On the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor, John Bloom along with his best pals Chewie and Joe spend their days having fun and causing trouble in their small town of Appleside, NJ. When news of the USA entering the war is heard, the boys want to do anything they can to help out. They decide to form the American Boys' Club- ABC. John sees that one of his elderly neighbors, Mr. Hutchins could use some help around his house, his friends aren't too sure about helping the grumpy older guy who wields a pitchfork. However, when they find Mr. Hutchins hurt, the ABC's begin to bring Mr. Hutchins meals and a friendship blossoms.
John Bloom and the Victory Garden had a wonderful sense of time and place. Each of the boy's point of view brought a different feeling of young boys at the time from hijinks to fear and wanting to help. The best aspect of this book was the descriptions of the homes, school, neighborhood, toys and especially food that contributed to feeling transported to 1941. I was surprised at how well the serious issues of the War were presented in a clear way for middle grade children to understand the impact of the news of the war reaching the USA, rationing food and goods and even internment camps. I was pleased to see that this will be a series and that all of the delicious foods mentioned had recipes included at the end.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
John Bloom and the Victory Garden had a wonderful sense of time and place. Each of the boy's point of view brought a different feeling of young boys at the time from hijinks to fear and wanting to help. The best aspect of this book was the descriptions of the homes, school, neighborhood, toys and especially food that contributed to feeling transported to 1941. I was surprised at how well the serious issues of the War were presented in a clear way for middle grade children to understand the impact of the news of the war reaching the USA, rationing food and goods and even internment camps. I was pleased to see that this will be a series and that all of the delicious foods mentioned had recipes included at the end.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
