Code Word Courage by Kirby Larson

Billie is a lonely, eleven-year-old girl afraid of losing her older brother Leo as he fights in WWII. Denny is a young Navajo Marine, brought up in a boarding school that punished him for speaking his native language. The two develop an unexpected friendship as they care for a wounded stray dog they name Bear. Alternating between Billie’s and Denny’s perspectives, Kirby Larson gives us a taste of the trials of wartime.

Billie worries about the soldiers while dealing with prejudice and unkindness at home. Denny is asked to face the horrors of battle, using his native Navajo to send vital messages through the military. Through it all, Bear comforts them and teaches them the power of friendship, loyalty, and courage. Code Word Courage is a beautifully written story that will introduce young readers to life during WWII. It is engaging while remaining age appropriate for elementary school--a book I would highly recommend.

Recommended ages--9 and up

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

After her parents' divorce, Mclean and her father haven't spent long in any one place. They both are experts at moving in and then leaving before lasting attachments are made. Mclean even changes her name and persona with each new place. However, something about this new move is different. Mclean uses her own name. She starts making friends and realizes that she really would like a place to call home.

In a bittersweet coming of age story, Sarah Dessen explores the effects of divorce on the child caught in the middle. She also reveals the necessity as well as the risk of human relationships. Mclean is a strong, but confused teenage character and many teen readers will connect with her journey toward self-discovery.

Recommended ages--12 and up

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

When their Japanese grocery store goes out of business, Katie and her family move from Iowa to Georgia. Now both of her parents are working all the time, but Katie’s sister Lynn is good at taking care of things. Lynn is Katie’s best friend and teaches her how to enjoy the little things in life. When their little brother is born, Katie and Lynn both teach Sammy about ‘Kira-kira’--the words that means “glittering” in Japanese.

In spite of hardships, the three siblings are able to see beauty in their lives. But when Lynn gets sick, ‘Kira-kira’ is harder to find. Kira-kira is a book about history and culture, but mostly it is a story of love and loyalty in the midst of hardship. Young readers will relate to Katie’s innocent narrative while learning about an interesting time and family culture.

Recommended ages--10 and up