Mare's War

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.