Lily’s Crossing

Lily can’t wait to get away from school and the city and head to Rockaway Bay with her grandmother and father.

But when she arrives, she realizes this summer is going to be different.

Her best friend, Margaret, is moving to a war factory town. Then Lily discovers her father is leaving for the war, too. She’ll be alone, with only her grandmother and that weird boy down the street – that refugee, Albert.

How will she survive?

Slowly, she and Albert become friends, and make plans to go to Europe – although Lily knows it’s a lie. But when she realizes Albert thinks what she said was true, it’s almost too late.

Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff is a Newberry Honor Book. At first, I wondered why. Lily is a liar and a thief, and not a very good friend. But as she gets to know Albert, their friendship changes her, and she learns honesty. The ending wraps a bit too nicely in a nice bow – but it’s a lovely story.

Recommended for ages 8 and up.