Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.5 AVERAGE
4.5 AVERAGE
My favorite way to learn about history is through fiction. As an adult, The Lost Year not only opened my eyes to a time in history I had never heard of, but it emphasized the still-relevant need to discern fact from fiction in media coverage. For middle grade readers, the characters will hook them with needs and conflicts from modern day and the past that, no matter the time period, hit home.
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A beautifully wrought tale of the Holomodor in Ukraine in the 1920s anchored by a grandson living through the pandemic-ness of 2020. Incredibly solid storytelling, strong characters, very well-structured.
The plot twists, detailed story-line, and raw family dynamics made this novel super engaging. I enjoyed learning about this period of history alongside the contemporary protagonist Matthew. Also I loved the valuable role of League of Legends/video games as a vehicle for Matthew to document his family’s story. I feel it can be rare in middle grade novels to see genuine portrayal of video games as more than just unidimensional/bad.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I appreciate historical fiction that brings to light relatively hidden and unknown aspects of history. The author told a candid story of the Ukrainian Famine, but at the same time kept it appropriate for middle grade children. But because this book does deal with sobering issues, readers might want to be aware before picking up this book and handing to a child that might not be able to handle it. All the same, it was very well done in a tasteful manner and very impactful. I really enjoyed the various storylines. And in the end I did cry. A book hasn't made me cry in awhile.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book is absolutely devastating. And also, important. And beautiful. And ultimately hopeful. But woof, it gets bleak. It’s based on a true story, which makes it feel even more real. I would recommend for older middle graders to YA, and not for the sensitive readers. It’s tough. But I loved it.
The opening chapter describing with Matthew, the MC, narrating his Zelda gameplay is amazing! The whole is such a great read. I loved how the author switched back and forth between the present Covid shutdown and the Matthew's grandmother's past life in Ukraine. Even though I found the three girls' story to be a bit confusing and Matthew to be a bit whiny, I loved this book!
National Book Award for Young People's Literature finalist.
National Book Award for Young People's Literature finalist.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved learning about a piece of history I never knew about. Yet another reason why books are so important! Katherine Marsh does a fantastic job with this story which is truly one for readers of all ages.