Review: Friends To the Rescue
Friends to the Rescue
by Ellen Schwartz, illustrated by Alison Mutton
Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2024
Category: Middle Grade
Reviewer: Lisa Trank
Buy at Bookshop.org
In Friends to the Rescue, a poignant illustrated novel, the story unfolds in the aftermath of the devastating 2009 earthquake that ravaged the Italian town of Fossa. Young Luca, orphaned by a car accident, lives with his grandfather, Roberto, when the disaster strikes. Their trauma is compounded by the town's collective grief. The early chapters introduce Antonio, Luca's braver best friend, and portray the community's unwavering resilience as they come together to aid the injured and rescue the trapped.
A turning point arrives with the discovery of a beloved townswoman's body. This prompts a flashback to 1943, when Nazi Germany occupied Italy. Roberto, then a young man, witnesses the persecution of Italian Jews. His family risks their lives to harbor the Rosettis, including Sara, a girl his own age. Initially misinterpreting her sadness as snobbery, Roberto eventually befriends Sara, discovering a shared love of books and football. Their bond deepens when Roberto devises an imaginative way to save them all during a Nazi search, as well as when they are stopped on their way back from an outdoor adventure to play football.
Friends to the Rescue cleverly incorporates a superhero comic book, "Capitano Eroe," to explore themes of courage and leadership. Luca uses the beloved hero to help his fearful friend Antonio, ultimately discovering his own potential.
As the story returns to the present, the parallel narratives converge and many circles are completed. A group of volunteers arrives in Fossa to assist with the earthquake relief, including Sara, the woman Roberto and his family sheltered during the war. The novel concludes with a powerful message: everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or circumstances, can be a hero. Kindness is the true superpower that unites communities and transcends generations.
The historical narrative covers a great deal of ground and, at times, the storytelling seems too simple and Luca's journey goes in and out of focus.
The novel's grayscale illustrations, realistic and unadorned, perfectly complement the simplicity of the storytelling, as well as bring to life for the reader the super hero comic book feel, and will draw in graphic novel readers. They vividly depict acts of kindness, community spirit, and intergenerational connections, showcasing the resilience of Fossa's residents, young and old alike.
In Friends to the Rescue, a poignant illustrated novel, the story unfolds in the aftermath of the devastating 2009 earthquake that ravaged the Italian town of Fossa. Young Luca, orphaned by a car accident, lives with his grandfather, Roberto, when the disaster strikes. Their trauma is compounded by the town's collective grief. The early chapters introduce Antonio, Luca's braver best friend, and portray the community's unwavering resilience as they come together to aid the injured and rescue the trapped.
A turning point arrives with the discovery of a beloved townswoman's body. This prompts a flashback to 1943, when Nazi Germany occupied Italy. Roberto, then a young man, witnesses the persecution of Italian Jews. His family risks their lives to harbor the Rosettis, including Sara, a girl his own age. Initially misinterpreting her sadness as snobbery, Roberto eventually befriends Sara, discovering a shared love of books and football. Their bond deepens when Roberto devises an imaginative way to save them all during a Nazi search, as well as when they are stopped on their way back from an outdoor adventure to play football.
Friends to the Rescue cleverly incorporates a superhero comic book, "Capitano Eroe," to explore themes of courage and leadership. Luca uses the beloved hero to help his fearful friend Antonio, ultimately discovering his own potential.
As the story returns to the present, the parallel narratives converge and many circles are completed. A group of volunteers arrives in Fossa to assist with the earthquake relief, including Sara, the woman Roberto and his family sheltered during the war. The novel concludes with a powerful message: everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or circumstances, can be a hero. Kindness is the true superpower that unites communities and transcends generations.
The historical narrative covers a great deal of ground and, at times, the storytelling seems too simple and Luca's journey goes in and out of focus.
The novel's grayscale illustrations, realistic and unadorned, perfectly complement the simplicity of the storytelling, as well as bring to life for the reader the super hero comic book feel, and will draw in graphic novel readers. They vividly depict acts of kindness, community spirit, and intergenerational connections, showcasing the resilience of Fossa's residents, young and old alike.
Friends to the Rescue is a meaningful exploration of the Jewish value of "righteous among all nations" and the enduring power of gratitude. The novel employs a subtle use of Jewish symbolism, such as Sara wearing a Star of David. The story portrays German soldiers in a historically accurate manner while avoiding triggering imagery. However, the circumstances of Luca's parents could be triggering to young readers, as well as the moment when the body of Rosa, the elderly resident, is found.
By centering on a non-Jewish protagonist and a lesser-known aspect of World War II history, this book has a broad appeal that extends beyond Jewish interests. The novel's timeless message of compassion, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Are you interested in reviewing books for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze? Click here!
%20-%20Lisa%20Trank.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment