Beautiful Blue World
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4.5 • 6 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Beautiful Blue World is a thrilling and moving story of children who become the key to winning a war.
Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they’ll be all right.
But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever.
This touching and suspenseful novel is a brilliant reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot.
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, Outstanding Merit
ILA-CBC Choices Reading Lists, Teacher’s Choice
Junior Library Guild Selection
Nominated for multiple state awards
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
LaFleur's endearing novel takes place in a fictional land during an unspecified, escalating war. As 12-year-old Mathilde Joss's hometown comes under increasing attacks, an offer to join the Adolescent Army for handsome pay to those selected tempts many families. Mathilde reluctantly sits for the aptitude exam and is shocked to be accepted without her best friend Megs. Frightened about going to war and heartbroken over leaving her family and friend, Mathilde is surprised to arrive at a huge mansion, where the Adolescent Army is comfortably housed while they decode messages, predict bomb strikes, and set their nimble minds to help with the war effort. Confused as to what her own contribution might be and consumed with guilt over being protected when her family is not, she soon receives an unusual assignment that provokes questions of enmity, loyalty, and trust. LaFleur (Listening for Lucca) creates a warm boarding-school setting peopled with kind adults and children alike. Readers will be drawn in by the underlying belief that kids' work is important and powerful, and eager for the promised sequel. Ages 8 12.
