War and Millie McGonigle, Karen Cushman
War and Millie McGonigle, Karen Cushman
List: $18.00 | Sale: $12.60
Club: $9.00

War and Millie McGonigle

Author: Karen Cushman

Narrator: Emma Galvin

Unabridged: 5 hr 44 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/06/2021


Synopsis

The Newbery Award-winning author of Catherine, Called Birdy and The Midwife's Apprentice tells a heartfelt and humorous story of WWII on the homefront.

Millie McGonigle 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. Food is rationed and money is tight. And Millie's sickly little sister gets all the attention and couldn't be more of a pain if she tried. It's all Millie can do to stay calm and feel in control.

Still--there's sand beneath her feet. A new neighbor from the city, who has a lot to teach Millie. And surfer boy Rocky to admire--even if she doesn't have the guts to talk to him.

It's a time of sunshine, siblings, and stress. Will Millie be able to find her way in her family, and keep her balance as the the world around her loses its own?

About The Author

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.Emma Galvin's film credits include My Suicidal SweetheartA Perfect Fit, and The Big Bad Swim. She has performed in several regional theater productions including Off Broadway in Our Town.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bookishrealm on March 20, 2023

I've been familiar with Karen Cushman's name for a while because of her award winning Catherine, Called Birdy; however, this is my first book by her. For a historical fiction, this was just okay. I was expecting a little more. CW: animal death, character obsession with death War and Millie McGonigle......more

Goodreads review by Literary on February 12, 2021

An engrossing hf middle grade coming-of-age story set in WWII San Diego. Readers can relate to 12-year-old Millie, living in an uncertain time in history. She’s also coping with the loss of her beloved grandmother, family struggles, a needy sick sister, and the challenges of being a pre-teen. A comp......more

Goodreads review by Christina on October 29, 2023

Wow. I loved this. I don’t typically read a ton of YA books, but as a school librarian, this one came through my checkout counter. I knew I had to read it. I loved Millie. I loved her character changing through the story. I loved her experience with the BOOK OF THE DEAD. And I loved her love for her......more

Goodreads review by Becky on February 12, 2021

First sentence: George lifted the slimy creature to his mouth and bit it right between the eyes. I’d seen him and the other Portuguese octopus fishermen do that a hundred times, but it still made me shudder. “Doesn’t that taste muddy and disgusting?” “Nah,” he said, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. “......more

Goodreads review by Laura on October 20, 2021

Charming and often funny. Great readalike to Full of Beans by Jennifer L Holm.......more


Quotes

"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