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Lines of Courage
The stories of five kids living through World War I, each of whom holds the key to the others' futures... if they are lucky - and brave - enough to find each other.
World War I stretches its cruel fingers across Europe, where five young people, each from different backgrounds and nations, face the terror of battle, the deprivations of hunger, and all the awful challenges of war.
Felix, from Austria-Hungary, longs for the bravery to resist Jewish deportations before his own family can be taken.
Kara, from Britain, dreams of someday earning her Red Cross pin and working as a nurse - or even a doctor.
Juliette, of France, hopes her family can remain knitted together, despite her father's imprisonment, as the war's longest battle stretches on and on.
Elsa, from Germany, hopes her homing pigeon might one day bring her a friend from out of the chaos.
And Dimitri, of Russia, wants only to survive the front, where he's been sent with no weapon.
None of them will find exactly what they want. But the winds of fate may cross their paths to give each of them just what they need.
World War I stretches its cruel fingers across Europe, where five young people, each from different backgrounds and nations, face the terror of battle, the deprivations of hunger, and all the awful challenges of war.
Felix, from Austria-Hungary, longs for the bravery to resist Jewish deportations before his own family can be taken.
Kara, from Britain, dreams of someday earning her Red Cross pin and working as a nurse - or even a doctor.
Juliette, of France, hopes her family can remain knitted together, despite her father's imprisonment, as the war's longest battle stretches on and on.
Elsa, from Germany, hopes her homing pigeon might one day bring her a friend from out of the chaos.
And Dimitri, of Russia, wants only to survive the front, where he's been sent with no weapon.
None of them will find exactly what they want. But the winds of fate may cross their paths to give each of them just what they need.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2022
204 people are currently reading
6415 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer A. Nielsen
50books9,231followersJennifer lives at the base of a very tall mountain in Northern Utah with her husband, three children, and a naughty puppy. She loves the smell of rainy days, hot chocolate, and old books, preferably all at once. She is a former speech teacher, theater director, and enjoyed a brief but disastrous career as a door-to-door pollster. In her spare time, Jennifer tends to panic, wondering what she has forgotten to do that has allowed her any spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
May 13, 2023
This is a hard one for me to rate. I so desperately wanted to like it, and for Jennifer Nielsen to live up to her previous books such as The Ascendance Series and The Scourge. I had been unimpressed by her other series that I read, The Traitor's Game, but dare I say it.... this was worse.
First of all, the writing. This was my biggest issue with the book. This is the first book that I've read from her in the third person, and I don't know if that just doesn't work for me or if it was something else, but it didn't feel or read like her usual writing at all. It was shallow and told straight-to-the-face and sometimes extremely corny to the point where I had to put the book down for a few seconds to work through my second-hand embarrassment.
The events in this book and the way the characters acted seemed very unrealistic to me. Not only were the coincidences so extreme that it seems impossible for that to happen in real life, but the characters also (war generals and captains!) were far too kind. Some of them were initially portrayed as gruff and sour, but it seemed like half the time Ms. Nielsen forgot to make the them unique and to stick to their characterization and gave every character the same way of thinking, talking, and doing.
That's just one way she messed up in the character department, I'm sorry to say. The 'villain' character? He was shown an act of kindness and ✨repented�. Sweet, but doubtful and cliche. And the way the characters acted in general was simply unrealistic. In the middle of a crucial situation, who (especially someone who hAtEs the the main character and is supposed to be 'mean') has time to try to be nice while disciplining a young girl who vehemently broke your rules? They were always going, "that was wrong of you... BUT.... you are very skilled and so good at this, and you show great potential, ect. ect." And if it had happened once.... okay. But every time Kara was lectured, Ms. Nielsen felt the need to remind us readers how talented she is. How about actually SHOWING us, instead of just telling us? That brings me back to my problem with the writing. It was so tell-not-show that it hurts.
