Giff, P. 1997. Lily’s Crossing. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 9780440414537.
Plot Summary
Lily makes up stories to make her life seem better than it really is as a coping mechanism of living through the second world war. She meets Albert, her neighbor, who she can relate to since they both were separated from their families and were sent to live with other family members. Lily not only lies about her life, but when she also lies to Albert, it almost costs him his life. After realizing how bad her lies can put others in danger, Lily decides to stop lying to the world. As a result, the world answers back as Lily finally reunites with her family and Albert sees his sister again.
Critical Analysis
The time shift from present-time to the 1940s may be difficult for some readers, but those who read this novel will leave with an idea of how life was during World War II. The novel tells a tragic historical fiction story of a family who lived in Europe in the 1940s who had experienced death, separation, and isolation in the Second World War. There are different aspects within the story that help the reader identify unique characteristics of life during World War II. For example, along with including dates and mentions of the war, the story discusses Nazis and the tragedies they caused for different families. The extent to which they negatively influenced the families’ lives can be seen with the main characters’ family lives, as Lilly and Albert were forced to leave their home and move to another country alone.
While some readers may be familiar with moving homes, Lilly and Alberts’ experiences encapsulate a unique and historical take to this. Even though the setting of this historical fiction book may be unfamiliar to readers today, many children can still relate to the story because of Lilly and Alberts’ bond and their unusual friendship with each other.
Review Excerpt(s)
- 1998 Newbery Honor Book
- Publisher’s Weekly: “Exceptional characterizations and a robust storyline turn this WWII homefront novel into far more than a period piece” (November 9, 1998).
Connections
- This book can be read during a social studies discussion about WWII.
- Students can read nonfiction books about WWII and discuss their findings.
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