Crossing Stones

Crossing Stones by Helen Frost

Awards: Kirkus Best Book of the Year; YALSA's Best Books for YA

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the publisher:

Maybe you won’t rock a cradle, Muriel.

Some women seem to prefer to rock the boat.

Eighteen-year-old Muriel Jorgensen lives on one side of Crabapple Creek. Her family’s closest friends, the Normans, live on the other. For as long as Muriel can remember, the families’ lives have been intertwined, connected by the crossing stones that span the water. But now that Frank Norman—who Muriel is just beginning to think might be more than a friend—has enlisted to fight in World War I and her brother, Ollie, has lied about his age to join him, the future is uncertain. As Muriel tends to things at home with the help of Frank’s sister, Emma, she becomes more and more fascinated by the women’s suffrage movement, but she is surrounded by people who advise her to keep her opinions to herself.

This is a beautifully structured historical fiction verse novel. I loved the voices of the different characters. I loved the imagery with the way the poems were printed on the page. (I recommend reading the Notes on Form at the end of the book before starting the book.) I loved the pure emotion. I felt so involved in the plot and I shed a few tears along the way. An absolutely captivating look at a time in history that I think is too often overlooked. Wholeheartedly recommended for ages 12 and up.

Also reviewed by: Becky's Book Reviews

Book 18 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 10 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 11 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge
Book 8 of 10 for the Book Awards IV Challenge
Book 6 of 25 for the Support Your Local Library Challenge
Book 6 of 12 for the Historical Fiction Challenge
Book 15 of 25 for the MG Reading Challenge 

Source: Library