Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
A Place to Hang the Moon (Margaret Ferguson Books, 2021) by Kate Albus is marvelous. I loved it so much.
It’s the beginning of World War II in London, and siblings William, Edmond, and Anna have just lost their sole relative, their grandmother. With no appointed guardian, the solicitor decides the best thing to do is to send the children to the countryside with others their age who are being evacuated. Perhaps there they can find a suitable family to become their guardians. But first they can not tell the secret that they have no one to care for them in London and that they’ll inherit their grandmother’s money.
At twelve, William, is in charge of his siblings, eleven and nine, and it’s his duty to take care of them and keep them together. But, who would want to take in three child evacuees after all? Or keep them. Suffering is ahead for all three. But at least there’s a library.
I read this award-winning book almost in one sitting–the children in the story were so cold I had to stop and make myself some hot chocolate.
This historical novel is an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winner, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, Kids Indie Next List pick, a ALSC Notable Children’s Book, a CCBC Choice, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.
Read about the author here and check out Kate’s books here.
This sounds terrific. Thanks for the review.
I think you’ll like it.
Lloyd Alexander had a great article in an early CRICKET magazine about “eating books”. A cup of cocoa would have been good to go with this one, and maybe a slice of bread and jam, which is a snack today’s children do not appreciate nearly enough.
I used to put butter on bread and sprinkle sugar on top. We had homemade bread which made it even better!
Intrigued for sure. Happy MMGM
Good!
I read this one last spring and loved it. I particularly enjoyed Edmund and his personality, but every character felt very real. I’m glad you featured it today!
Yay! Another fan!
I remember having this one on my future read list but never got to it. You’ve renewed my interest and will be looking for a copy. Happy MMGM!
So many TBR books.
I’m going to have to hunt down a copy of this one. It sounds great. Thanks for the heads-up.
You’re welcome!
I’ve read A Place to Hang the Moon before, and though I didn’t love it as much as you did (not entirely sure why!), I do think it’s a sweet story that a lot of folks will love!
It’s because reading is subjective. 😉