Crossing Stones

Gr 6—10—This gripping story (Farrar, Straus, 2009) by Helen Frost about two neighboring families during the Great War relates personal perspectives on the war, the struggle for women's suffrage in the U.S., the Spanish flu, and the day-to-day hardships of a small farming community in Minnesota in 1918. A son from each of the two families enlisted to fight the war in Europe, and one was killed and the other was maimed. The main character, Muriel, is against the war, but has learned to moderate her opinion to keep peace in her home and with her neighbors. When Muriel's Aunt Vera takes part in a hunger strike in support of women's suffrage, the girl is sent to bring Vera back home. However, instead of returning home, Vera introduces her niece to suffragettes and the art of demonstration. Muriel, who has been wondering what to do with her life after graduating from school, finds purpose in speaking her mind and teaching children in the slums. Unlike the facts and figures memorized for history class, this story brings the people and the issues to life. The heartfelt personal narratives related by four voice actors involve listeners from the very beginning of the book. This is historical fiction at it best.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA