Dear America series: My Secret War: The World War II Diary of Madeline Beck, Long Island, New York, 1941. Mary Pope Osborne, author.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Subjects: American History, WWII, School Social Situations,Family Relationships
Ages: Late Elementary
AR reading level: 5.5 - 4.0
Publisher: Scholastic
Retail price: $10.95
Quality Music and Books Price (used, very good condition): $5.50
ISBN 0-590-68715-8

REVIEW: Because the cover has a real photo of a girl dressed in the manner of the 1940's and the realistic writing, as I read the book I was wondering if this was a true story. Read Maddie's account of life during war time, school social situations that include fitting into a new school and not being part of an 'In-group,' the letter saying her father had been critically wounded and the letters written by nurses and his doctor, and finally saying good-bye to friends in the neighborhood, church and school and then traveling to be with her father as he recovers. There is an epilogue that tells what has happened to friends post-war.

CAUTIONS: There is a caution for younger children with the subject matter of burn wounds, and also when Maddie and her friend discover Nazi gear on the beach-the intent being to use explosives in sabotage of American factories.

Recommended Book.

Quality Music and Books, 208 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369, (763) 424-2425. mary.may@qualitymusicandbooks.com