Growing through hardship

The Hiding Place

Corrie Ten Boom, adapted by Mario DeMatteo
(Chosen Books 2024)

In this engaging graphic novel adaptation of the 1971 classic of the same name, Corrie ten Boom, her family, and friends follow God’s leading to serve and protect Jewish Hollanders during the Nazi occupation in World War II. Ismael Castro’s detailed illustrations show a stark contrast between life in colorful freedom and the gray drabness of concentration camps. The dialogue and narration stay largely true to the original, though some events are omitted or abridged. Fans of the original Hiding Place will find much to love in this version, but parents should be aware that panel illustrations depict cruel violence (though without undue blood) and show how captives had to strip naked in the camp (the illustrator cleverly hides anatomy). Ages 12-16

Family Style

Thien Pham
(First Second 2023)

In this autobiographical graphic novel, Pham and his family flee Vietnam via a harrowing boat journey. They wait in limbo at a refugee camp in Thailand before going to California where Pham must navigate a new language, new foods, and a new school—all while his parents struggle to make ends meet. Pham includes poignant scenes, such as tasting a potato chip for the first time but then later not having enough money to buy some of his own. He faces some anti-immigration hostility, but most of the people he meets along the way are kind and welcoming. Parents should know that some initial pages depict a violent pirate attack that may scare younger readers. Note: One use of God’s name in vain. Ages 14-18

Growing Up Under a Red Flag

Ying Chang Compestine
(Rocky Pond Books 2024)

In this picture book memoir, Ying tells of growing up in China, where she loves learning English words and listening to American broadcasts with her father. But then the Cultural Revolution begins, and Chairman Mao’s hold on the ­country tightens. Ying and her father have to burn their homemade English words book, and she resents that she has to wear a uniform instead of her favorite flower dress. But she soon faces even greater losses. Young readers will be able to sympathize with a child’s fear and loss, but the book does not show blood or focus on death. This simple introduction to a sad chapter in history will likely lead to more questions, particularly about China today. Ages 7-10

The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry

Chad Morris & Shelly Brown
(Shadow Mountain 2023)

Juniper Berry relishes nearly everything about living off the grid with her family. She teases and plays tricks on her two siblings, though she genuinely loves them, and she never passes up the opportunity to go exploring or hunting. But when her younger brother’s sudden illness forces the whole family to go to the city, Juniper finds herself in a world she’s never experienced. As she tries to adjust to life in an apartment and attending school with her cousin, she learns more about herself, her family, and the joys and challenges of living among society. Along the way, some of her family members must confront their family history of mental illness, including some of their own struggles. Ages 9-12