It also seemed to me that there were a ton of loose ends that weren't tied up, and the ending was rushed. Not only that, but the pacing of the book was off. The first about 100 pages were just uneventful happenings in the lives of Felix and Kara, then by the end it was like BAM BAM BAM done. The five main characters only had two chapters of page time actually together, which was sad. And the ending was *cough* cheesy.
I did like some of the main characters. Felix, in the five chapters that he wasn't an annoying twelve-year-old, honestly made the best character. Juliette and Dimitri were also both sweet (and like SHIPPPP). The plot, with its flaws, coincidences, and off pacing, was pretty interesting overall.
I don't vehemently hate the book, and if you like it I'm glad, but I was definitely not impressed.
Happy reading 🥰🥰
First of all, the writing. This was my biggest issue with the book. This is the first book that I've read from her in the third person, and I don't know if that just doesn't work for me or if it was something else, but it didn't feel or read like her usual writing at all. It was shallow and told straight-to-the-face and sometimes extremely corny to the point where I had to put the book down for a few seconds to work through my second-hand embarrassment.
The events in this book and the way the characters acted seemed very unrealistic to me. Not only were the coincidences so extreme that it seems impossible for that to happen in real life, but the characters also (war generals and captains!) were far too kind. Some of them were initially portrayed as gruff and sour, but it seemed like half the time Ms. Nielsen forgot to make the them unique and to stick to their characterization and gave every character the same way of thinking, talking, and doing.
That's just one way she messed up in the character department, I'm sorry to say. The 'villain' character? He was shown an act of kindness and ✨repented�. Sweet, but doubtful and cliche. And the way the characters acted in general was simply unrealistic. In the middle of a crucial situation, who (especially someone who hAtEs the the main character and is supposed to be 'mean') has time to try to be nice while disciplining a young girl who vehemently broke your rules? They were always going, "that was wrong of you... BUT.... you are very skilled and so good at this, and you show great potential, ect. ect." And if it had happened once.... okay. But every time Kara was lectured, Ms. Nielsen felt the need to remind us readers how talented she is. How about actually SHOWING us, instead of just telling us? That brings me back to my problem with the writing. It was so tell-not-show that it hurts.
It also seemed to me that there were a ton of loose ends that weren't tied up, and the ending was rushed. Not only that, but the pacing of the book was off. The first about 100 pages were just uneventful happenings in the lives of Felix and Kara, then by the end it was like BAM BAM BAM done. The five main characters only had two chapters of page time actually together, which was sad. And the ending was *cough* cheesy.
I did like some of the main characters. Felix, in the five chapters that he wasn't an annoying twelve-year-old, honestly made the best character. Juliette and Dimitri were also both sweet (and like SHIPPPP). The plot, with its flaws, coincidences, and off pacing, was pretty interesting overall.
I don't vehemently hate the book, and if you like it I'm glad, but I was definitely not impressed.
Happy reading 🥰🥰
June 25, 2022
It is a relief to see a historical fiction book about WWI, not WWII. Author Nielson does not cover too much of the war history, presenting the perspectives of five teenagers from five countries, whose lives intersect in unusual ways. Felix (from Austria-Hungary), watches the assassination that started the war and is worried about his father's role in the war, Kara (from Britain), who accompanies her nurse/mother on a Red Cross train, helping save soldier's lives, and disobeys orders, Juliette (from France), displaced from her home and who gets separated from her mother and brother, Elsa (from Germany), whose father is a high ranking officer leading troops, and Dimitri (from Russia), who is not ready for war, finding himself in France. The characters all share decency and abhor the horrors of war and senseless killing. I liked the strange path of a war medal initially given for heroism that moves among the teenagers as they interact.
March 3, 2025
"'War changes a person, you know. Some will grow angry and bitter. Others will find courage and compassion....'"
✏️ Review ✏️
Lines of Courage delivers an educational and representative story on the third deadliest war in human history � World War One. Allowing for a diverse and encompassing narrative, Nielsen weaves this story together with five different POVs, giving representation to so many involved in this conflict: a young British nurse; a French citizen whose home had been destroyed; an underage Russian soldier thrown into the very heart of battle; a daughter of a German commander; and an Austria-Hungarian Jew who fears deportation by the Russians.
