Back of book: In 1943, Howie's pope is in the merchant marine, dodging Nazi U-boat Wolf packs on the brutal North Atlantic Sea. Denny, Howie's best friend, (both 11 years old) has a father in the 8th Army battling nazi general Rommel in North Africa. Every day the boys face rmidrs of war in their hometown, Brooklyn, NY. Satuday mornings, Denny and Howie both leave their worries and responsibilities behid at the 25-cent kid movies. During the week, hey depend on Miss Rolanda Gossim, their teacher - strict but kind, and a lot prettier than any movie pinup. But Howie finds out she is about to be fired - so with the help of Denny and the rest of class 5B the set out to find out why and what they can do about it.
I say: Hilarious, sad, surprising, engrossing. Written for Elementary thru early Middle School age, this is a book the whole family can enjoy. Really brings you into touch with that era and the sorrows, problems and joys it had.
I say: Hilarious, sad, surprising, engrossing. Written for Elementary thru early Middle School age, this is a book the whole family can enjoy. Really brings you into touch with that era and the sorrows, problems and joys it had.
This book really evokes what it was like for kids - and adults - in a big American city during World War II. Not just the shortages and rationing, the blackouts, war bonds, the absent dads and war-working moms - but the slang, the Saturday movies, the radio soap operas - and the old-fashioned morality that would fire a married teacher for becoming pregnant. Recommended.
This is a good story of a young boy who is living during WW2. It's very educational.
