👶👶👶👶: The Ruins in Which We Bleed, by Steve N. Lee

Books such as these are always so important, especially as we live through these very uncertain times. We can not forget history, lest it repeats itself.

This novel is no exception. Inspired by a true story, Steve N. Lee has shared important events that were all too common during the Holocaust. In this particular story, 13-year-old Helena is attempting to survive a world that is literally crumbling around her. Her courage and determination are so inspiring as she attempts to survive the hatred aimed at her and her people.

I appreciated that this novel could be read by adults and teens alike, as it is crucial that they, too, learn about the myriad of events that occurred in the lead-in to this unimaginable human atrocity.

Many thanks to Mr. Lee for providing me with this gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/14/25

👶👶👶👶: I Must Betray You, by Ruta Sepetys

Ah Ruta, your powers never cease to amaze me...

Seriously y'all, I can't say the YA is my favorite genre, but the fact that Ruta Sepetys does such an amazing job for young people to grasp history in such an engaging manner blows my mind every time!!! This is my 5th or 6th novel by her and each time I read one, I think of one of my older teens reading it, and I'm taken aback by what she has done here. They will inevitably learn SO MUCH about an event or time period that SO LITTLE is written about. What a niche!

This time we are taken on a journey through Romania in the late 80s, and Cristian is at the center of the fear and distrust of this communist regime - it is palpable. I mean I'd heard of Nicolae Ceaușescu growing up, but I had absolutely no idea. Most shocking was how recently this history unfolded! 

As always, Ms. Sepetys does her homework and the information she imparts is staggering. Definitely an excellent read for your 16+ teen or for yourself!

Read 8/31/22

👶👶👶👶: The Light in Hidden Places, by Sharon Cameron

And here we go again with another Summer 2021 review! Seriously, I feel like such a slacker🙈.

❤This YA book was recommended to me by a dear friend who knows how much I love historical fiction. I'm so glad she shared it with me, because as much as I've read about WWII history, I had never learned about this true story. Although it is considered a historical fiction novel because of some imagined dialogue, it's really a nonfiction story based on actual events. It's also a Reese's YA book pick!

The story is shocking and I cannot even believe the tremendous bravery exhibited by Stefania Podgórska. Her journey is absolutely unimaginable. As with any WWII novel, the historical facts are horrifying, but because it is written for a younger audience, the details are somewhat attenuated. The dialogue is also more straightforward. But even as an adult, I learned so much!

I am so grateful to authors who bring history to life for the younger generation. Bravo and many thanks @sharoncameronbooks ! It is so important that our youth learn about history in a manner comprehensible to them.

Read 7/31/21

👶👶👶 Remember Me: A Spanish Civil War Novel, by Mario Escobar

It seems that I have encountered several novels in the past few months about the Spanish Civil War: A Long Petal of the Sea, The Fountains of Silence, and now Remember Me. This topic was never discussed in depth in the history books, and yet is such an important part of European history. Perhaps because these atrocities were sandwiched between the first and second world wars, little attention was given to the turmoil that caused the displacement of nearly 500 children and countless families. The Spanish Civil War was a war of ideological perspectives that severed a nation and devastated its people. Of the novels I've read, Mario Escobar has gone into the most detail about the events that destroyed the Spanish way of life. His meticulous descriptions will stay with me for some time.

"Surely some will declare that their ideologies are what make the world go 'round, when actually ideologies are what destroy it."

My assumption is that some of the more powerful moments may have been literally lost in translation. This novel seems to me that it would appeal to the young adult population since the literary method is simple, using straightforward telling and less showing. I was present and engaged for the entire novel, but not fully transported. To that end, this would be an ideal novel to teach high schoolers about this little-known part of history.

"War isn't the best brush for painting a future of peace."

This specific account of the children of Morelia was absolutely heartbreaking. The fact that so many young children were sent across the ocean alone for their safety speaks volumes of the situation in Spain at the time. That those in power chose to ignore the devastation caused by their actions, is completely mind-boggling.

"To see what's right in front of us requires enormous effort, because there's no man so blind as the one who doesn't want to see."

Kudos to Mario Escobar for bringing to light this incredibly disheartening part of world history.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for gifting me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Check out my Bookstagram account @mamasgottaread .

Read 9/13/2020 

👶👶👶👶 Audacity, by Melanie Crowder

Once again, I am grateful for a book that illuminates a little-known historical figure. I had never learned about Clara Lemlich, a figure whose impact on women's rights was so significant. What an incredible heroine she was. Most stunning was the hardship she endured prior to and during her immigration to the United States, and her ability to overcome this adversity.

I was initially hesitant on the effectiveness of verse in this type of story, but was pleasantly surprised. It was a gorgeously rendered novel with tremendous impact. I especially appreciate that its target audience is young adults, as it is important for our youth to recognize the sacrifice that was made for the comfortable life they currently lead.

It was certainly up there with my top picks for age appropriate reads for young adults!

Read 10/12/19