Children's Fiction Book Review: Woodford Brave by Marcia Thornton Jones, Illustrated by Kevin Whipple

Book Description:

Cory Woodford, aka “The Kid”, is determined to live up to his intimidating family legacy of bravery. While his father is off fighting in World War II, eleven-year-old Cory and his friends spend the summer building go-carts, drawing comics, playing baseball . . . and tracking down Nazi spies. Right and wrong are more complicated than in Cory’s beloved comics, and he and his friends soon learn that the world isn’t as black and white as they thought. In an age when friendships are deep and complex, Cory makes mistakes and hurtful decisions. Based on the author’s personal experience and research, Woodford Brave is a deeply satisfying novel of summer and friendship, but also explores what it means to be a son, a friend, a neighbor—and truly brave. Includes an author’s note and selected bibliography.

Book Review:
First of all, Kevin Whipple's illustrations add so much to this book. He's created a comic book within the story lines that will entertain readers. I love the 1940s children and their view as they deal with the reality of war and how it affects them, their town, and their families. As I read the story, I felt I had a better understanding of what my parents went through as WW2 hit home. This would be a good book to help kids understand the history, the value of friendship, and family. A word of caution, there are some swear words in the book and some sad events. Overall, I'd recommend the book to kids 4th-8th grade.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.