KEEP SMILING THROUGH

Ex-School library, uncirculated copy. Text/NEW & Bright. 1996 First Edition, Printing B. Illustrated bi-color boards/Fine. DJ/NF, under library mylar. An NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies from newspaper columunist & young adult historical fiction writer Ann Rinaldi (1934 – 2021). 8 of her novels were listed as notable by the ALA. Written for grades 7 - 12, this story follows the adventures of young 10-year-old Kay Hennings, growing up in an American German family in New Jersey. Kay's very self-centered step-mother, Amazing Grace, takes out her own unhappiness on everyone she comes into contact with. This made life most trying for Kay who, in contrast, liked pleasing others & doing the right thing. Novel set during World War II (1939- 1945) when rationing & sacrifice was the norm for America at large, and both young & old struggled to sort through w/popular rumors & unpopular truths to do right. Kay’s brothers drew upon credible radio programs and their characters to explain things to Kay. Rinaldi artfully embeds credible radio broadcasts of the time that the brothers put to use --- providing the historical setting allowing Kay, even when outcomes are poor, able to remain true to her temperament and keep smiling through. Beautifully written juvenile fiction.…