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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
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
September 13, 2016 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780735286665
- File size: 146608 KB
- Duration: 05:05:25
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 540
- Text Difficulty: 2-3
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Reviews
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The story takes place in the fictional country of Sofarende. Narrator Christy Romano expresses the tenderness among Mathilde's family members even as they're threatened by the bombings in their war-torn town. When Mathilde is given the opportunity to contribute to the war effort and her family's financial well-being, her parents think it's for the best. She passes an "adolescent army aptitude test" and is paid for her impending service. Before she knows it, Mathilde's hidden in a secret location inhabited by brilliant children who decipher patterns, information, and codes. Mathilde feels inferior--though Romano makes her talents clear--until she's given a special mission at which she excels. Through Mathilde's viewpoint, Romano illuminates the horrific effects of war. Listeners disappointed by the cliff-hanger ending will welcome the sequel. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
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