Lines of Courage

Jennifer A. Nielsen's 'Lines of Courage' is a powerful middle grade historical fiction novel set during World War I, weaving together the stories of five children from Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, and Russia. Each child faces unique challenges, from resisting deportations and dreaming of becoming a nurse, to enduring imprisonment, seeking connection through a homing pigeon, and surviving the front lines. The narrative skillfully explores themes of bravery, resilience, empathy, and the unexpected bonds of friendship that emerge amidst the chaos of war. It's an absorbing read for ages 10-14, offering a nuanced, multi-perspective look at a pivotal historical period.

Jennifer A. Nielsen, award-winning author of A Night Divided and Rescue, artfully weaves together the stories of five kids living through World War I, each of whom holds the key to the others' futures... if they are lucky -- and brave -- enough to find each other. World War I stretches its cruel fingers across Europe, where five young people, each from different backgrounds and nations, face the terror of battle, the deprivations of hunger, and all the awful challenges of war. Felix, from Austria-Hungary, longs for the bravery to resist Jewish deportations before his own family can be taken. Kara, from Britain, dreams of someday earning her Red Cross pin and working as a nurse -- or even a doctor. Juliette, of France, hopes her family can remain knitted together, despite her father's imprisonment, as the war's longest battle stretches on and on. Elsa, from Germany, hopes her homing pigeon might one day bring her a friend from out of the chaos. And Dimitri, of Russia, wants only to survive the front, where he's been sent with no weapon. None of them will find exactly what they want. But the winds of fate may cross their paths to give each of them just what they need. And in this remarkable exploration of World War I by critically acclaimed author Jennifer A. Nielsen, they will discover that friendship and courage can light the way through the most frightening of nights. A powerful, absorbing story that shines a light on an often overlooked chapter in human history. -- Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee