Synopses & Reviews
One of 12 siblings growing up in depression-era Baltimore, Edithand#160;isn't quite sure of who she is. Between working at her fatherand#8217;s diner, taking care of her younger siblings, andand#160;living in the shadow of her more mature sisters, Edith feels lost in a sea of siblings. When a kind teacher encourages Edith to be a teacher herself one day, Edith sees prospects for a future all her own. Full of joy, pain, humor, and sadness, thisand#160;novel in verse isand#160;a wonderful look atand#160;the life of Edith Paul,and#160;the author's mother, and is an enduring portrait (complete with family photos and an author's note at the end)and#160;of one family's pursuit of the American dream.
Review
"Rosenthal's spare writing superbly captures the emotional growth of a girl on the cusp of adolescence, despite its specific historical context."--School Library Journal "The overall tone is one of solidarity in spite of difficulties."--Booklist "This would serve as an excellent class readaloud as well as appealing to fans of both poetry and memoir."--Bulletin
Review
"This free verse historical-fiction account is as gripping and moving as any Holocaust story and would be a rich addition to any World War II study."Winston Salem Journal
"A gentle retelling of a horrific situation. . . . A great addition to the cannon of WWII YA literature, helping readers to understand how being different at this time was a dangerous thing."KLIATT
"In her powerful debut novel, LeZotte, who is deaf, tells the story from the viewpoint of one young girl, who speaks in spare, lyrical, intense free verse that blends her personal experience with the historical facts and an additional adult perspective that looks back."Booklist
"LeZottes use of free verse offers a lyrical, flowing story of yet another aspect of this historic tragedy. As a deaf person herself, she is able to delve deep into the main characters feelings as a disabled person, adding another layer to this moving account."Advocate News, Baton Rouge, Lousiana
"This short yet stirring read accompanied by additional notes at the back of the book would be a rich addition to any Holocaust study unit."--Jewish Book World
"T4 exposes the darkness of the time while capturing the wonder and hope of one girl's survival."About Our Children
"I found that I couldn't put this book down. It was so amazing. . . [its] really rich in detail and is a great story."FlamingNet.com, student review
"A poetic book that simply and powerfully examines the injustices of the Nazis during World War II."Holly Newton, Newton's Book Notes
Synopsis
A poignant and historical novel in verse about a Jewish family of twelve children told from the point of view of "just plain Edith, number four" as she tries to figure out her place in both her family and the world at large. Set in the depression era Baltimore, Looking for Me is filled with the joy, pain, humor, and sadness of a real immigrant family pursuing the American dream.
Synopsis
Has your smoke detector ever tattled on you when you burned the toast? Does your sticky back door get the best of you? Do you have a secret hideaway where you keep your private treasures? Told from a child's perspective, the poems in this affectionate collection celebrate everything that makes each house a unique and special place.
From waking up in a cozy bedroom on a chilly morning to exploring a garage full of fascinating junk, this intimate house tour proves there's no place like home.
Synopsis
It is 1939. Paula Becker, thirteen years old and deaf, lives with her family in a rural German town. As rumors swirl of disabled children quietly disappearing, a priest comes to her familys door with an offer to shield Paula from an uncertain fate. When the sanctuary he offers is fleeting, Paula needs to call upon all her strength to stay one step ahead of the Nazis.
About the Author
MARGARET CHODOS-IRVINE is the author and illustrator of Best Best Friends and Ella Sarah Gets Dressed, a Caldecott Honor Book. She also illustratedandnbsp;Apple Pie Fourth of July, Hide and Seek, and Buzz,andnbsp;all by Janet S. Wong, Once Around the Sun by Susan Marie Swanson, Only You by Robin Cruise, and My House Is Singing by Betsy R. Rosenthal.andnbsp;Margaret Chodos-Irvineandnbsp;lives in Seattle, Washington.