The characters are just about average. They aren't the best but neither are they the worst. Since this story's narrative is splintered, the characters do exhibit some symptoms of underdevelopment (my personal diagnosis 😁). As a result, their backstories do seem shallow and the characters themselves feel superficial at times. It's almost like having a piece of cake, except all you're allowed to eat is the frosting. The frosting still tastes good and it's enjoyable. But there's nothing to compliment it; there's the foundation of further complexity and richness (the cake) that isn't there.... Ok, maybe that was a silly comparison, but I hope it helped to illustrate what I'm talking about. And, hey, this is MG fiction so the characters are still pretty good considering.
The writing style is generally simplistic and straightforward. Details and descriptions are minimal, which is probably a good thing since this tones down any violence or brutality for the intended MG audience.
Although it isn't anything heartpounding, the plot is still interesting and did keep me involved in the story. There were many things that happened that I wasn't expecting. And I like how Nielsen connected all of the POVs; definitely was intrigued by that part. While still staying appropriate for its intended audience, the plot also effectively depicts the realities of war.
Representing so many countries involved in WWI, Lines of Courage is a great book for anyone looking to learn more about this terrible war. This book contains very little violence and neither is it boring, so it's perfect for younger readers. And it delivers a very educational read about the first and most impactful global conflict of the 20th century.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
🏼 What I Liked:
� The different POVs, representing the different sides and opinions of WWI.
� The fact that the writing style illustrates the realities of war while still staying appropriate for the intended MG audience.
� The plot � it not anything spectacular but it's still intriguing nonetheless.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
� The lack of deeper character development.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3.5/5 [rounded down to 3 on ŷ])
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
� 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
� 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
� 👥 Characters: 3/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
� 🤬 Language: 0/5
� ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
� Mild description of some aspects of war violence (injuries, mild brutality, etc.).
� ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
� (None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
� "There is a fire within each of us. If we fuel that fire with anger, it will burn all your happiness. But if you fuel it with courage, then the fire will give you strength to do difficult things." (p. 45-46)
✏️ Review ✏️
Lines of Courage delivers an educational and representative story on the third deadliest war in human history � World War One. Allowing for a diverse and encompassing narrative, Nielsen weaves this story together with five different POVs, giving representation to so many involved in this conflict: a young British nurse; a French citizen whose home had been destroyed; an underage Russian soldier thrown into the very heart of battle; a daughter of a German commander; and an Austria-Hungarian Jew who fears deportation by the Russians.
The characters are just about average. They aren't the best but neither are they the worst. Since this story's narrative is splintered, the characters do exhibit some symptoms of underdevelopment (my personal diagnosis 😁). As a result, their backstories do seem shallow and the characters themselves feel superficial at times. It's almost like having a piece of cake, except all you're allowed to eat is the frosting. The frosting still tastes good and it's enjoyable. But there's nothing to compliment it; there's the foundation of further complexity and richness (the cake) that isn't there.... Ok, maybe that was a silly comparison, but I hope it helped to illustrate what I'm talking about. And, hey, this is MG fiction so the characters are still pretty good considering.
The writing style is generally simplistic and straightforward. Details and descriptions are minimal, which is probably a good thing since this tones down any violence or brutality for the intended MG audience.
Although it isn't anything heartpounding, the plot is still interesting and did keep me involved in the story. There were many things that happened that I wasn't expecting. And I like how Nielsen connected all of the POVs; definitely was intrigued by that part. While still staying appropriate for its intended audience, the plot also effectively depicts the realities of war.
"'On the seas, sailors board a ship whose sole purpose is to sink the ship of their enemy. With well-placed cannon fire, they will send a thousand men to a watery grave, but never see their faces. Or they climb aboard airships and drop bombs from a thousand kilometers aboveground. From that height, they'll see buildings fall, but not a single face of those who are running for their lives.'"
