The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army, by Beth Anderson, Ashley Yazdani (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 29, 2026

I'm impressed.

As a history major/teacher, I was drawn to this book immediately. The American Revolution remains one of my serious interest topics, perhaps because I know I had ancestors involved. I was fully drawn into the story as soon as I opened the book. The illustrations fit perfectly and add greatly to the story. I did have some vague awareness of Washington's pox vaccination issue but no real idea of the logistics or even difficulty involved. This gave me a far better understanding of the depth of difficulty involved and the surrounding issues. I've always admired Washington's ability to stand firm not just in battle but on things that mattered to the fledgling Americans as a core about which to unite. This book helps us see the stress he was surely under as he tackled first the gigantic idea of inoculating his entire army despite conditions being less that ideal and the pressures of time and place. BTW, for anyone fearing this book might veer into politics and discuss the pros and cons of vaccinations, rest assured that doesn't happen. The author does an excellent job of sticking to the core event, the danger of losing an entire army to smallpox as an actual historical event. In other words, no politics.

The author's ability to focus on the actual event and its potential wide reaching impact helps remind us that these now legendary historical figures were human beings first. All too often the human side of history is lost in citing dates and events without the surrounding content and Anderson does an excellent job of bringing that context to the forefront. We get to see the true humanity of the man most now rarely pause to think about while counting their dollar bills. The caring, human side of a man who'd actually survived smallpox himself and knew what that diagnosis meant. Given his seeming awareness of precedent, it's surely a sign he knew his decision could impact history itself, making it all the weightier. As you read through the episodes of history inside, it becomes all the more fascinating as we ponder the humanity and stress that surely clung to Washington. We see the whole picture, not just an isolated snippet of facts. The illustrations contribute greatly to this, as noted, fitting the time period nicely, and are well worth taking the time to examine closely, too. Also, make sure you read the author's notes at the end and for more info, the list of resources provided.

Bottom line, this book would be an excellent addition to any teacher or library. It's well researched and presented in an easy to grasp manner. As noted, it approaches the deadly threat of smallpox as a human event, not just a side fact of the war. Kudos to the author for reminding us that one decision can make a huge difference, its impact leading to one thing after another. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for allowing me this early peek at a glimmer of time that has long intrigued me. Adults, as well as children, will find much to ponder here.  

World War II Close Up: They Saved the Stallions, by Deborah Hopkinson

 

Publication October 15, 2024

It's telling in a good way that I started this book that should have taken a day or two to read and review more than a week ago. I found myself getting so caught up in the story that I spent a great deal of time refreshing my brain about the story and searching out info on the Disney movie "Miracle of the White Stallions" that I was only reading in spurts. I am happy to tell you, however, that I not only enjoyed the book fully but found the movie streaming and flashed back to my childhood when I first saw it. Funny how memory is selective as about the only thing I recalled was how enchanted I was with the gorgeous horses and a scene on a train with bombs and mayhem. Equally funny that if memory serves, I was worried about the horses not the people involved. Ah, the innocence of youth.

In any case, I obviously recommend this book highly to both horse and history lovers. It definitely filled in the huge gaps in my knowledge of the real story and more. The photos of the horses and Spanish Riding School of the time were fascinating, as was learning more about the art of classical dressage. After opening with the tense status of the horses and school's sheer survival as the war neared, the author takes time to provide us with background on Alois Podhajsky and the long history of the Lipizzner stallions and breed. i should also note that even before this, as well as afterward, the author has provided readers with not just a list of the personalities, but their positions/status (I was surprised to discover how many were actually in the German military) as well as listing the individual  horses. There's also a glossary which includes terms used to describe the various airs above the ground the Lipizzners are so famous for. In other words, a great deal of thought has been put into organizing and assisting readers relatively new to the art. Of course, the Virtual Field trips links included is what kept sending me off to find out more and more. I honestly didn't try all the links, of course, but will note that the ones I checked were up and working. A great add to a reader's experience.

