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Baby Love by Jacqueline Wilson

Sep24

Nothing Wrong

Baby Love by Jacqueline Wilson is a powerful and heart-wrenching YA historical novel that I just could not put down. I greedily devoured it and was emotionally invested in the lead character.

The novel is set in 1959 and moves into 1960. It surrounds lead character fourteen-year-old Laura. We see all the action through her eyes and in the first person.

Laura is incredibly likable. She has a huge heart, looking out for those who are marginalised as she has walked in their shoes.

Laura earnt a scholarship to the Grammar School. Her parents, though poor and living in a prefab, are also proud and don’t want hand-outs. They like to try to pay their way.

Laura has struggled to fit in, and recognises herself in eleven-year-old Moira, who has just started at the Grammar School. Moira has a kind heart too. Her friendship is pure, and contrasts sharply with Nina, the local G.P’s daughter who uses her ‘power’ in a ‘friendship’ with Laura. As she dangles the carrot of friendship, Nina can also be rather cruel.

Laura’s innocence is taken advantage of by an older French exchange student. All the blame lies firmly at the feet of Laura. She is not the only girl to end up in a mother and baby home for young girls, after males in authority have abused their positions. It is always the girls who are cast off. The men get away scot-free.

Attitudes to single girls and their babies in 1960 were appalling. The girls were shamed and their babies taken from them to be adopted into ‘good’ families. Identities of the babies were hidden, meaning there was no chance of re-unions in later life. A whole generation of babies never knew their mothers. The modern reader is horrified. We see the damage inflicted on those poor girls whose babies were ripped from their arms.

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Trains & Tulips by Savannah Jane McCrary

Jul28

The Light Breaks Through The Darkness

Trains & Tulips by Savannah Jane McCrary is a powerful Christian historical Young Adult book that I loved from the start. I read it in just two sittings.

This is a book that will educate you as you read. The action is set in Holland during World War II. The author has clearly and concisely constructed her tale about the war, around the Dutch people. The cast of characters are from all walks of life. Savannah Jane McCrary’s ability to weave a tale brings history to life for the reader.

As the book progresses, the light over Holland is being extinguished but “the darkness will not last forever.” One day peace will come.

The Resistance had their own version of the 10 commandments. Number 9 stood out for me. “Thou shalt pursue light even in the darkness, for light remains light.”

The Resistance in Holland was strong. The members came from all walks of life, united in wanting to disrupt the Nazi war machine. “Some bullies can’t just be ignored. They need to be stood up to.”

As the noose tightened around the Jewish people, there would be those who would help. “At the end of my life, when I stand before God, I don’t want to say ‘I did nothing in the face of such evil.’ I just keep thinking ‘I have to do something.’”

We know that “we always have a choice… Sometimes it costs us.” – Could we have stood by and done nothing? Or would we have been moved to act? I would like to think it was the latter.

Characters did what they could. Some took photos. “Someone has to document this. Someone has to make sure justice is done.” Others hid babies. Others were more active and paid the ultimate sacrifice. “Soon, Heaven would no longer be a future hope but a present reality… A deep sense of peace filled him.”

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Kat The Dog by Jo Allen

Jun5

An Entertaining Tale

Kat The Dog by Jo Allen is an entertaining YA novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in The Seventh Pup series which promises to be fabulous.

The story is seen through the eyes of Kat the dog. We hear about her relationship with other dogs and with her two favourite humans who run the rescue centre.

All the dogs have differing personalities which complement each other. The dialogue is light-hearted and fun as the verbal volleys fly between the characters.

The leading humans are a grandfather and his granddaughter. She lives with him after her parents were killed (before the book opened.) A necklace belonging to her mother has been passed down. This has magic powers, enabling her to see what others cannot.

Unscrupulous relatives try to cheat the grandfather out of his property. The dogs spring to the rescue.

This was an enjoyable read that grabs the reader’s attention from the start. All the characters were well drawn.

We see that life is a battle between good and evil. We recognise the goodness of those who want to do no harm.

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Dolphin Song by Lauren St John

Dec22

The Rescue

Dolphin Song by Lauren St John is a powerful contemporary YA novel. It is the third book in the White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for character progression and development.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as we rejoin eleven-year-old Martine and her classmates as they are going on a sea trip around the African coast to see the sardine’s swarm. It is to be a trip of a lifetime – it will be memorable in more ways than one!

Martine has been given the gift of healing animals. This will prove to be vital. She has also learnt about the healing properties of plants from wise Grace, who practices the old ways.

Friendships will be tested. “Friends made you brave. Friends made things fun.” We all need good friends. Classmates have been cruel until they need help, and then rivalries are put aside for the greater good. Working together is far better than being alone. Together we will accomplish far more.

There is nothing like a near-tragedy to put things into perspective. “I’m not happy because we nearly died last night, I’m happy because we’re alive this morning.” A positive attitude will help in our journey through life.

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