Bjorn’s Gift
Sequel to Odin’s Promise
By Sandy Brehl
272 pages – ages 8+
Will be published by Crispin Books on October 5th, 2016
Synopsis from Publisher- “Set in Norway during World War II, Bjorn’s Gift continues the adventures of Mari, a young Norwegian girl who faces growing hardships and dangers in her small village in a western fjord.
German occupation troops and local Nazi supporters move closer to her family’s daily life, and her classmate Leif becomes active in the Norwegian Nazi youth party. Mari struggles to live up to her brother Bjorn’s faith in her, as she becomes more involved in risky resistance activities, trusting only her family and a few close friends.
Across Norway, oppressive laws are imposed in the months from Fall 1941 to early 1943, with dire local consequences. Difficult decisions force Mari to admit that many things in life are not easily sorted into good or bad, and she begins to wonder if Hitler will ever be defeated and . . . whether the occupation of Norway will ever end.“
What I Thought- Odin’s Promise was a wonderful historical fiction novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was excited to see a sequel and was equally impressed with Brehl’s writing in this novel. Ms. Brehl’s way of writing down the events makes it very personal, and you can really feel the turmoil that Mari, the main character, is going through. The book is set during WWII in Norway. I really enjoy this because the Norwegian occupation is something glossed over in the history classes I have had so far. It is a part of history that I want to know more about. The imagery Brehl uses is amazing. She paints vivid images in sentences that really makes the reading experience enjoyable. The beautiful descriptions of Norway set against the ugliness of the political time is a striking contrast. This is a riveting historical fiction novel, and I think it really brings to light a different side of the German invasion of Norway. The book is completely appropriate for younger readers.
I give this book five out of five bookworms!
Sandy Brehl is a retired educator and active member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). When she’s not reading and writing, she enjoys gardening. She lives in the Milwaukee area and invites you to visit her website (www.SandyBrehl.com) to learn more about ODIN’S PROMISE and BJORN’S GIFT. Sign up for quarterly newsletters to stay informed about future releases (including MARI’S HOPE), and special events and offers.
Contacts:
Crispin Books, an imprint of Crickhollow
sandybrehl.com
Twitter: @SandyBrehl
Facebook.com
Email: Sandy@sandybrehl.com
Sandy shares a blog about middle grade historical novels with three other authors: TheStoriedPast.org
Also blogs about picture books at UnpackingPictureBookPower.com and @PBWorkshop on Twitter
Blog tour schedule:
September 1– Interview with Todd Burleson at GROG blog:
September 7- Review: Stephanie Lowden at golowd, a blog about teaching and books:
September 11- Guest post Unleashing Readers
September 14- (TODAY!!!)- Review by Erik at This Kid Reviews Books,
Thiskidreviewsbooks.com
September 19- Review, Suzanne Warr, at Tales from the Raven, for MMGM:
September 20- Olivia and Oscar- review of ODIN’S PROMISE at Kid Book Reviewer:
September 27- Olivia and Oscar- review of BJORN’S GIFT at Kid Book Reviewer:
September 29- Alex Baugh review at The Children’s War
October 3- Jenni Enzor MMGM with review and interview:
October 5- MomReadIt- Review by Rosemary
October 7- Trisha P at Mindjacked
October 11- Guest post Rochelle Melander
Share this:
Categories: Age 6-9
Norwegian occupation has definitely been glossed over in the history books. I wonder why. Great review, Erik!
I never really noticed it until I read this series. It is rather odd the lack of material about it.
This would be a most interesting book. I to would like to learn more about the Nazi occupation of Norway.
It is a good book.
Thank you, Erik (spelled the Norwegian way!), for your reading, kind words about the book, and for your strong advocacy for all things about literacy and learning. I’m honored by your support. Sandy
Thank you Ms. Brehl for taking the time to comment on this post! I really appreciate what you said! 😀
Erik
P.S. Yes! I was named with the help of a lady my mom worked with from Norway (named Sissel) who, when my parents said that they were thinking of “Eric”, replied that they should make it with a “K”. 🙂