Thursday, January 2, 2014

More of the Year in Review...


We're excited to spotlight this book because Mary Casanova will be stopping by on Friday to tell us more about this unique story.  ~ F & L

It is 1942 when the Nazis occupy Norway. Marit is only twelve, and she and her younger brother, Lars, are sent to live with their grandfather and aunt because Marit’s parents are part of the resistance fighting back. Marit adjusts to her new town and even makes some friends. Of course, it's a little strange at first to have her aunt for a teacher, but at school she gets to see her aunt in a whole new light. Nazi soldiers are all around the town and they have taken sheets, blankets, food, radios, and other important items from the Norwegians. They have even forbidden people from having or wearing the bunad, the traditional outfit worn for special occasions, but Marit is thrilled when she finds out her aunt is sewing her one in secret. It seems the Norwegians are sticking together and will not give in to the Nazis. Which is why Marit is feeling so annoyed by her grandfather, who seems to give in to each request made by the Nazis. It is driving Marit crazy to see him give up so easily, and she is even more upset when the Nazis come and take her aunt from school. No one knows where they have taken her or if she is still alive. When Marit and Lars are out in their row boat they stumble upon an injured resistance soldier. Marit hatches a dangerous plan to get him to safety, even though she must hide him from the Nazis and her grandfather. When the soldier gives her a secret code and begs her to deliver it right away, Marit has a tough decision to make. Should she deliver the message even though she has no idea what it means? What will happen if the Nazis or her grandfather catch her breaking the rules? Is the code worth the risk? Will Marit ever see her aunt or her parents again? You will be captivated from the start and will want to read until you turn the last page so you can find out how everything turns out. I couldn’t put it down!

The Klipfish Code by Mary Casanova is a fabulous book about a brave girl and dangerous times. Marit has a lot of spunk, and she has strong beliefs. I really felt as if I knew her, and I was biting my nails as the adventure unfolded. It was interesting to see how Marit changed during the war. This is an excellent book for kids in fourth through eighth grade. Older readers will enjoy it as well! Be prepared to have history unfold for you as you read about Marit’s experience. I learned a lot about what life was like in Norway during the war and I loved discovering the Norwegian words sprinkled throughout the book (there is a glossary in the back). At the end of the book the author includes notes about her research and I liked reading them because it helped me to see what parts of the story were based on facts (almost all of it). This book touched me and made me think about the hard life people had during WWII, and I am still thinking about the characters even though I am finished with the book. I look forward to reading more books by Mary Casanova! This is one of the best books I have read about life during WWII, and you won’t regret following along with Marit as she tries to navigate through her new life.

Has anyone else read The Klipfish Code? Or have you read another book by Mary Casanova? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading! ~L

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34 comments:

  1. That sounds like such an awesome book! I have to get a copy for my class! :)

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    1. Jemi- This would be a perfect book for your class. Your students will eat it up! :) ~L

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  2. A brave girl in dangerous times ~ that's always the kind of story I love. I'm looking forward to Mary's visit!

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    1. Claudine- I love stories with brave girls too. This is an awesome book! :) ~L

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  3. It's always hard to find good historical fiction that kids actually enjoy reading, but this sounds fantastic. I'll have to try it out with my daughter.

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    1. Sherrie- I know I loved this HF book and other kids will enjoy the story too! It has action, adventure, and a new look at history. I hope you and your daughter enjoy it as much as I did. :) ~L

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  4. I haven't read it, but I enjoy historical fiction and the WWII setting.

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    1. Medeia- If you like HF and WWII settings- then you don't want to miss this book! It is that good. Enjoy! :) ~L

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  5. I like historical fiction too, so this is one I'd probably enjoy.

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    1. Bish- This was different from most of the books I have read about WWII and I learned a lot. I bet you will love it! :) ~L

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  6. World War II story's have been a favorite of mine since I was a young girl during the war. I know what it was like in the fortified town I lived in and still enjoy learning what it was like for other children. I will check this one out. Great Review!

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    1. Anna Maria- They are a favorite of mine, too! I am glad you enjoyed the review and hope you enjoy the story. Thanks for stopping by! :) ~L

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  7. Oh this sounds wonderful. I love WWII books and I appreciate that it is well researched. I definitely would love to read this sometime! Happy New Year!

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    1. Heidi- I learned so much from this book! I hope you get to read it sometime. The story is awesome. Happy New Year to you, too! :) ~L

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  8. This book sounds incredibly good and important. I have not read her books yet!

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    1. Patty- This was my first book by this author and I loved it. I loved the main character and her story. :) ~L

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  9. I think I've heard of this one before, but I haven't really read what it was about. Thanks for the review! Sounds like a great book!

    Happy New Year!

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    1. Hi Cherie- Glad to be able to let you know what this one is about. It is a fabulous book! I loved it! :) ~L

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  10. Sounds like an exciting book. I love the ones that I want to keep reading and can't put down. Love historical fiction, too. Thanks for the review.

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    1. Creative Writing in the Blackberry Patch- It is an exciting book. A HF book that will keep you reading! :) ~L

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  11. This is a time period I find fascinating, so this is going on my list. Wonderful review the characters sound interesting.

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    1. Kimba- I find it fascinating too! So happy you enjoyed the review. I hope you get to read it soon. :) ~L

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  12. I love WWII books and am totally looking forward to hearing from the author!! :)

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    1. Meradeth-_I am fascinated by WWII too! :) ~L

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  13. It sounds like an interesting read and something I would have enjoyed when I was younger. Well, and now too. :) Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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    1. Karen- It is a wonderful book for kids and adults. I think all ages will get a lot out of reading this book. Thanks for stopping by. :) ~L

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  14. No, I haven't read anything by Mary Casanova, but I'd like to after reading your post. Happy New Year!

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    1. Denise- This was my first book by Mary- but it won't be my last. :) Happy New Year! ~L

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  15. This book sounds really intriguing but also heartbreaking. We can't wait to read about Marit and her family and find out what happens. We'll be adding this one to our TBR for sure! Wonderful review!! *hugs* <3

    ~Michele & Katertot @ A Belle's Tales

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    1. Michele and Katertot- It is intriguing and heartbreaking. You will love reading Marit's story. So glad you liked the review! Enjoy! :) ~L

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  16. I noticed you girls read a lot of historical fiction. I can always count on you two to suggest me a good one. Is it bad that I didn't even know Nazi's invaded Norway...? I don't know much about that time in history when I get down to the details so I can see The Klipfish Code helping me with that. I just don't know about the suspense. It's different when it's a dystopian book where the threat is or wasn't ever there. It'll kill me to see her in harms way but I guess that's the point. Great review!

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    1. Adriana- So glad you can count on us for HF recommendations. I didn't have any idea how involved Norway was in WWII until I read this book. Teachers being taken by Nazis? I had no idea! I learned so much about the Norwegian culture and what Norway was like during the war. A book that kept me turning the pages to see how everything would turn out. Hope you get to read it in 2014! :) ~L

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  17. This book sounds so interesting. It sure has me curious.

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    1. Donna- It is really interesting! I loved it. :) ~L

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