Orphans, secrets, Dairy Wars, and more. This book is a delight to read and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. There are surprises and twists throughout the book that make you want to know more and keep reading. Anne Nesbet does an excellent job of developing the plot, making you fall in love or hate the characters, and keep you wanting more.

It's been a while since I've read a middle grade fiction book and this reminded how sweet some of them are. I enjoyed the story and I mainly picked it up for the historical side that I was fascinated to know more about and to know how a topic such as this is handed in middle grade fiction. The only downside to this book though is that I found it to be a bit longer than necessary.

A middle grade fiction story set in the 1940's. America has entered the war, but it's imminent. Children are being indoctrinated with over the top patriotism and suspicion of people with foreign sounding names. What makes a person a "real American"? In a time where people used suspicions of being a foreign agent and a communist were used as a way to break up unions, we're seeing this all from a more innocent view.

Gusta is sent to live with her grandmother who runs an orphanage in Maine. Her father, a union man is accused of being a communist and a rabble rouser. her mother can't keep her alone in NYC. Gusta tries to both keep a low profile but keep the fiery Union spirit her father instilled in her.  

In a time where we hear fiery rhetoric on a daily basis with a very real possibility of war, this book is more timely than one would think.  Definitely something kids should read.

This is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Gusta who moves in with her grandmother and aunt because her father is in trouble and her mother doesn't make enough to feed her. She finds herself not quite fitting in, having a very German name on the verge of World War II, needing glasses, and coming from a rather poor family. But, that doesn't stop her from dreaming. Her great-grandfather was a captain and once found a treasure chest of wishes; the story goes that he had just one left before he died, and it was hidden in the house. She plans to find it to make the perfect wish that will save her father, her mother, her maimed uncle, and herself.

There are a lot of topics explored here, but the one that especially resonated with me was the idea of being "other." Otherness is explored a lot within this story; Gusta arrives at a city she's never been to, lives with family she's never met, and has to try to fit into this new life, even though it's quite different from the one she left. There's also animosity towards immigrants and those who seem different. Sadly, this idea of not fitting in is something that I think will resonate with anyone at any time, who is any age. The animosity towards immigrants also rang all too true for today's time. However, it was nice to see it handled in a way that showed the shortsightedness of those making snap judgments.

However, at the center is Gusta. This main character is so brave and strong and kind, I couldn't help but love her and her story. I would have read about her for pages and pages doing just about anything because I so much enjoyed reading about her thought process and seeing her struggle with wanting to make everyone happy. She has to deal with some incredibly grown-up situations and make decisions that are hard for adults to  make, and she does so with aplomb.

I could talk about this book forever. I love the idea of a great-grandfather leaving a magical wish, and Gusta's wholehearted belief that if she finds it, she could fix everything; I love the friendships Gusta makes, and their love for music; I love the idea of justice and fairness that pervades the children's thinking in this story. Everything about this book is lovely. It's incredibly detailed, and I felt as if I were teleported right back into 1941 and living there right along with Gusta. I am excitedly looking forward to Nesbet's future books, because she's going to be a household name if she keeps writing. Put this book in your classrooms, add it to your curriculum, put it in your libraries, and buy it for the children in your life. It's magical and charming and everything to love about middle grade.

E ARC from Netgalley



Gusta Neubronner is on a bus from New York City to a small town in Maine in 1941 when her father disappears. He is a union organizer, and has told Gusta a little bit about what to do if men come for him, but she just didn't expect it. At least she is on her way to her grandmother's house, and manages to arrive without other incidents. Her grandmother runs an odd sort of orphanage, so there is plenty of room for Gusta. She settles in to school, gets to know her cousin, and finally gets a much needed pair of eyeglasses. In order to pay for the glasses, she helps a German optometrist who keeps pigeons. As WWII heats up, everyone comes under suspicion, especially the optometrist and Gusta, who is unable to furnish a birth certificate to the school. Gusta plays the French Horn, and is glad to be approached by the high school band, but when her uncle needs an operation to repair damage done by the looms at his work, she sells the instrument to help pay for it. She also writes to a labor organizer in New York who worked with her father, hoping to get some representation for the uncle's case. Long held family secrets emerge, and eventually Gusta is able to make sense of her world. 

Strengths: I am constantly fascinated by books involving Germans in the US during WWII, but aside from A Tiny Piece of Sky and Bunting's Spying on Miss Muller (1995), there aren't that many. This Nesbet's own mother's story, and the love that goes into the details is very evident. I would have adored this one as a child. 
Weaknesses: A bit long (448 pages) for my students. The biggest reason WWII books circulate is for an 8th grade unit, and this could have had a few more details about life on the home front. 
What I really think: May purchase this one if I have the money remaining to do so. This author's Cabinet of Earths and  Cloud and Wallfish don't circulate particularly well. Again, perfectly fine book, and it may be great for your library.

