I love historical fiction for its connection to the past, its ability to illuminate history in way that is relatable, and how--when done right--it captures a time, place, and feeling of reality. Knit Your Bit achieves that winning combination by shining a light on the real "Knit-In" in Central Park in 1918 that produced a haul of knitted clothing for soldiers fighting in World War I. The story is told through the eyes of a young boy, Mikey, whose father has just left for the battlefield. Mikey wants to do something for the war effort...he just didn't expect it to be knitting!

I really liked this book: the story, the illustrations, the sentiment. I think it bridges truth and storytelling with ease. Even though it is a picture book, it would be a great resource for older students studying World War I. They could make deeper connections with the content. My only tweak is that the book reminded me of the Molly books (American Girl) in that I can envision it expanded, possibly into an early-reader or full chapter book. I liked the characters, and I only wish they could have been fleshed out more. Nevertheless, it was an excellent story.