Kessides brings the struggle of German American identity during the First World War to life in this novel. Teenage Magda, coming off the high of being one of the best students in her class, must leave school to care for her mother and youngest brother, yet she continues to pursue her studies with the help of her maternal aunts. Trying to not lose her sense of self, Magda builds new relationships with locals in the community, such as Elise and her son, and her brother Fred’s friend Conrad, to replace her school-based friendships. Kessides brings the reader into the tensions of World War I, from American inaction to the nation’s entry into the war in 1917, through Magda’s large family -- the enlistment of her brother and brothers-in-law and her own calling to join the local Red Cross. Kessides’ characters are the heart of the story, and the framing of the narrative through Magda’s perspective and her interactions with her large family and friends allows the reader to conceptualize the larger historical context of World War I. Kessides has created a fascinating, personal, and immersive historical fiction novel following a strong, clever, and loyal female lead on her own personal journey for education and knowledge.

I always enjoy these coming of age stories. This one is no different.
Magda is a true inspiration and a great woman before her time.
It's interesting how she adjusts to each event as it happens. Like the war and the Pandemic.
Magda does what she does with flourish and determination along with many other feelings.
There were parts that I didn't like. Others I did like. Like I wish I grew up in a big family like Magda.

"Magda, Standing" by Christine Fallert Kessides is a compelling historical novel that immerses readers in the challenges and triumphs of its protagonist, Magda, during the tumultuous backdrop of World War I and the Spanish flu pandemic.

Set in 1916, the novel presents a vivid portrayal of a world at war, where anti-German sentiment is on the rise in America. Magda, a determined sixteen-year-old, is abruptly pulled out of high school to care for her invalid mother and younger brother. Despite her domestic responsibilities, Magda refuses to abandon her dreams of education and independence. She is a character who embodies resilience, strength, and a fierce commitment to protecting her family.

One of the book's notable strengths is its well-crafted characters, who feel authentic and true to the time period. Magda's journey of self-discovery and her unwavering determination to pursue her education are inspiring and relatable. The support she receives from her aunts adds depth to her character and highlights the importance of family bonds.

Christine Fallert Kessides skillfully weaves historical events, such as the Spanish flu pandemic and the challenges faced by German immigrants during World War I, into the narrative. These elements provide a rich and immersive backdrop to the story, making the time period come alive for readers.

The novel's prose is well-written, and the author's storytelling is engaging. The reader can feel Magda's struggles, hopes, and dreams as she confronts the adversities of her time.

While the novel offers a compelling story, one aspect that might enhance the reading experience is a character chart or family tree, given the large cast of characters. This could help readers keep track of the relationships and connections between the characters more easily.

In summary, "Magda, Standing" is an impressive debut novel that successfully transports readers to a bygone era marked by war and disease. Magda's journey of self-discovery, resilience, and determination is both inspirational and engaging. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong, well-developed characters and a richly detailed historical backdrop.

4.6 rounded up to 5/5

Magda, Standing by debut author Christine Kessides a truly remarkable YA read. Despite her domestic obligations, Magda persisted with her education, determined to find her own place in the world. My favorite characters were the two aunts who helped Magda every step of the way in achieving her dreams. At times this story was hard to read with all the sadness of the era. Between the hardships of WWI and the Spanish Flu I am not sure which was worse. Both took its toll on the Augustin family.

This was a well written debut with great world building and character development. My only criticism is that there are so many characters it would have been nice to have had a breakdown of them at the beginning showing who they were and how they were related. Other than that I truly enjoyed this debut and am looking forward to seeing what this author writes next.

Thank you to Bold Story Press for granting access to this wonderful story via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review and all opinions are my own.

Magda Standing


The year is 1916. The place is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sixteen-year-old Magda, daughter of German immigrants, yearns to finish high school but she is needed at home to take care of her baby brother. She faces her mother’s illness and the bias against people of German ancestry with the rest of her family. These problems are overshadowed by the war in Europe, later known as World War I, and the flu epidemic that took the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans.

As one of the Great Generation, Magda does what needs to be done, not thinking how remarkable it will appear to later generations.