Smoky Mountains.

Kirby is a wayward, troublesome boy. His mother ignores him; his father wants nothing to do with him; his stepfather doesn’t do anything period; and his little brother Ace is the apple of mom’s eye. Kirby is on his way to an academy for “bad-boys” up in the Great Smoky Mountains when his mother’s car dies on the side of the road.

For the first time, in a very long time, the Sleepy Time Motel is full to the rafters – with four very different kinds of families. Four very different characters will share the same space for less than a week, but their lives will be changed for the better. So much so that they will remember their time together fondly and might even choose to return.

The chapters of this book alternate between the four main characters. It is an unusual harmony that they sing – they actually DO fit together like a puzzle. As you read, you see the beginnings of a strong melody of friendship, concern and love emerge. It’s a lovely little book that probably won’t make waves. It will remain in quiet obscurity, much like the Sleepy Time Motel. It is off the beaten path.

I don’t see myself recommending it to kids. It is appropriate for children 4th to 6th grade. It is neither edgey, nor action-packed. I think adults might be able to appreciate it more. It does remind me of family vacations back in the 70s and 80s when there was little money for extravagant trips and best friends could be made with strangers.

All the Broken Pieces

All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg

Please, feel sorry for me. My third Rebecca Caudill Nominee features a baseball on the cover, sports more missing limbs and is written in free verse. Really, I wonder how I can continue.


I would recommend this book to boys who enjoy historical fiction, boys who play baseball, boys who are bullied and boys who are interested in the Vietnam War. And probably ages nine through thirteen.

The setting is the 70’s which doesn’t technically count as historical fiction YET unless you work for American Girl. Those who know the song, Stayin’ Alive by the BeeGees will find themselves singing it.

Our main character is twelve-year-old Matthew Pin who was born in Vietnam, but is now living in the United States with his adoptive family. Two years ago, his mother gave him over to U.S. soldiers so that he would survive away from war-torn Vietnam. Matt’s father was also a U.S. soldier who left his Vietnamese mother, promised to return for her, but never did.

Matt has nightmares about his past, his mother and his younger brother who he had to leave behind. But Matt is unwilling to talk about his past. He is afraid that no one could love him if he reveals the secrets that haunt him.

Matt has a new mother who loves him, a new father who gives him a love for baseball and a new little brother who also follows him around like the one before. Matt has a piano teacher who was a U.S. medic in Vietnam. Still Matt is unable to share his thoughts, concerns and troubles.

Matt’s good pitching arm lands him on the school baseball team, but several of the boys do not like him and call him frog-face. They see Matt as wholly Vietnamese and different. Many of these boys had brothers and father, uncles and friends that went to Vietnam and either died or changed. Coach will not tolerate their attitudes, but Coach is not always around to protect Matt.

Matt’s new parents and Jeff decide that something must be done. The programs provided by the adoption agency have not helped Matt and he is getting too old for them anyway. Jeff suggests that Matt and his father attend a group called Veterans Voices. It is a place where Vietnam Vets can talk about the things that they cannot share with their loved ones. They can only share with those who have been through it as well.

Please, do not feel sorry for me. I was very moved by this novel in verse. And I am haunted from nightmare that Matthew came from. I’m joyful in the growth of the characters through this book. We are more alike than different. And sometimes showing love involves giving your loved one into another’s care.

Masterpiece

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

I’m holding this 2012 Caudill nominee in my hand and don’t know what to say. Perhaps I should wait and write tomorrow. I really wanted to get another under my belt. But I notice something I hadn’t noticed before. It has a mystery sticker on the spine. The author’s debut novel, Shakespeare’s Secret, was a Caudill nominee not too long ago. I remember enjoying it. It was also a mystery. I am not fond of mysteries. Why did I enjoy these? What was different about them?

In both books we get an art history lesson and not a typical grade school art lesson either. The author isn’t talking down to the reader. She tackles big words, ideas and concepts in such a way that I don’t feel I’m getting an education. Her first book’s mystery revolved around William Shakespeare. This book’s mystery centers upon the sketches of Albrecht Dürer, a German Renaissance artist, and the disappearance of a few of his miniatures.

The main character of Masterpiece is miniature as well. Meet Marvin the beetle. Marvin lives under the kitchen sink with his immediate family. They share their space with aunts, uncles and cousins. They live in the apartment of the Pompaday family – Mr., Mrs., James and William.

