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A review by emileereadsbooks
Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Dory's dad got called up and went to fight Hitler. And she's so proud of him. But she's also a bit lost in her emotions because her mom is dead and that leaves her 17-year old brother Fish to take care of 9-year old Pike and her 12-year old self. But, as Pop says, "the neighborhood will give you what you need."
But when their landlord dies and a new landlord threatens their arrangement, Dory and her brothers are in search of a miracle to keep their life together. And along the way they may learn that miracles aren't as in such short supply as one would think. You just have to analyze how you view miracles.
This is the type of book you want to wrap your arms around and squeeze. Kate Albus writes this with such a unique and compelling voice. You are drawn in and become so invested in Dory, Fish, and Pike's stories.
Dory shares a special affection and felt kinship with the Statue of Liberty that becomes such a symbol of hope throughout the novel. I liked how her emotions came pouring out to the statue.
Pike is just a lost little boy trying to buo himself in the world by honoring his siblings and his Pop. I loved his nerdy little personality and how his siblings still let him be a little boy.
Fish is a character that grew on me the entire book and by the end, perhaps became my favorite. Saddled with such responsibility, he has to straddle the line between boy and man, as is true of many young men during this time period especially. I loved seeing glimpses of the boy he still is amongst him working to be the man of the house.
This sibling set bickered and teased and loved each other well and I fell in love with them. If you are looking for hopeful WWII historical fiction, a great novel to hand to a middle grader, or an atmospheric look at 1940s Lower East Side, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
Note: I don't always love a romantic element in middle grade fiction. But the minimal romantic elements in this story, rang so true to a middle school experience (read:awkward but sweet), were innocent (a peck on the cheek and some holding hands), and added so much to the character development.
Content Note: Death of parent, Abandonment, War
But when their landlord dies and a new landlord threatens their arrangement, Dory and her brothers are in search of a miracle to keep their life together. And along the way they may learn that miracles aren't as in such short supply as one would think. You just have to analyze how you view miracles.
This is the type of book you want to wrap your arms around and squeeze. Kate Albus writes this with such a unique and compelling voice. You are drawn in and become so invested in Dory, Fish, and Pike's stories.
Dory shares a special affection and felt kinship with the Statue of Liberty that becomes such a symbol of hope throughout the novel. I liked how her emotions came pouring out to the statue.
Pike is just a lost little boy trying to buo himself in the world by honoring his siblings and his Pop. I loved his nerdy little personality and how his siblings still let him be a little boy.
Fish is a character that grew on me the entire book and by the end, perhaps became my favorite. Saddled with such responsibility, he has to straddle the line between boy and man, as is true of many young men during this time period especially. I loved seeing glimpses of the boy he still is amongst him working to be the man of the house.
This sibling set bickered and teased and loved each other well and I fell in love with them. If you are looking for hopeful WWII historical fiction, a great novel to hand to a middle grader, or an atmospheric look at 1940s Lower East Side, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
Note: I don't always love a romantic element in middle grade fiction. But the minimal romantic elements in this story, rang so true to a middle school experience (read:awkward but sweet), were innocent (a peck on the cheek and some holding hands), and added so much to the character development.
Content Note: Death of parent, Abandonment, War