Synopses & Reviews
When author/illustrator Lita Judge found hundreds of tracings of feet in her grandmother's attic, she was intrigued and moved to share the story behind them. One Thousand Tracings tells that story. In the aftermath of World War II a family in America established contact with a family in Germany and to help them sent them supplies, including shoes. The German family was extremely grateful and asked if their American friends would help others in Europe. Soon shoe tracings from all over the continent started pouring in to the modest Midwest farm. The network of families helping from the U.S. started to grow so that ultimately hundreds of people on both sides of the Atlantic were touched by this remarkable process. Illustrated with a combination of paintings and collages of original photographs and foot tracings, this moving story is a granddaughter's tender tribute to her grandparent's who organized this relief effort. By sending hope and kindness they began healing the wounds of war. It is powerful reminder of the importance of humanitarianism during wartime.
Review
FROM
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Hopkinson (A Boy Called Dickens) again gracefully mines history with this story highlighting a patriotic civilian initiative during WWI . . . Hopkinson brings the cause into the present, suggesting resources for information about current knitting efforts for soldiers and veterans. An enlightening piece of historical fiction that drives home the idea that every little bit helps.”
FROM KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“As in previous titles, Hopkinson was inspired by an actual event, creating a fast-paced narrative sure to appeal to children today. E-communication has long outstripped snail mail, but the loneliness and the worry of families left behind will still resonate. Guarnaccias pen-and-ink-and-watercolor illustrations nicely evoke the fashions of the time period. Liberal use of white space focuses attention on the children . . . A fine entry in commemoration of the upcoming centennial of World War I.”
FROM HORN BOOK:
“Hopkinson provides readers with a glimpse into life on the World War I home front. . . . The illustrations muted hues, heavy on olive and khaki, indicate times past, but Guarnaccia also capitalizes on white space, giving readers room to consider the times and themes presented here. Hopkinsons appended authors note provides more information about WWI and brings the war-relief effort into the twenty-first century, noting places that today accept knitted items for soldiers.”
Review
STARRED REVIEW FROM
BOOKLIST
“The bright telling is right at a kids level and captures both the specificity of the time and universality of human interactions. The authors note (bolstered by an image of a contemporaneous poster) puts the fiction in solid historical context. Guarnaccia has chosen to illustrate in a style reminiscent of oldtime Sunday funnies, perfect for the story. Oversize and set on white backgrounds, the pictures keep the focus on the amiable characters. . . . A terrific yarn.”
FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
“Hopkinson (A Boy Called Dickens) again gracefully mines history with this story
highlighting a patriotic civilian initiative during WWI . . . Hopkinson brings the cause into the present, suggesting resources for information about current knitting efforts for soldiers and veterans. An enlightening piece of historical fiction that drives home the idea that every little bit helps.”
FROM THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDRENS BOOKS:
“Hopkinsons text is snappy and engaging and her dialogue has just enough period flavor to be authentic while still resonating with modern kids . . . Guarnaccias pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations use muted tones and Lois Lenski-esque figures to successfully conjure a period look, and blond Mikey is a ruddy-cheeked, knickerbockered all-American boy of the nineteen-teens.”
FROM KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“As in previous titles, Hopkinson was inspired by an actual event, creating a fast-paced narrative sure to appeal to children today. E-communication has long outstripped snail mail, but the loneliness and the worry of families left behind will still resonate. Guarnaccias pen-and-ink-and-watercolor illustrations nicely evoke the fashions of the time period. Liberal use of white space focuses attention on the children . . . A fine entry in commemoration of the upcoming centennial of World War I.”
FROM HORN BOOK:
“Hopkinson provides readers with a glimpse into life on the World War I home front. . . . The illustrations muted hues, heavy on olive and khaki, indicate times past, but Guarnaccia also capitalizes on white space, giving readers room to consider the times and themes presented here. Hopkinsons appended authors note provides more information about WWI and brings the war-relief effort into the twenty-first century, noting places that today accept knitted items for soldiers.”
Synopsis
Mikey’s dad has left home to fight overseas during World War I, and Mikey wants to do something BIG to help. When his teacher suggests that the class participate in a knitting bee in Central Park to knit clothing for the troops, Mikey and his friends roll their eyes—knitting is for girls! But when the girls turn it into a competition, the boys just have to meet the challenge.
Based on a real “Knit-In” event at Central Park in 1918, Knit Your Bit shows readers that making a lasting contribution is as easy as trying something new!