Patricia Reilly Giff has done it again. I just finished reading her novel Eleven. When the story opens, it is the night before Sam McKenzie’s eleventh birthday, and he is looking for the presents that his grandfather, Mack, always hides. His search takes him to the attic, where Sam finds an old newspaper clipping. Unfortunately, Sam has difficulty reading, and can’t make out most of the words in the article–but he recognizes the little boy in the picture as himself, and can read the words “Sam Bell” and “Missing.” Sam is full of questions: Who is he? Is Mack really his grandfather? Are the strange dreams he has actually memories? Desperate to learn the truth but reluctant to confront Mack, Sam turns to Caroline, a new girl in his class, for help. The journey of discovery proves to be eye-opening for both Sam and Caroline. Ages 10-12
One of my favorite authors has written a Civil War novel from an unusual perspective: that of a Native American soldier. Louis Nolette is only 15 when he is approached by a recruiter with the promise of enough pay to make life easier for his widowed mother and to buy some land. Yet Louis, sensitive beyond his years, has another reason: “How can one man own another? It seems slavery is what the battle ought to be about.” So he joins the Irish Brigade, successfully hiding the fact that he is underage, and during the coming months overcomes prejudice and develops a camaraderie with his fellow soldiers. The reader sees the reality of war–the triumphs, tragedies, frustrations, humorous moments, foibles of misguided and politically motivated commanders, courage, loyalties, and human side–through the eyes of a young but perceptive narrator who never fails to see the beauty of the world and goodness of the Creator. Battle details are handled with sensitivity rather than with bloody descriptions. Historical fiction buffs will love this gem, but it deserves a much wider readership. Definitely food for thought and discussion! Ages 12-16