Representing so many countries involved in WWI, Lines of Courage is a great book for anyone looking to learn more about this terrible war. This book contains very little violence and neither is it boring, so it's perfect for younger readers. And it delivers a very educational read about the first and most impactful global conflict of the 20th century.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
🏼 What I Liked:
� The different POVs, representing the different sides and opinions of WWI.
� The fact that the writing style illustrates the realities of war while still staying appropriate for the intended MG audience.
� The plot � it not anything spectacular but it's still intriguing nonetheless.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
� The lack of deeper character development.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3.5/5 [rounded down to 3 on ŷ])
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
� 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
� 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
� 👥 Characters: 3/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
� 🤬 Language: 0/5
� ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
� Mild description of some aspects of war violence (injuries, mild brutality, etc.).
� ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
� (None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
� "There is a fire within each of us. If we fuel that fire with anger, it will burn all your happiness. But if you fuel it with courage, then the fire will give you strength to do difficult things." (p. 45-46)
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October 29, 2022
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
This book hit me right in the feels.
Such a roller coaster of a read.
Sometimes I was hopping up and down because YESSS CONNECTIONS WERE HAPPENING, sometimes I was struggling not to cry from the horror of the first World War, and sometimes I was casually making notes so I could remember historical facts later because this book was really interesting!
Characters
I definitely enjoyed reading about Felix and Kara's adventures and encounters, though more so about Juliette's (goodness I love that girl!).
Elsa was a good character, but she came off as kind of annoying in the beginning to me, and later during Dimitri's section.
Speaking of which,
I LOVED DIMITRI SO MUCH! HE'S MY FAVORITE! ❤❤❤❤ *adds another character to her list of adopted children*
Plot
Super intriguing, since I know very little about World War I. I feel it's often overshadowed by World War II which is a shame because it is important to learn about and recognize what was going on in the world at the time.
I DEFINITELY did not know that the Russian revolution happened right at the same time, causing the Russians to pull out of the war!
Just wow!
Overall
So amazing, and I expected nothing less from my favorite historical fiction writer! Mrs. Nielsen is SO GOOD AT THIS STUFF! Which is perfect because I love history and I always grow more curious about our world's past when it's presented in a fascinating and adventurous way!
Not to say that this book didn't pull some reactions of sadness and horror from me.
History has its dark moments as well as good ones.
THIS IS A MUST READ IN MY OPINION!
As well as Mrs. Nielsen's other historical fiction works such as Rescue, which I'm going to read next (it's a re-read though so I can tell you it's amazing!), or Words On Fire, which was my first Jennifer Nielsen book!
Oh oh oh! And Resistance and A Night Divided!
If you love history, all of her books deliver!
This book hit me right in the feels.
Such a roller coaster of a read.
Sometimes I was hopping up and down because YESSS CONNECTIONS WERE HAPPENING, sometimes I was struggling not to cry from the horror of the first World War, and sometimes I was casually making notes so I could remember historical facts later because this book was really interesting!
Characters
I definitely enjoyed reading about Felix and Kara's adventures and encounters, though more so about Juliette's (goodness I love that girl!).
Elsa was a good character, but she came off as kind of annoying in the beginning to me, and later during Dimitri's section.
Speaking of which,
I LOVED DIMITRI SO MUCH! HE'S MY FAVORITE! ❤❤❤❤ *adds another character to her list of adopted children*
Plot
Super intriguing, since I know very little about World War I. I feel it's often overshadowed by World War II which is a shame because it is important to learn about and recognize what was going on in the world at the time.
I DEFINITELY did not know that the Russian revolution happened right at the same time, causing the Russians to pull out of the war!
Just wow!
Overall
So amazing, and I expected nothing less from my favorite historical fiction writer! Mrs. Nielsen is SO GOOD AT THIS STUFF! Which is perfect because I love history and I always grow more curious about our world's past when it's presented in a fascinating and adventurous way!
