WWII Quick Picks Summer 2021
The following Quick Picks are all books about World War II. Each book offers a unique and interesting aspect of the devastating war that reached all corners of the earth. There are endless tales to tell and this is a great group of historical fictions that have recently been published.
The Woman with the Blue Star by Pam Jenoff Pub date: 5/4/21
This story revolves around Jews hiding in the sewer system in Krakow to avoid deportation to a concentration camp. One day a young Polish woman walks by and sees a pair of eyes looking at her from the sewer grate. And so starts a friendship and fight for survival. Excellent book!
The Forest of the Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel Pub date: 7/6/21
I was awestruck by the stunning tale of Jews surviving in the forest as the Nazis hunted them during WWII. Based on true events, it’s a monumental story of courage, heroism, and a shining light in the midst of darkness and evil. Remarkable!
Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson Pub date: 8/3/21
This book, about two black women stepping outside the restrictive protections of their families into roles of officers in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), really grabbed me! The ladies confronted segregation in the Army and blatant, even violent discrimination from other Americans outside the Army. At times hopeful, at times heart-wrenching, the book later circles around to their triumphal breakthrough in the “Six Triple Eight”—the only all-black, all-female American battalion deployed overseas during WWII. Very good!
Cheerfully Yours by A.J. Pearce Pub date: 8/10/21
I love how AJ Pearce was somehow able to form a WWII story into a feel-good book. She made me care about every one of her warm characters, especially the center of them all, a young journalist who is determined to help working women with daycare issues during wartime. I couldn’t help but root for Emmy’s bright enthusiasm and moxie as she delicately yet doggedly negotiates in a man’s world. Go Emmy!
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Pub date: 1989
Ok, so this one was actually not published recently, but in 1989. It’s a classic and well worth diving into a kids’ book which may not be a regular genre for you. This book is so well written and I learned so much about the Danish resistance to the Nazis, how the Danes hid the Jews of their communities then smuggled them away by boats to Sweden. This book won the Newbery Medal and is intended for ages 10-12, but I think everyone should read it.
Annette
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