Thank you Netgalley and Norton Young Readers for the gifted book I read with the library audio.

This book is why I love middle grade so much. Each character has a terribly horrible backstory and the circumstances are grim, but hope is infused into every plot point. There is an orphan twice over, a rich young heiress with a horrible guardian, a love lost recluse, two charming dogs, a one eyed ship's captain, some kind nuns, and many more delightful characters that accompany this adventurous coming of age tale set just after WWI. The balance of hard truths and unbelievable coincidences is struck beautifully and Deryn Oliver's narration added even more texture to this wonderful tale.

Solidly written. The characters are distinct and likeable. They are dynamic, each having pain or darkness in their past that informs their decisions. The plot is logical. Though it relies somewhat on coincidence it never pushes it too far.

A heartwarming and relatable middle grade tale of WWI historical fiction about friendships and chosen family.

When unpleasant relatives and a local constable try to ship them off to boarding school and an orphanage, two English orphans team up on an ocean adventure to seek missing family in France in the wake of WWI.

This novel about courage and found-families follows in the grand tradition of middle grade stories about plucky young orphans embarking on zany adventures. The quirkiness of the narrative voice, along with the historical setting, lend the book a classic feel while the cast of compassionate characters keep the tone hopeful through even its suspenseful moments. A fun choice for upper-elementary readers!