Gingersnap

Gingersnap
Written by Patricia Reilly Giff
2013

Jayna lives in a small town in New York during World War II. After growing up in foster homes after her parents were killed, her brother Rob is the only family that she has; and he has been called up for duty. After hearing that Rob is missing in action, Jayna travels alone to Brooklyn in search of Elise, who may be her only other relative, with just a small suitcase and her turtle. Jayna instantly feels as though she belongs in Brooklyn with Elise, although she is not who she once thought. Although she originally went looking for her grandmother, Jayna finds much more than that...she finds an entire family. 

Admittedly, I did not initially think that I would enjoy reading this book. Books dealing with history generally do not hold my interest. I was pleasantly surprised however, when I read this in one sitting. Giff did an amazing job of painting a picture so clear that I felt as if I were right there with Jayna in 1945. The historical events and storyline were woven so well into the fictional storyline, that it was easy to get lost in. This would be a great read for middle school students, and even some upper elementary students. It made even me want to do some further reading on World War II in order to get a better idea of the timing of the events in relation to this story.