Book cover for a World War II verse novel: silhouette of a girl under an orange-red orchard with the title 'Enemies in the Orchard' and author Dana VanderLugt.
Book Reviews, Giveaway, Guest Blogger, Historical Ficiton, Middle Grade, Verse Novel, Young Adult

Exploring Kindness Amidst War: ‘Enemies in the Orchard’ Review

Introduction Sometimes history has a habit of blurring the lines between enemy and friend. This is true in Dana Vanderlugt’s WWII novel in verse, Enemies in the Orchard. Can a teenage Nazi and a farm girl learn to treat each other decently and allow a friendship to blossom?  Review Claire De Boer is the hardworking daughter… Continue reading Exploring Kindness Amidst War: ‘Enemies in the Orchard’ Review

Book Reviews, Contemporary, Guest Blogger, Middle Grade, Verse Novel

Finding Home: A Review of _A Year Without Home_

INTRODUCTION There is an old saying, “Home is where the heart is”. The novel in poetic verse by VT Bidania, A Year Without Home, deals with the emotional toll of homesickness but also the positive power of learning to make the best of things no matter your home’s location.  REVIEW Preteen Laos native, Gao Sheng, has special affection… Continue reading Finding Home: A Review of _A Year Without Home_