1940
The war in Europe is the news of the day, and Eddie Carl thinks America should step up and save the world. But Eddie’s too young to fight, and the farm in Ellisville, Illinois, is a long way from the front. 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 destroys the Strothers’ place, and Eddie’s friend is accused of arson. Grampa Rob is stubborn and mean. Grama Lucy is hiding something. And that redhead Sarah definitely likes him—unless maybe she hates him.
Eddie’s in the middle of it all, trying to figure out what’s right. This is Eddie’s war.
Carol Fisher Saller lives in Chicago. Honors for her children’s books include Kirkus Best, Bank Street Best, Horn Book Recommended Verse, NCSS/CBC Notables, the Carl Sandburg Award for Children’s Literature, the Midland Authors Award for Children’s Fiction, and Chicago Public Library’s Best Teen Fiction.
As a professional manuscript editor, Carol is the author of the book and blog The Subversive Copy Editor and contributing editor to The Chicago Manual of Style.
★ Maryland State Black-Eyed Susan Award 2014–2015 nominee (Grades 6–9)
★ Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2012 (Ages 12–14, Outstanding Merit)
★ 2011 Best of the Best Fiction for Teens, Chicago Public Library
★ Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2011 (Starred review)
● Horn Book Recommended Verse Narratives
BUY the book
“A poignant look at boyhood… A quick, excellent read.”—Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2011
“Free verse vignettes will appeal to reluctant readers… Very highly recommended.”—Children’s Literature
“Beautifully phrased and vividly revealing of character… An authentic window into the past”—Horn Book, recommended verse narratives
“Eddie’s reflections… connect the larger peaceful aspirations of a postwar world with the simple individual dreams of a teen.”—School Library Journal
“Beautifully written prose vignettes.”—Bank Street Best Books of 2012
“Saller’s command of style and character development excels… The author has an excellent website… This would be an ideal choice for class discussions or book groups.”—Catholic Library World
“The contemplative tone of the entries and the misplaced accusations against an innocent man are reminiscent of Betsy Byars’ Keeper of the Doves.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“True and tender.”—Nikki Grimes, the poetry zone