Lily's Crossing: A Review

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I consider what I liked best about this story, I think it is the expression of Lily's contrary feelings. Remember when you were young and you loved your mom, but you disliked her too? When your mom showed you expressions of love, you may have shunned them. Contrary. A perfect expression of those teenage emotions. And stubborn. Too stubborn to give in to those soft feelings.

Lily has those feelings towards her Gram. She feels mad at her dad who is leaving her to serve in the war. She doesn't have a mom, she died long ago. Her best friend Margaret is leaving for the summer too. So Lily tells lies and stories to comfort herself. The only good thing is she is at her beloved home by the ocean in Rockaway. While there Lily has some adventures with a new friend, Albert, who has been orphaned by the war and has his own struggles.

In essence, this story is about Lily's beginning to grow up. To understand that love and life is complicated.

I really enjoy reading teen/young adult fiction. For one, you can read a story in an afternoon, and secondly, it's often better than much of the adult fiction that's out there.

If you read aloud to your children, this would be a good option for your upper elementary student. If you just want a story to while away a few hours, this would fit the bill.

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