The Orphan Band of Springdale is a middle grade fiction novel that was narrated through the lead protagonist, Augusta “Gusta” Neubronner, an eleven-year-old from New York who was sent by her parents to her grandmother in Elm Street, Springdale, Maine. Her father was supposed to accompany her on journey, but he suddenly vanished when they were in a bus in Portland. Gusta’s father is a labor organizer, thus the authorities were trying to capture him. Aside from this, his father is from a German descent and the story was set in the year 1941 when the Second World War was happening that time.

While Gusta’s father was trying to avoid being arrested, her mother was left in New York because of work. Hence, there was no choice for her parents but to send Gusta to her grandmother who has an orphanage in Maine. While in town, she got acquainted with her mother’s siblings Aunt Marion and Uncle Charlie Goodman, and his daughter Bess. She also became friends with Josie, the first orphan who arrived in the orphanage. Her friendship with Josie and Bess has led for the coming up with the idea of forming a band because they want to join the county fair contest for Blue-Ribbon Band that summer. 

Aside from Gusta’s fun experiences while she’s in her grandmother’s hometown, she also got herself into distressing situations. She and Bess also accidentally discovered their family’s secret while trying to resolve their problem with Bess’ father, Uncle Charlie. Her nationality was also being questioned due to her surname, and because of who is father is.

The novel is intended for middle graders; however I reckon that it will be more appealing to young adults and even older readers. The Orphan Band of Springdale is a really captivating fiction that will be appreciated by anyone; so if you have time to check out this book, don’t miss the chance to read it and you will not be disappointed.

THE ORPHAN BAND OF SPRINGDALE by Anne Nesbet is a work of Historical fiction, written with middle-grade as the intended readership. It is  "... nightingale sweet and honey-smooth." 

Anne Nesbet has beautifully mixed  music with history, family and a morality tale of doing what is right, no matter how difficult that may be. 

Eleven year old Augusta Neubronner Hoopes is sent from her home in New York City to stay at her grandmother's house deep in central Maine. 

From the very first chapter we learn that Augusta (who prefers to be called "Gusta") has a very heavy load on her shoulders. 

Halfway through the trip from New York to Maine, her father disappears. It turns out that he escaped just before authorities searched the bus looking for him. Gusta's father was born in Germany and has been involved with the labor movement ever since arriving in the United States. Now, he is a fugitive from the law. 

When Gusta arrives at her grandmother's house, all she has to her name is a small bag of clothes and her most prized possession - a French horn. That horn is not just decorative. Gusta can play it, and play it well. 

Hearing a family legend that somewhere there is a magic wish "...in a box on a shelf..." Gusta would dearly love to find that wish and sets out to ferret out its location. 

The longer she lives in the small town, the more problems she sees that need to be set right. Her father always told her that people needed to help each other whenever they could, and Gusta intends to honor his teaching - no matter how much it will hurt her to do so. 

I love this. It is so refreshing to read a story in which solidarity is celebrated and where selfishness is discouraged. In today's world, it is all about "ME". Too many people worry only about themselves and ignore the consequences to others of their actions. In this regard, going back in time would be wonderful. 

Sometimes it is necessary to look at the world through the eyes of a child who has not yet been beaten down by life. It is through Gusta's wonderfully flawed eyes that adult readers of this novel discover that everything can be boiled down to one of two choices ... Right or Wrong. This lesson may be a simple one, but it is one that is often forgotten. I am happy to say that "The Orphan Band of Springdale" has reminded me of that oh-so-true reality.

Anne Nesbet has touched on so many issues worthy of discussion in this book that it is easy to see this book in a middle grade classroom and a lively discussion taking place. I highly recommend this book to teachers of those grades (as well as to everyone else.) 

Here is a partial list of some of the discussion worthy topics include: 

* Work ethic in the past vs. work ethic in present day 
* Hardscrabble lives 
* Unions 
* Injured Workers 
* Patriotism 
* Prejudice 
* Government & health 
* Music 
* Money and lack of it 
* Airplanes 
* Bullying 
* Glasses 
* German in the USA 
* Dairy Wars 
* Purity - of milk and of birth 
* Orphans 
* Family loyalty 
* The value of historic writings - such as the sketchbook and journal from the sea captain found in the attic by Gusta 
* Selflessness 
* Changes in technology from 1941 to present day
* And much more... 

I sped through the reading of this book because I did not want to put it down. In fact, I spent two very sleepless nights devouring the pages and fully immersing myself in Gusta's world. Author Anne Nesbet has crafted Gusta's world with beautifully detailed descriptions and characters with such depth that they seem 100% real. It is patently obvious that the author has a distinct love of small-town Maine, and that love has seeped through onto every page of this delectable book. 

I rate this book as 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and am planning to check out previous novels written by Anne Nesbet. 

