CBR 16 Bingo – Dreams: Ava dreams of many things, like being able to walk properly, having a loving mother, being able to ride a horse, and keeping herself and her brother safe.
I first read this book when I was in 3rd or 4th grade, and I loved it. Something about the story and the characters just drew me in and caused me to really enjoy this book.
It tells the story of Ava, a 10-year-old girl from London who has never left her one-room apartment because her abusive mother is ashamed of Ava’s clubfoot. However, when her brother Jamie gets sent to the countryside to escape the war, Ava runs away and joins him. She must learn how to manage the world outside of her apartment, her new life away from her mother, her foster mother Susan who doesn’t want Ava or her brother Jamie, and the war.
This book was probably one of my first introductions into historical fiction, and I loved it. The characters and their experiences felt so real, and the plot was simply good. Even now, when I reread it, I still enjoyed it and could tell how good it is, even though it is intended for a much younger audience. I also appreciated the representation of different people, socioeconomic status, and perspectives, which really make it a great book with positive messages for young readers, even though it could be difficult to read since its set during WWII.
I think that if a book can be enjoyed by people of different ages, even if it’s meant for kids, it has got to be a good book, and this one certainly fits the bill. I would recommend, but make sure to check the trigger warnings (abuse, war-related violence and death), especially if you are giving it to or reading it with a younger reader.