Now That I Have Your Attention...
In honor of my spotlight on Nancy Bo Flood today, I wanted to start this post by displaying a picture of my delectable slice of Heath Mud Pie, per her request (or, okay, expectation). Alas, I did not bring my camera to lunch that day, and I've not yet joined the rest of the 2010 world by getting a camera phone. I tried to Google an image of this delight, but instead I kept accidentally clicking on myriad links telling me how many calories are IN said delight. Hello! I don't want to know! I just want to see it again. A picture is zero calories. In fact, I probably burn calories by drooling.
This was supposed to be a picture of a decoy chocolate dessert I had on a cruise with my grandmother, but instead it is a picture of us with the Neil Diamond impersonator onboard. I am not going to find the replacement photo because I've wasted too much time already. Also, I'm not sure how to delete this one. And why would I want to, anyway?
But back to Nancy Bo Flood and her book, Warriors in the Crossfire. Just so you know, I've always used all three names when addressing Nancy Bo Flood, and it's a habit I can't seem to shake.
Even if Nancy Bo Flood wasn't my friend, I would still think this was a great idea for a novel. The story takes place during the final months of World War II, in the tiny South Pacific Island of Saipan. I know I was fascinated with WWII when I was younger, and most of the ten-through-thirteen-year-olds I know have been at some point, too. But I think most of them are as clueless as I was about Saipan's role in the war: it acted as a buffer between Japan and the American troops. Saipan was caught in the crossfire, as is Joseph, the main character in this book.
Add to that the beautiful, poetic language I've long admired in Nancy Bo Flood's work, and you have a story with everything--adventure to keep you on the edge of your seat, and good writing to make it a read to remember. Here's one of my favorite reviews:
"Nancy Bo Flood's novel casts a bright light on one of the forgotten shadows of World War II, the near total devastation of Saipan and the native people who lived there. Joseph's story forces us to pay attention, to see war itself as an event that affects more than the opposing forces and illuminates its darkest corners."
--Kathi Appelt, author of The Underneath, finalist, the National Book Award, Newbery Honor Book
That's high praise, friends, especially considering the source (oh, mighty Kathi).
Want a copy of this book? Go buy one! Just kidding. I mean, you should buy one, but if you can't swing it right now, never fear! Leave a comment on this blog and enter to win Warriors In The Crossfire. Twitter/ facebook/blog about it and get an additional entry for each! Don't wait--do it now.
And have a top day!