
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to relate to an older relative or feels disconnected from their family history. It is a perfect choice for middle grade readers who are beginning to realize that the adults in their lives had complex, brave, and even rebellious lives before they were 'parents' or 'grandparents.' The story follows two sisters on a cross-country road trip with their glamorous, stiletto-wearing grandmother, Mare, whose surface-level vanity hides a heroic past as a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. It tackles themes of African American heritage, female empowerment, and the bridging of generational gaps. While it addresses the harsh realities of Jim Crow and war, it remains a hopeful and deeply engaging look at how sharing our stories can transform our relationships. It is an ideal pick for ages 10 to 14.
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Sign in to write a reviewHistorical scenes involve the dangers of being a soldier during wartime and travel in the South.
Some mild period-typical language and teenage bickering.
Themes of family estrangement and the loss of friends during the war.
The book deals directly and realistically with systemic racism, segregation, and the sexism of the 1940s. It also touches on family neglect and the physical realities of war. The approach is secular and historical, with a resolution that is both hopeful and grounded in the reality of hard-won progress.
A 12-year-old girl who feels like her family is 'boring' or 'embarrassing' and needs a window into the grit and courage that defines her lineage. It is also excellent for fans of 'hidden history' who want to see WWII from a non-white perspective.
Parents should be aware of scenes depicting Jim Crow era racism, including verbal abuse and the threat of violence, which may require discussion about the history of the Civil Rights movement. A child complaining that they don't want to visit a relative because 'we have nothing in common' or 'they're just old.'
Younger readers (10-11) will enjoy the road trip humor and Mare's 'diva' personality. Older readers (13-14) will better grasp the systemic injustices Mare faced and the gravity of her military service.
Unlike many WWII books, this focuses on the 6888th battalion, highlighting the specific intersection of Black identity and female service, while expertly balancing it with a relatable contemporary sibling story.
The narrative unfolds in dual timelines. In the present, sisters Octavia and Tali are forced into a road trip from California to Alabama with their eccentric grandmother, Mare. In the past, we see a young Mare (then Mary) escaping a restrictive life in the South to join the Women's Army Corps (WAC). As they travel, Mare reveals her history of service in the only all-Black, all-female battalion sent overseas during WWII.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.