I predict that THE ORPHAN BAND OF SPRINGDALE will find its way onto the Bestseller list shortly after its official release date.

Super enjoyable and sweet but way better than just "sweet."

This book has a kind of Eleanor Estes or <i>Penderwicks</i> feel sometimes, centering on the pursuits and cares of children in a small town, but it's the early 1940s so the stakes are way higher than <i>Ginger Pye</i>. Xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment are on the rise, big business is fighting against labor organization, and Gusta's dad is on the run from the law. There is plenty of good will and kindness to stand up against the world's real darkness, and the characters are great and genuine.

3.4 Stars, rounded down to 3.*

The Orphan Band of Springdale opens with 11-year-old Gusta, suddenly and unexpectedly alone aboard a bus en route to her grandmother in Maine. It’s 1941, and the world is an unsure place...specifically for Gusta as the child of a German labor organizer at a time when foreigners are viewed with suspicion. Anne Nesbet beautifully captures the scenery of Springdale, Maine- bringing it more in focus as Gusta literally and figuratively begins to see the world around her. 
It’s a sweet, charming story. A blend of historical fiction and social justice handbook. Gusta is a character of particular moxie and she’s lovable as she fumbles through her relationships and awakenings.

I adore this book! The writing is lyrical and clear; the characters are believable and lovable; the historical events covered are highly relevant today; and there is a French horn, an attic full of old books, and an interrupting boy. 

Eleven-year-old Gusta is easy to relate to. Her life hasn't been easy, but she's figured out ways to make life work. So when she's dumped off a bus to go live with her formidable grandmother, she makes it work. When people at school aren't kind, she copes. When her uncle needs an expensive operation, she works to make it happen. Not all her choices are perfect—there are plenty of learning experiences here—but it's hard not to love someone who tries so hard.

This book is set in pre-WWII Maine. Historical aspects touched upon include the upcoming war; union organizing; people fleeing Germany because of the events leading up to the war; and suspicion of immigrants under the guise of nationalism and security. I found it to be exceedingly relevant to events going on today, and that is one reason I am going to be strongly encouraging my eleven-year-old son to read this ASAP.

Another reason I'll be encouraging him to read it is the bits about the French horn. My son plays it too, and I think he loves it as much as Gusta does. The passages that talk about how she feels when she plays it, I can see in my own son when he picks up his horn or talks about it. And the case banging against the shins: spot on! My son's biggest challenge when he started playing it last year was just carrying it around.

I can't finish my review without mentioning the amazing writing surrounding Gusta getting glasses. I have never needed glasses, but reading about how she felt after getting them, I finally think I know what it would be like. 

I would love to see this book in the running for the Newbery. It's that good!

———

Content: An orphan discovers her true parentage (talk of a "mistake" made years earlier); a single pregnant woman delivers a baby and leaves it behind; a man scares a girl and rips her sweater. Ages 10+, but really, nothing in here offensive, just material for discussion.

When I heard that this book is based on Springvale, Maine I just had to get it.  My school is in Springvale / Sanford and I couldn't wait to read a book set locally.  Let's be honest - there have been events recently that haven't always cast a good light on the towns so a book set there was a joy.
Gusta is on her way to Springdale with her father at the beginning of the book.  She is going to stay with her grandmother while her mother is in NY working and her father - a union organizer and German - is trying to stay one step ahead of the law.  They get separated early on and Gusta has to find her way to Springdale alone.  Once there she adjusts quickly into her grandmother's home where orphans are taken care of by her grandmother and her aunt.  
Gusta, her cousin, and Josie, one of the orphans decide to start a band using Gusta's french horn and Josie's voice.  They want to play, and maybe win, at the fair the next summer.  But with war looming there is a lot of suspicion in town about those who might be foreign.  There are also old secrets and injustice that Gusta tries to confront.  
There was a lot going on in this book - it was funny, tragic, honest.  I will admit I may be a bit biased because of the connection - Jefferson School, the old high school, the mills, some of the familiar names.  I can't wait for my students to get ahold of this book and maybe be entranced by the history of our town.

This story is about Gusta, a girl who is sent to live with her grandmother in the orphan home she runs in pre WWII times. She tries to fit in, yet stay unique in her own way which includes playing her french horn. She forms a band with a few other girls and hope to win a ribbon at the local fair. This story is about love and family and how prejudice is sometimes disguised.

The book was an easy read and the writing was exceptional. I will read more of what this author writes for sure!

Gusta finds herself sent away from N.Y. City in the early years of WWII to live in the orphan home run by her grandmother. A near sighted, skinny 5th grader, Augusta is looking to fit in and not stand out. But she finds this difficult. Her beautiful French horn playing gives her a unique voice as she tries to help her family. The story is a loving tribute  on the author's mom, and the truth behind the fictionalized story adds to it.