Not to say that this book didn't pull some reactions of sadness and horror from me.
History has its dark moments as well as good ones.
THIS IS A MUST READ IN MY OPINION!
As well as Mrs. Nielsen's other historical fiction works such as Rescue, which I'm going to read next (it's a re-read though so I can tell you it's amazing!), or Words On Fire, which was my first Jennifer Nielsen book!
Oh oh oh! And Resistance and A Night Divided!
If you love history, all of her books deliver!
November 20, 2024
4.5 stars - and that half star is mostly because it bothers me that the cover image never happens in the book. That just really bothers me...especially when it's so close to what happened but not right because, for starters, no one gets hurt in the thigh, so... yeah.
Anyway, mini rant about the cover aside, I loved this book! WWI doesn't get much historical fiction coverage, especially in MG, so this was really interesting!
Characters:
Felix is the first character we were introduced to, and I loved him! He was so brave even though he didn't think he was.
Kara is introduced next, and I enjoyed her chapters and learning more about the ambulance trains! That was so interesting and something I'm gonna try and incorporate in my WWI novelette.
Juliette was then introduced, and I felt so bad for her, but she was so brave despite everything she went through!
Dimitri was a dear...he was drafted by his Tsar, and the poor guy just wanted a better future for his family.
Elsa was last, and her chapters were very interesting too!
Honestly, the way Nielsen connected the characters and made them meet, the full circle the story did at the end was so interesting!
Themes:
That courage isn't always easy. Often, it's something we have to dig for and find.
Romance:
N/A
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Brief mentions of war, war hospitals, but nothing overtly detailed. Nielsen did well with keeping the portrayal clean for her intended audience.
Overall:
This was a very interesting WWI historical fiction book! The full circle aspect of the story was cool...the character chapters are in chunks, and then one from each character at the end to round everything out. Honestly, I really enjoyed this...though I do wish the cover had been true to the story, but oh well, most people probably won't care.
I'd recommend for ages 10±
Anyway, mini rant about the cover aside, I loved this book! WWI doesn't get much historical fiction coverage, especially in MG, so this was really interesting!
Characters:
Felix is the first character we were introduced to, and I loved him! He was so brave even though he didn't think he was.
Kara is introduced next, and I enjoyed her chapters and learning more about the ambulance trains! That was so interesting and something I'm gonna try and incorporate in my WWI novelette.
Juliette was then introduced, and I felt so bad for her, but she was so brave despite everything she went through!
Dimitri was a dear...he was drafted by his Tsar, and the poor guy just wanted a better future for his family.
Elsa was last, and her chapters were very interesting too!
Honestly, the way Nielsen connected the characters and made them meet, the full circle the story did at the end was so interesting!
Themes:
That courage isn't always easy. Often, it's something we have to dig for and find.
Romance:
N/A
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Brief mentions of war, war hospitals, but nothing overtly detailed. Nielsen did well with keeping the portrayal clean for her intended audience.
Overall:
This was a very interesting WWI historical fiction book! The full circle aspect of the story was cool...the character chapters are in chunks, and then one from each character at the end to round everything out. Honestly, I really enjoyed this...though I do wish the cover had been true to the story, but oh well, most people probably won't care.
I'd recommend for ages 10±
August 25, 2022
Um. Wow. Jennifer A Nielson knocked it out of the park again!! I loved the duel POV without getting into the characters head, it really made me feel like I was in that horrible moment in time.
I think I've been reading to much sweet romance lately because (I wanted Words On Fire sweetness) but alas, it did not. *sigh*
I think I've been reading to much sweet romance lately because (I wanted Words On Fire sweetness) but alas, it did not. *sigh*
November 11, 2024
3 stars. Lines of courage was a really interesting story. I really enjoyed learning about a lot of different parts of World War One. Since the story centers on five characters each from a different country, you get to see a lot of views from the allies and those they were up against and the struggles that all the countries faced during the war which I thought was a very unique perspective.
