Lines of Courage

Jennifer A. Nielsen
50 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2022

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Book Brief

Jennifer A. Nielsen

Lines of Courage

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

390

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Period
World War I
Setting

Europe • 1910s

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Perseverance

•

Coming of Age
Topic
Military & War

•

World History
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Scholastic

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen follows five young protagonists from different countries involved in World War I—Felix, Kara, Juliette, Dimitri, and Elsa—each experiencing the war's impact on their lives. The novel alternates among their perspectives across five years, highlighting their bravery, compassion, and justice amidst the worldwide conflict. The narrative references violence, death, injuries, poverty, starvation, and grief.

Challenging

Inspirational

Emotional

Hopeful

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

5,332 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen has received generally favorable reviews for its engaging storytelling and well-developed characters. Critics praised Nielsen's ability to weave multiple perspectives into a cohesive narrative. However, some felt the historical details were occasionally oversimplified. Overall, the book is commended for its emotional depth and educational value.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lines of Courage?

Readers who enjoyed The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry will find Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen compelling. This historical novel appeals to middle-grade readers interested in World War I stories, highlighting bravery, friendship, and resilience.

4.3

5,332 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

A timid and sensitive 12-year-old boy from Austria-Hungary who witnesses a significant historical event and undergoes personal growth throughout the story. He initially struggles with feelings of inadequacy but eventually demonstrates courage and gains recognition for his bravery.

A 14-year-old British girl who is determined to become a nurse like her mother. She is driven by her desire to honor her father's memory and prove her bravery, often facing challenging situations head-on.

A smart and resilient French girl from Lille who relocates to Verdun with her family. She symbolizes unity and hope, striving to reunite with her family amidst the chaos of war.

A 14-year-old Russian boy who joins the Russian army to help his family financially. He represents a lack of patriotism, driven by a desire for personal freedom amidst the conflict.

An 11-year-old German girl who is enthusiastic and chatty, initially naive about the war. She forms a friendship with Felix and experiences growing awareness of the war's impact.

Book Details
Pages

390

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Period
World War I
Setting

Europe • 1910s

Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Perseverance

•

Coming of Age
Topic
Military & War

•

World History
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Scholastic

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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