Children's Literature – Valerie O. Patterson:
Set between August 1949 and June 1950, Karen Cushman's latest historical novel depicts post-World War II California as the US confronts the Communist scare. Francine Green and her friend Sophie Bowman dream of movie star Montgomery Clift and attend eighth grade at All Saints School. New to Catholic school, Sophie challenges the nuns on many issues, from why they should pray to God to win a basketball game to comparing the school to fascism. Sophie's father, a screenwriter, worries about his livelihood as the FBI questions the loyalty of actors and others in Hollywood, calling many of them communists or communist sympathizers. When Francine asks her father about what's happening, her father says, "not to get involved." At home Francine watches her father build a bomb shelter in the backyard out of concern about the Soviet Union and the hydrogen bomb. Finally, when Sophie is expelled from school for her outspokenness and she and her father move away due to blacklisting, Francine finds her courage and speaks up. An author's note describes the "Red Scare" and suggests sources for learning more about life in the US in the early 1950s. This Newbery award-winning author of The Midwife's Apprentice and Catherine, Called Birdy portrays a difficult time in American history, bringing to life the unique blend of innocence and uncertainty of the Cold War's early days. 2006, Clarion Books, Ages 10 to 14.