Millie lives in sunny California, where her days are filled with beach and surf. It should be perfect–but times are tough. Hitler is attacking Europe and it looks like the United States may be going to war. Will Millie be able to find her way in her family, and keep her balance as the world around her loses its own?
Karen Cushman’s first book,
Catherine, Called Birdy, was a Newbery Honor winner and her second,
The Midwife’s Apprentice, was awarded the Newbery Medal. She was an adjunct professor in Museum Studies at John F. Kennedy University for 11 years, before retiring to Vashon Island, near Seattle, Washington, in order to write full time.
"Transforms grim history into a light for dark times." —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A lively choice for historical fiction fans.” —
Booklist“Newbery Medalist Cushman melds historical detail and generous humor in this gently paced novel of family travails and sociopolitical tensions set in 1941 California.” —
Publishers Weekly“World War II raises the stakes, though, presenting a momentous obstacle that even the most determined child cannot fully master, but renaming her journal Book of Life helps Millie make a fresh start.” —
The Bulletin
"A must-buy for school and children’s libraries looking to expand their historical fiction selections.” —
School Library Journal “Another outstanding creation…A lively book filled with humor, love and transformation.” —
Bookpage
