I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to recommending it to my 6th graders. This is a story told in verse, but I listened to the audiobook so I didn't see the formatting of the text. This is a perfect storm of events including WWI, the women's suffrage movement and the influenza pandemic. The story is narrated by three characters who are quite different from one another and tell their story with a unique voice. A perfect read for any young adult! Crossing Stones is set in the perspective of three narrators; Muriel, Emma, and Ollie, as they encounter the terrors of World War I. Emma's brother, Frank, heads off to war in France and Ollie, Muriel's brother, follows closely behind him. Both families of these young men are crushed from the consequences of violence. During this time, the women's suffrage is gaining momentum in Washington D.C. Muriel is touched by this endeavor after hearing from her Aunt Vera who is deeply involved in the suffrage. All three of these characters blossom through the trials they experience and witness which leads them with a bright future as the book ends.The book was set in an amazing poetry format. Each character was real to life as honest thoughts and emotions were expressed. Because the book held three different perspectives,the books view was not as biased as those that just have one narrator. It also allowed the reader multiply opportunities to connect with a character. The characters questioned and thought of things that adults and adolescents reflect on in their own lives. It taught the readers as the characters themselves were learning.
What do You think about Crossing Stones (2009)?
Beautifully written story of a young girl coping with WWI and the women's suffrage movement.
—beth
Really, really liked this. The topic, the writing, the setting...loved.
—kebrina
