War and Millie McGonigle

Module 5 Book 4 

Bibliography

Cushman, K. (2021). War and Millie McGonigle (1st ed.). Alfred A. Knopf. 

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1984850105

Plot Summary

This book follows the life of Millie McGonigle, who lives in California by the beach. Millie is living through the terror of War. Hitler is attacking Europe, and America is going to war. World War II is causing food rations, stress of the unknown, and having to step up to help her parents. While both parents are at work, she has to take care of her siblings, and one has an illness. All while this is going on, she is still trying to live the life of a tween with friendships and crushes.

Critical Analysis

Right off the bat, you see the cover of the book, and you may think it could be a life of relaxation at the beach. When you look closer, you see warplanes and a battleship in the background, which makes it appear deeper and darker. She is not relaxing at the beach on a sunny day; she is looking at a future of war. This historical fiction book covers World War II around the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Twelve-year-old Millie is living through job loss, food rationing, discrimination against Japanese Americans, preteen childhood drama, and figuring out her place during this time of unknown. Millie’s parents both get a job, and she becomes responsible for her younger siblings, one of whom has weak lungs, and an absent-minded cousin. It felt like a lot as I was reading through the story, but then I had to remind myself it was a lot. Especially for a child during this time. There were times when it had a hard time keeping my interest, but I think it was hard because I felt the heaviness of her fear of war and death. As I continued reading, Millie mindset started to shift to being alive and living life, and the book slowly became lighter. 

Review Excerpts

• "Transforms grim history into a light for dark times." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
• “A lively choice for historical fiction fans.” —Booklist
• “Newbery Medalist Cushman melds historical detail and generous humor in this gently paced novel of family travails and sociopolitical tensions set in 1941 California.” —Publishers Weekly
• “World War II raises the stakes, though, presenting a momentous obstacle that even the most determined child cannot fully master, but renaming her journal Book of Life helps Millie make a fresh start.” —The Bulletin
• "A must-buy for school and children’s libraries looking to expand their historical fiction selections.” —School Library Journal

Awards and Recognitions

• Junior Library Guild Selections, 2012-2025

Connections

• Have students learn more about WWII and Pearl Harbor, and what role the US played in it. 

• Have students, if they are able to interview grandparents or great-grandparents and share it with the class. For those who do not have someone, they can research a person from this time.