Louisa June watches in horror as WWII comes to her doorstep in Tidewater, Virginia, where most people make their living at least partly from the water - the water that is now infested with German U-boats. Louisa is determined to take action to do her part for the war effort: one of her brothers joins the navy, and her older sister Katie works as a welder. But what can Louisa do, when her mother - who suffers from bouts of depression that worsen after one of her sons dies - needs her to tell her "somethings nice"? Louisa battles grief over her brother's death, too, but her mother's cousin Belle sweeps in to help, telling of her own experience in Europe during WWI and in Washington, D.C. after that. She supports Louisa and the family, and Louisa and her friend Emmett do find a way to help in the wake of another Nazi attack on their shores.

Quotes

My cousin Belle...told me that a story can speak to a soul different ways at different times, getting better with every reading. (16)

"I love your spirit, Louisa, but don't forget to arm it with a little common sense, or you'll swamp yourself in trouble." (Butler, 36)

"Remember, child, a soul has many more stories to tell than just the one she is known for, or what people expect of her." (Belle, 92)

It was so bizarre that the universe went on being luminous and gorgeous even as we humans set fire to it. (265)

Author's note covers history of Nazi submarines in U.S. waters and the development of better treatment for mental/emotional health. ( )

This was an advance copy of an audiobook and does not reflect the final copy. I will say that the synthesized voice was hilarious to listen to when the bombs were going off and when Louisa was shouting her mothers name (imagine a very monotone ka-boom, ka-boom, ka-boom or MAMA with no emphasis at all).

Louisa is kind, hard working, and attune to the needs of those around her (mama included). Cousin Belle is eccentric, amazing, and empowering.

Overall, this was a poignant story about a family affected deeply by war. A great historical fiction read for young readers. ( )