Description
World War II. Hitler is
threatening to take over the world. Eddie Carl thinks America should
stop him-it's just plain right. But Eddie's just a kid, and the farm in
Ellisville, Illinois, is a long way from the fighting.
Ellisville: where the big news stories are gophers in the graveyard
and the new bank alarm.
But then America joins the war and Eddie's brother Thomas goes off to
fly a bomber. Suddenly the war doesn't seem so far away. And Eddie faces
more grown-up problems at home: A fire at the Strothers' place, and his
gypsy friend accused of arson. Grampa Rob, all stubborn and mean. Grama
Lucy with her secrets. And that redhead Sarah, who definitely likes
him-unless maybe she hates him.
Somehow Eddie's in the middle of it all, trying to figure out what's
right. Let Thomas fight World War II. Eddie's war is right here in
Ellisville.
Eddie's War is a lyrical collection of prose vignettes linking Eddie, his family, and a small-town cast of Ellisvillians. Poignant and funny, this World War II story tells how a distant war affects the life of one boy in the Heartland.
Eddie's War is a lyrical collection of prose vignettes linking Eddie, his family, and a small-town cast of Ellisvillians. Poignant and funny, this World War II story tells how a distant war affects the life of one boy in the Heartland.
Advance Praise
Kirkus Reviews
*(Starred review) "A poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II. . . . In spare language and remarkably short sketches, carefully selected details effectively portray well-rounded, interesting characters. . . . Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read." Horn Book
"Beautifully phrased and vividly revealing of character . . . an authentic window into the past that recalls the narrative power of Karen Hesse's verse and the moral debate in Mary Downing Hahn's Stepping on the Cracks." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Saller's poems build from finely delineated episodes of no immediately apparent weight into a cumulative portrait of a tightly interlocked community, where routine, patriotism, and neighborly support cannot always confine darker attitudes and deeds to the shadows. The contemplative tone of the entries and the misplaced accusations against an innocent man are reminiscent of Betsy Byars' Keeper of the Doves (BCCB 1/03); readers who step into Eddie's shoes will appreciate that coming of age often involves seeing your family and friends for exactly what they are." Children's Literature
"Free verse vignettes will appeal to reluctant readers. Compare to Robert Cormier's Frenchtown Summer or Rick Beck's Necking With Louise. Very highly recommended."
*(Starred review) "A poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II. . . . In spare language and remarkably short sketches, carefully selected details effectively portray well-rounded, interesting characters. . . . Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read." Horn Book
"Beautifully phrased and vividly revealing of character . . . an authentic window into the past that recalls the narrative power of Karen Hesse's verse and the moral debate in Mary Downing Hahn's Stepping on the Cracks." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Saller's poems build from finely delineated episodes of no immediately apparent weight into a cumulative portrait of a tightly interlocked community, where routine, patriotism, and neighborly support cannot always confine darker attitudes and deeds to the shadows. The contemplative tone of the entries and the misplaced accusations against an innocent man are reminiscent of Betsy Byars' Keeper of the Doves (BCCB 1/03); readers who step into Eddie's shoes will appreciate that coming of age often involves seeing your family and friends for exactly what they are." Children's Literature
"Free verse vignettes will appeal to reluctant readers. Compare to Robert Cormier's Frenchtown Summer or Rick Beck's Necking With Louise. Very highly recommended."
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781608981083 |
| PRICE | 18.95 |
