Besides having a name worthy of fame, Antonia Lucia LaBella is a believer in miracles, the power of prayers, and divine intervention from her beloved patron saints. She is a girl on a mission to petition the Vatican for a new patron saint (with herself as a living candidate) and to have her first kiss. She doesn’t wait for miracles to happen however, and it’s her spunk and spirit that make this such an enjoyable read.
For your tween readers who want to learn all they can about the Holocaust, this story of the Nazi invasion of Norway will expand their persepective on both history and sympathy. Marit faces an internal struggle for courage and acceptance as she fights the enemy and for understanding of individuals whose choices can be life altering and confusing. The effects of adult choices on children’s lives and the courage it takes for a child to grow into their own adult path is beautifully explored here. Sadly we are still in an incomprehensible time of war, and the need for humane titles will continue.
