Lily’s Crossing

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reilly Giff, Patricia. 2008. Lily’s Crossing. Read by Mia Dillon. Random House: Digital Audiobook. 3 hours 54 minutes.

PLOT SUMMARY:

In the summer of 1944, during World War II, Lily must live with her grandmother since her father has been called overseas.  Not only does Lily have to separate from her father but her best friend, Margaret, whose family has moved to a wartime factory town.  Lily is left feeling mad and lonely.  Lily meets, Albert, a boy from Hungarian.  Albert has suffered the loss of his family to the war.  Even though Lily is hesitant about speaking and getting to know Albert soon she comes to have a special bond with him.   They get to know each other by sharing their secrets but also lie to each other.   

CRITCAL ANALYSIS:

The unabridged audiobook was used for this review.  The story was narrated by Mia Dillon. The sound quality was acceptable with clear pronunciation, acceptable volume and no background noise interfered with the listening of the story. Sounds effects are appropriately used; some examples include when Lily is playing the piano, when Albert starts playing Hungarian music with a violin, faster music when a dangerous situation arises and the use of sound to simulate a thunderstorm. Multiple voices are used to represent the different characters in the story.  The narrator can successfully change from one character to another using a variety of tones including a Hungarian accent for Albert.  There are closing comments from the author where she explains how she had been wanting to write about the events in Lily’s world as World War II was also part of her childhood.  Most importantly, she remembers how friendships helped her feel comfort and feel joy during her childhood. Through this book, Patricia Reilly Giff, wanted to write a book where friendships can be formed during difficult times.

For children with a military family background it might be easier to identify with Lily’s suffering and anger that she feels when her dad leaves overseas.  Throughout the story, the reader can see the consequential events World War II had in families.  There is the need of Margaret’s family to move to another town so her father could work in a job where planes are built for the war.  The way families were separated from each other in Europe and living with the uncertainty of what has happened to them.  The pain caused by a missing brother or son in the war as Margaret’s family went through.  Finally, anxiously waiting daily for news from a loved one as Lily waited for her father’s letters in the mail.  The setting in the Rockaways is inspired by the author’s own memories during World War II.  The theme of this historical novel shows that even nowadays a strong friendship can be forged and how that friendship can help those who are going through a hard time one way or another. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1999 Newbery Honor Award

ALA: “The author skillfully evokes the sights, the sounds, deprivations and fears of the World War II home front in this psychologically complex, multi-layered historical novel.  Lily is an engaging character memorable for her impudence, her sense of humor and her vulnerability.  The setting is unique, but the problem of overcoming childhood guilt is universal.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY:  Closely observed, quickly paced and warmly told, this has all the ingredients that best reward readers. 

CONNECTIONS:

Look for other books taking place during World War II.

Brubaker Bradley, Kimberly.  The War that Saved My Life. ISBN 0803740816

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. ISBN 0440227534