War and Millie McGonigle, written by Karen Cushman. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2021. $22.99 ages 10 and up

 

"I curled up on the bed to start my homework. 
For history, the sixth grade at Mission Bay 
Elementary was studying Europe in the Middle 
Ages. Hitler was breathing down our necks, and 
I had to spend time in the eleventh century, 
when England was being invaded by marauding 
Vikings."

Millie is not in love with the world or many of the things in it. She is concerned about WWII making its way to California where she lives with her family. Her dad continues to look for work, her mom is constantly concerned with how to keep food on the table, and her sister Lily is often sick and getting all the attention. Worse than that, her best friend had to move and her beloved Gram has recently died. It's enough to turn a discouraged sixth grader into a real grump. She uses the notebook Gram gave her for her birthday as a place to keep a list of dead things. There is little in her life to give her joy. 

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, things get darker ... and somehow better. Both of her parents find work; Mom works building bombers and Dad works as a clerk for the navy. Millie is depended on to take care of her younger siblings. Pete and Lily become her charges, and she learns that being a big sister can bring some small joy to her days. She finds a new friend in Rosie who is staying with relatives. Together, they make new discoveries and share feelings. 

Millie is funny, opinionated, and a character to remember. As she heals following her grandmother's death, she begins to think to the future with some optimism.  Her story is written with historical detail that will keep readers interested and wanting to know more about the effects of conflict and war on places far away. The California setting and sense of community is important to her growth as a character, as she finds much to appreciate about the life she is living. 

Karen Cushman, a revered writer, transforms what is a grim outlook for Millie into light that shines in dark times. Millie learns to see the goodness in her life, even though there are moments of anxiety and great sadness.