3 Minute Review: Lines of Courage

“Medals are given to those who show exceptional courage. But do you know? Most of the people who receive them claim they are not courageous at all…”

Synopsis of Lines of Courage

Felix, from Austria-Hungary, wishes he could be brave like his father. Kara, from Britain, longs to become a Red Cross member and save lives. Juliette, from France, hopes to keep her family together during the trials of the war. Elsa, from Germany, wants her homing pigeons to bring her a friend. And Dimitri, from Russia, only wants to survive the front. Five youths, each with their own wishes and hopes, find themselves faced with trials and troubles from World War I. They all go through their own trying times, but in the end, they come out braver and better than who they were before. One event brings the five of them together, and they form a strong friendship.

Review

Lines of Courage, by Jennifer A. Nielsen, was an inspiring and heartfelt read. Each of the characters had unique personality traits, weaknesses, and stories. The way the story was written was masterful, and Nielsen skillfully wove together the fates of these five young people.

Violence

This is a book about war, so there is some mild violence. No extreme gore, or bloody moments. 

Language

None. There is no foul or even coarse language.

Relationship/Morality

None.

Magic or Spiritual Realms

None. This is a historical fiction story so there are no fantasy elements.

Intense Scenes

There are several scenes that are a bit intense. 

Positive Messages

The message that runs through this story is courage. A medal was passed around to each of the children whenever they felt that the other was brave. Life is a messy line that weaves and curls and turns and twists into the lines of others, if they have the courage to find each other.

 

• Ages 4-6: Not recommended
• Ages 7-8: Not recommended
• Ages 9-10: Could be read as a read aloud
• Ages 11-12: Recommended
• Ages 13-15: Recommended
• Ages 16-18: Recommended

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Thanks for the recommendation by my friend, Bella Raine. You can check out her thoughts on Lines of Courage here.