Synopses & Reviews
Evvy Hoffmeister is thirteen years old when her family brings her to Loon Lake Sanatorium to get cured of tuberculosis (TB). Evvy is frightened by her new surroundings; the rules to abide are harsh and the nurses equally rigid. But Evvy soon falls into step with the other girls in her ward. Theres Sarah, quiet but thoughtful; Pearl, who adores Hollywood glamour; and Dina, whose harshness conceals a deep strength. Together, the girls brave the difficult daily routines. Set in 1940 at a time of political unrest throughout the U.S. and Europe, this thought-provoking novel sheds light on a much-feared worldwide illness. Hundreds of thousands of people died each year of TB, and many ill children were sent away to sanatoriums to hopefully recover.
Marsha Hayles' Breathing Room is a masterful novel—both eloquent and moving—that gives voice to those who fought hard to overcome the illness.
Review
“A moving and well-wrought story.”―School Library Journal
“A quiet, sober story of a genuine heroine who survives a devastating disease with grace.”―Kirkus
“…a perfect read…”―Horn Book
“Hayless sympathetic characters and detailed account is complemented by historical documents and photos throughout.”―Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Feathered Crown:
“Hayless evocative, airy imagery gives wing to her rhyming verse.” —Publishers Weekly
“Unadorned, gracefully rhyming text is partnered with delicate watercolor illustrations, resulting in a gentle perspective . . . that will strike a chord with nature lovers and young children settling down to sleep.” —School Library Journal
Praise for He Saves the Day:
“The snappy text uses natural, unforced rhymes and repetition to great effect. . . . This book demands to be read aloud. The energy contained within coupled with the innocent joy of imaginative play are engaging and satisfying.” — School Library Journal
Review
"A quiet, sober story of a genuine heroine who survives a devastating disease with grace.”--
Kirkus "…a perfect read…”--Horn Book
"Hayless sympathetic characters and detailed account is complemented by historical documents and photos throughout.”--Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Feathered Crown:
“Hayless evocative, airy imagery gives wing to her rhyming verse.” —Publishers Weekly
“Unadorned, gracefully rhyming text is partnered with delicate watercolor illustrations, resulting in a gentle perspective . . . that will strike a chord with nature lovers and young children settling down to sleep.” —School Library Journal
Praise for He Saves the Day:
“The snappy text uses natural, unforced rhymes and repetition to great effect. . . . This book demands to be read aloud. The energy contained within coupled with the innocent joy of imaginative play are engaging and satisfying.” — School Library Journal
Review
“A moving and well-wrought story.”―School Library Journal
“A quiet, sober story of a genuine heroine who survives a devastating disease with grace.”―Kirkus
“…a perfect read…”―Horn Book
“Hayless sympathetic characters and detailed account is complemented by historical documents and photos throughout.”―Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Feathered Crown:
“Hayless evocative, airy imagery gives wing to her rhyming verse.” —Publishers Weekly
“Unadorned, gracefully rhyming text is partnered with delicate watercolor illustrations, resulting in a gentle perspective . . . that will strike a chord with nature lovers and young children settling down to sleep.” —School Library Journal
Praise for He Saves the Day:
“The snappy text uses natural, unforced rhymes and repetition to great effect. . . . This book demands to be read aloud. The energy contained within coupled with the innocent joy of imaginative play are engaging and satisfying.” — School Library Journal
About the Author
Marsha Hayles is the author of several books for young children. This is her first novel. She lives in Pittsford, New York, with her family.