Mrs. Pompaday works in a high profile job with high profile clients and wants to live a high profile life. Her first husband, and James’ father, is Karl Terik, artist. Although they both shared a love for beauty, it was not enough and they parted ways. James probably takes after his father. He is quiet and introspective. He does not enjoy the life his mother craves.

The beetle family spends at least a portion of their lives watching the Pompadays. When the book begins, they are watching the birthday party that Mrs. Pompaday throws for James. It is a party made up of client’s kids rather than of James’ friends. Marvin truly likes James and wishes for him to be happy, so when the birthday party leaves James less than excited, Marvin wants to give him a good present.

Marvin rolls a Buffalo nickel to James’ room and leaves it in a prominent position on the floor. One of James’ presents, from his artist father, is a pen and ink set. Marvin wishes to get a closer look and finds the ink cap off. He decides to make a picture for James. Using his front legs to paint, Marvin captures the view outside of the bedroom window in perfectly detailed miniature. He completes it as James wakes up. James is so enthralled by the picture that Marvin cannot help but show himself. And a wonderful friendship begins.

Of course, Mrs. Pompaday finds the picture and figures James drew it. She also discovers that her clients are willing to pay big money for it. But this is not the problem. The problem is that the picture looks so much like a Dürer, James will eventually be asked to duplicate a Dürer to protect the original. Oh the tangled web we weave … But that’s a spider saying!

Recommended for 4th through 6th graders.

One-Handed Catch

One-Handed Catch Mary Jane Auch

The Rebecca Caudill Nominees for 2012, 25th anniversary edition, were announced last month and they’re MINE! ALL MINE! Yes, I have a problem and I am completely aware of it. The only cure is leaving or losing my current job – a blessing and a curse.

I’m thrilled to announce that I only have to read sixteen of the twenty nominees this year. Among the nominees are The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, and The True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick, all of which were Newbery Honor books last year. Included was also one work of non-fiction, Knucklehead: Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories about Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka. And you know where I stand on reading that.

I was at home on my six days off and had just finished my last Coretta Scott King when it dawned upon me that I didn’t have any of the Caudills at home to begin. They were all sitting patiently at my desk. Sixteen books is a lot to carry after all, especially all the way across the parking lot. So I snuck into work proclaiming, “I’m not really here!” to grab the first three. That’s another problem; I tend to read them in alphabetical order by author’s last name – not always – but usually. Freak! I know.

Oh the disappointment when I saw the cover and the spine of the first book. Sports – UGH! There appear to be three covers featuring baseballs on this Caudill list. Double, no, make that triple UGH! I was lamenting my bad luck to a friend from the library who happens to be both a male and a sport’s buff. His wise response was to give it a chance. Don’t I always? Doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it though.

Am I ever glad I gave it a chance! I highly recommend this book to 5th and 6th grade boys, 3rd and 4th grade boys who love to read and 7th and 8th grade boys who are reluctant to read. It doesn’t even necessarily matter if you like sports, although it could help.

The setting is a small town outside of New York City, the kind of place that families vacation to during the summer. The time is right after the Second World War and America is just getting back on her feet. I find it interesting that the majority of the characters are of German heritage, but it isn’t really necessary to the story. And the date is the 4th of July.

Norman Schmidt is working in his family’s butcher shop, when his best friend Leon arrives with a special surprise. Leon has fireworks and wants Norm to join him later to set them off. Norm knows that his mother will never give him permission. Norm has already heard the lecture about the danger of playing with fireworks and the possibility of blowing off a hand. Unfortunately, Norm never gets the chance to beg his mother. Instead, Norm loses his hand in the shop’s meat grinder and winds up in the hospital rather than at the festivities.

The book follows Norm through his first year learning how to be one-handed. His father barely talks or looks at him because of guilt. Norm’s mother turns into a drill sergeant at home and even talks to all of Norm’s teachers before Norm meets them to guarantee that they won’t go easy on him out of sympathy. It is Leon and his sister, Ellie, who come closest to treating him the same as they treated him before the accident.

Norm’s dreams had included a shiny new bike with brakes on the handlebars and a chance to play baseball in the summer league. Now, he simply hopes to learn how to tie his shoes by himself and spread jam on his toast without help. By the next 4th of July, Norm realizes that he never would have worked so hard and gained so much if he had kept his left hand. Who would have thought being one-handed could be a blessing.

The book is loosely based on events that happened to the author’s husband when he lost his hand in a meat grinder in his family’s butcher shop. Word of caution – Santa is debunked.