Bottom line, while I won't detail the text, it was a 5 star for me. Others, less familiar with the story, may find themselves less interested in the history lesson and just want to find out what happened but it's easy to skip ahead without taking in all the background information. I'd suggest you read it in its entirety, however, to fully grasp what an amazing feat this was, one that involved not only US General George Patton but a host of others, not all of them on the same side of the conflict. They were all on the side of the horses, though, and worried what might happen if the stud farm wasn't relocated out of Czechoslovakia before the advancing Russian army took control. And, for those familiar with "Miracle of the White Stallions", yes, a demonstration was put on for Patton. Seeing a photo of the real Podhajsky, I must also note that Disney did an excellent job of casting and the real Podhajsky even appears briefly in the movie. So, rather than ramble on, let me simply thank #Scholastic for allowing me an early look at this book, one that I will surely be adding to my own "horse crazy girl" shelf as soon as it goes on sale.

A Star Shines Through, by Anna Desnitskaya

 Publication August 20, 2024

Despite a rather somber mood throughout, this book ends on a hopeful note. Drawing from the author's own experiences, it tells the story of how sudden war impacts one young girl and her mother. The tone, both in mood and illustrations, tends toward darkness but the star in the window shines forth and gives hope. The text is succinct, no wasted words, while the illustrations help convey the confusion and unease of being forced from their home, forced to find shelter where they not only seem to know no one but don't speak the language. One illustrations clearly shows how frustrated and blank one must feel looking at signage in foreign locations, not even sure what sort of store/shop/business may be housed there. Check out that same location later in the book.

The one consistent besides her mother and the star, seems to be the presence of the girl's musical instrument. She's seen alone with it in the new location than, as time passes, she seems to have found a friends that she shares a passion for music with. As she heads home, she is somehow reassured by the star shining from their window, a sign of hope for her and her mother. I liked that the book made a point of showing the mother's difficulties, too, how the war and move changed her as well as her daughter. As noted, the story is conveyed as much by the artwork as words, so be sure to take note of what you're seeing as well as reading. 

There is nothing simple about either this book or the impact of war and displacement on people. My thanks to #NetGalley and #Wm.B.EerdmansPublishingCompany for sharing this heartfelt look at how, despite change, like a star, hope can shine through. This would make a lovely addition to school libraries and is one that could open up conversations between adults and children about current events.

Nour's Secret Library, by Wafa' Tarnowska, Vali Mintzi (Illustrator)

 

Inspired by a true story and dedicated to all children of war, this short book carries a powerful message. Sadly, it's a message as relevant today as it was when it was released in 2022. We get a brief look at Nour's pre-war life, one of family and fun...and books. She and her cousin Amir loved reading detective and mystery stories and dreamed of creating a sort of secret society. They day their friends were to meet to begin this adventure, however, an all-too-real adventure begins. Bombs start falling and the families are forced to flee to a basement for safety. The illustrations, which begin with light, warm, earth colors of sunshine and blue skies soon darkens, with black and dark depictions of the destruction about their once beautiful town. In the basement, however, amazing things are happening. Nour and Amir are building a soon not-so-secret library from books found blown into the streets by the force of the bombings or discarded in the rush to safety. This is their story, one of both the power of books and the hope for a better tomorrow for Nour and Amir and all those who live there. 

Sadly, we know peace didn't come to the Middle East. Just as the lives of Nour and Amir were upended, bombs fall throughout the world disrupting, ending, and changing the lives of many, both adults and children. The uncertainty of war is depicted, as is the human need to find solace, a safe spot, so to speak, in books. I recall as meme I saw recently that said basically that reading is the means to travel to wondrous places while being unable to leave your home or, in this case, safe spot. This book showcases that hope, so while very clear in its depiction of how war changed lives, it also shows how the human spirit can rise above it all. How, in the midst of war, something beautiful, the library shared by so many, can be created. The often dream like illustrations add greatly to the story and despite the warfare, no lives being lost are mentioned. This is, after all, a story for children and what books can do for them, not destruction.

Bottom line, while the location has changed, this book would be an excellent introduction to children of how others have coped. Books are obviously the central element but the togetherness and cooperation of those trapped in an otherwise desolate area are also themes that can be emphasized. The comparison of this war, in Syria, and current wars, who knows which or how many by the time this review hits print, can also be a strong teaching tool. The author and illustrator both supply short bios, so to speak, that show the relevance to their lives. There is also a glossary and timeline of both history and the libraries down through the area, a reminder that there are consistent elements in people's lives everywhere. My sincere thanks to #NetGalley and #BarefootBooks for bringing this book to my attention. Books are powerful.