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Module 5 Historical Fiction: WAR AND MILLIE MCGONIGLE - Written by Karen Cushman


 

Module 5 – Book Review 3 

Review of Karen Cushman's War and Millie McGonigle 

*This review was written for a course through Sam Houston State University. 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Cushman, K. (2022). WAR AND MILLIE MCGONIGLE. Yearling. ISBN: 978-1984850133 

2. PLOT SUMMARY 

“War and Millie McGonigle,” written by Karen Cushman, is about the life of a twelve-year-old girl named Millie who is living in a small town during World War II. She faces typical challenges of adolescence but faces the added pressure of finding herself amidst the societal expectations of the wartime era. The audience is able to the interactions with her friends and family where they can see a humorous but still poignant look at life in that era for everyone. Cushman uses Millie’s journey to touch on the themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery, ultimately giving voice to the resilience of youth in the face of adversity and uncertainty. Millie's story shows what life during World War II was like, but is still relatable to modern audiences. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS  

In Karen Cushman’s book, “War and Millie McGonigle,” the story focuses on the protagonist, Millie. Cushman focuses on her childhood struggles with adolescence and finding who she is meant to be are issues that readers can relate to, even today. The plot is set in wartime of WWII and authentic in how it depicts the social dynamics and challenges faced by so many during this difficult time in history. The setting of the story is a small town in the 1940s which gives historical context which shapes each characters’ experiences and interactions and leads to complete immersion for the reader. It is clear that Cushman completed thorough research to tell the character Millie’s story and finds a balance between fact and fiction. In doing so, there is a nuanced portrayal of wartime life which also manages to avoid stereotypes while still giving a diverse range of characters and experiences. It is both authentic and entertaining that leads to thought provoking exploration of this time in American history. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) 

Booklist (March 1, 2021 (Vol. 117, No. 13))  

With America on the brink of WWII, 12-year-old Millie is scared, worried, and, above all, gloomy. Her grandmother has given her a diary for recording things that she cares about, but following Gram’s death, Millie misinterprets her words, using the book to draw pictures of dead sea creatures at the local beach. The thoughts and emotions in Millie’s first-person narrative ring true, and the gradual changes in her perspective, brought about by experiences and relationships, are convincing as well.  

Horn Book Magazine (March/April, 2021)  

Cushman (The Ballad of Lucy Whipple) sets her WWII home front novel in 1941 San Diego, where feisty and headstrong Millie McGonigle is coping with...a lot. Cushman offers readers a sympathetic, spirited heroine and a vividly evoked setting, chock-full of sensory detail. Hand this to fans of books such as Jennifer L. Holm's Our Only May Amelia (1999) and Turtle in Paradise (rev. 5/10). 

Kirkus Reviews starred (February 15, 2021)  

A San Diego tween nurses grievances as war approaches. With the future uncertain, Millie discovers precious, hidden beauty lies in once-monotonous daily life. Accomplished storytelling transforms grim history into a light for dark times.  

Publishers Weekly (February 15, 2021)  

Newbery Medalist Cushman melds historical detail and generous humor in this gently paced novel of family travails and sociopolitical tensions set in 1941 California. Cushman’s relationships prove well grounded, and Millie’s first-person voice effectively builds strength as she heals from her grandmother’s death and embraces the future.  

School Library Journal (March 1, 2021)  

A fresh take on the classic home front, World War II middle grade novel. In beachy Southern California, Millie, who is white, worries about the news of the war in Europe while also coping with her family's financial stresses, her sister's illness, and a relative who recently moved in with the family. A must-buy for school and children's libraries looking to expand their historical fiction selections. 

5. CONNECTIONS  

  • Related Books - Other books about the themes of wartime, grief, coming of age and by the setting of U.S. home front and WWII era 

  • Giff, Patricia Reilly. LILY’S CROSSING. ISBN 978-0440414537 

  • Sepahban, Lois. PAPER WISHES. ISBN 978-1250104144 

  • Enrichment Activities -    

  • WWII Home Front Research Project – Have students research the aspects of home front life including rationing, blackouts, women in the workforce, Victory Gardens, and the roles of children during that time. 

  • Compare and contrast historical fiction – Have students compare War and Milli McGonigle to another WWII-era novel like Lily’s Crossing from my aforementioned, related books section.

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