Release: February 2nd 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N
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Set against the backdrop of World War II, Anna, Edmund, and William are evacuated from London to live in the countryside, bouncing from home to home in search of a permanent family.
It is 1940 and Anna, 9, Edmund, 11, and William, 12, have just lost their grandmother. Unfortunately, she left no provision for their guardianship in her will. Her solicitor comes up with a preposterous plan. He will arrange for the children to join the evacuation of a group of schoolchildren to a village in the country. There they will live with families for the duration of the war. He also hopes that whoever takes the children on might end up willing to adopt them and become their new family–providing, of course, that the children can agree on the choice.
Moving from one family to another, the children suffer the cruel trickery of foster brothers, the cold realities of outdoor toilets, and the hollowness of empty tummies. They seek comfort in the village lending library, whose kind librarian, Nora Muller, seems an excellent candidate–except that she has a German husband whose whereabouts are currently unknown. Nevertheless, Nora’s cottage is a place of bedtime stories and fireplaces, of vegetable gardens and hot, milky tea. Most important, it’s a place where someone thinks they all three hung the moon. Which is really all you need in a mom, if you think about it.
Fans of The War That Saved My Life and other World War II fiction will find an instant classic in A Place to Hang the Moon.
About the Author:
Kate Albus writes historical fiction for young people. She loves getting to know new characters, both by writing and reading about them. Kate grew up in New York and now lives with her family in rural Maryland. Other than writing, she loves baking, reading, knitting, and other activities that are inherently quiet.
A PLACE TO HANG THE MOON is her debut novel. Set in England during the early days of World War II, it’s the story of three orphaned siblings who hope the wartime evacuation of London will be their chance at a forever home. The story was inspired by Kate’s lifelong fascination with the WWII evacuations. Appropriately enough, she first learned of these historical events in a story… C.S. Lewis’ THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE.
A Place to Hang the Moon Review:
There are specific stories you read that make you immediately become fond of them. I loved reading “A Place to Hang the Moon” and thought the author did a fabulous job executing the tale.
Firstly, I adored all the three characters from the first page. Edmund, William, and Anna all have likable traits that make them stand out. I loved how close they were to each other. The three of them endure few hardships and learn the ways of the world. William was my favorite because of how he took over the responsibility. He wanted to manage everything with the three of them to not feel in debt with anyone. I loved how the author progressed with the characters in that there is never any harm in asking for help when required. You feel protective towards the children, especially when they encounter meanies like Jack and Simon and even the Griffiths. On a side note, I loved how the children have a fondness for books and loved the various references and selections the author put in on their conversations.
I also cherished the children’s bond with Mrs. Müller, and their scenes together were the highlights. Another reason that I applaud the author is for using the backdrop of WWII for the plot. You get to see how the situation impacts the evacuees and the harsh realities that the children have to endure. The author also added complex terms like capitulation that would encourage younger readers to enhance their vocabulary. The author beautifully paces the story in a heartwarming manner as the children search for the perfect place they can call home.
Overall, “A Place to Hang the Moon” is a gorgeous historical middle-grade novel that I feel proud of reading.
