War at the Snow White Motel and Other Stories

Each thought-provoking short story in this collection by Wynne-Jones (The Starlight Claim) features a different boy navigating a decisive situation with grace and resolve. Most of the tales are contemporary and set in Canada, but the titular one highlights Rex (from the author’s Rex Zero trilogy), whose family travels to Vermont in 1964, where, while staying in a fairy tale–themed motel, Rex encounters a young man who registered for the draft just as America is entering into Vietnam. “Ant and the Praying Mantis” proves particularly topical when the main character, Anthony, learns about Greta Thunberg, climate change, and FridaysForFuture while trying to befriend a new girl at school. The powerful “Journey to Ompah” sets Michel and his father on a trek to find a rare bird and unearths a secret about his father’s past that shines light on his dad’s upbringing and character. And in “Jack,” the protagonist experiences bullying and develops unexpected empathy for his attacker. An interesting author’s afterword offers insight into the creation of each narrative. With a nostalgic, wholesome feel, these stories offer tales of quiet courage. Ages 9–12. [em](May) [/em]