Lily's Crossing

Author: Patrica Reilly Giff

Published: In 1997 by Delacorte Press

ISBN: 978-0440414537
Pages: 180

Synopsis: 

     The Summer of 1944 is here!  For Lily this means it's time to pack up her things and travel to Rockaway Beach.  She can't wait to get there.  At Rockaway there is no need for her to do homework or worry about brushing her hair.  She is free to roam the world reading and writing stories with her friend Margaret.  Unfortunately, all her excitement is destroyed when she learns that Margaret's family is moving away and her Father, Poppy, has been drafted.  There will be no more fishing trips on the weekend with her father, no more sneaking into movies with Margaret.  Lily is alone, well except for the new boy with the dark hair and strange accent.

Here's an bird's eye view of Rockaway Beach, NY

   Lily's Crossing, is a beautiful story --filled with rich details and loveable characters-- that depicts life in the United States shortly after the invasion of Normandy, France (most commonly referred to as the D-Day invasion).  If you're looking for an informative and realistic historical fiction read this book is definitely an excellent choice.

Awards: 

    Lily's Crossing is a 1998 Newberry Honor Book, an ALA Notable Book, and a Boston Globe--Horn Book Honor Book.

My Reaction: 

 The roller coaster at Playland amusement park

      Lily's Crossing is such an honest and believable story.  There is nothing outlandish or unrealistic.  It is simply about an unbreakable friendship that forms between two children during a time of great instability and loss.  While reading this book I was captivated by the clear depiction of life in 1944.  Giff includes so many small details, such as the black paint on the headlights, the victory gardens and the luxury of gas, that she truly transports you back to the summer of 1944 at Rockaway Beach.  You can smell the sea air and feel the cool water as Lily dives into it.  Without being blatantly obvious Giff highlights the fact that the war was a tangible force at this time.  It could be found everywhere: in the movies, on the radio, in the black paint on the cars and lamp posts, and even in the lack of butter.  War was a great influence. 

Rockaway's boardwalk

       Yet, at the same time Giff manages to emphasize the fact that life went on and continued beyond the war.  Children still had summer vacation and went exploring.  People still watched movies and ate dinner together.  The balanced mix of personal life and world events is what makes this book so understandable and truthful.   
      I think the best part is that Lily's world is based on Griff's childhood experiences of growing up during the Second World War and visiting the Rockaway Beach.  Having her own memories to build on helps Giff craft a detailed and very realistic world for her character's to explore.  Her memories allow her to subtly convey the larger world situation without it overpowering the lives of the Lilly and her friend Albert.  Overall, I loved this book for its wonderful story, informative nature  that Giff's writing in Lily's Crossing would be accessible, informative and intriguing for children today.

My Rating (1-5 stars):

 

Still Curious: 

If you are interested in reading more of Patrica Reilly Giff's Books check out this website.  

Pictured below is a real postcard someone sent from Rockaway Beach!  It's the same Cross Bay Boulevard and Bridge that Lily drives over to reach Rockaway Beach.  Yes it really is a real place.