I found the writing in this story very surface level like Jennifer was just telling me what was happening which made it hard for me really care about the characters. A lot of the parts that were very action-packed felt very melodramatic for most of the book. There wasn't really any tension at any point in the story. The pacing was a bit weird, there were a lot of time jumps which made it harder to connect to the characters because suddenly mid page it would be 3 months later or something. I also wasn’t super motivated to pick the book up. The crossovers between the characters were cool through the first couple sections, but it didn’t make me very excited or interested.
My favorite part was the last 50 or so pages when all the stories were coming together it was really cool to see how things that had happened in the first story were connected to things at the very end of the book. I also liked how this book starts at the very beginning of World War One and it ends the day World War One ends. I thought that was a unique perspective as well. Another thing I enjoyed was during the sections with the boy from Russia there were several mentions of the Bolsheviks and the Russian Tsar who I had learned about in a recent read of a book called Romanov and I love that book so much that I loved seeing any mention of that family’s storyline in this book. Overall, I definitely learned a lot and I’m glad I read it, but it wasn't new favorite.
Violence scale � World War I, so battles with minor description. One character is killed, four characters almost die from minorly described injuries, a character works on a Red cross train, two characters are taken captive by enemies.
I found the writing in this story very surface level like Jennifer was just telling me what was happening which made it hard for me really care about the characters. A lot of the parts that were very action-packed felt very melodramatic for most of the book. There wasn't really any tension at any point in the story. The pacing was a bit weird, there were a lot of time jumps which made it harder to connect to the characters because suddenly mid page it would be 3 months later or something. I also wasn’t super motivated to pick the book up. The crossovers between the characters were cool through the first couple sections, but it didn’t make me very excited or interested.
My favorite part was the last 50 or so pages when all the stories were coming together it was really cool to see how things that had happened in the first story were connected to things at the very end of the book. I also liked how this book starts at the very beginning of World War One and it ends the day World War One ends. I thought that was a unique perspective as well. Another thing I enjoyed was during the sections with the boy from Russia there were several mentions of the Bolsheviks and the Russian Tsar who I had learned about in a recent read of a book called Romanov and I love that book so much that I loved seeing any mention of that family’s storyline in this book. Overall, I definitely learned a lot and I’m glad I read it, but it wasn't new favorite.
Violence scale � World War I, so battles with minor description. One character is killed, four characters almost die from minorly described injuries, a character works on a Red cross train, two characters are taken captive by enemies.
June 12, 2022
I checked this out since I've enjoyed Nielsen's books in the past and I'm all for more WWI books. For me, it didn't transcend the fact that I am not the intended audience. But I'm glad it exists. I'm sure I would've been all about this book after reading Rilla of Ingleside as a kid.
June 13, 2022
"One day, someone will claim victory in the war, but no one will have won."
I've tested the waters with a few stories told around the First World War this year, and I've finally found what I was looking for - the story of five young teenagers, spread across Europe, all trying to survive a war no-one can win.
From England, to France, to Austria-Hungary, to Russia, to Germany, these teens all meet each other in unexpected ways, culminating in a group effort to save an enemy. I loved that this story truly showed that there was no bad people, and the complexities of why people fought in the war.
The discovery of Ambulance trains via the story of Juliette, a British girl who wanted to serve in the Red Cross, was entirely new and fascinating to me. I'm not sure I've ever heard of them before, speeding their way through Europe to collect the wounded and patching them up again.
Each of the teens are on harrowing, unforgettable journeys and I enjoyed my time with every one of them and celebrated when they turned back on again in other's stories. I'm looking forward to reading more of Jennifer's work and seeing what she does next!
I've tested the waters with a few stories told around the First World War this year, and I've finally found what I was looking for - the story of five young teenagers, spread across Europe, all trying to survive a war no-one can win.
From England, to France, to Austria-Hungary, to Russia, to Germany, these teens all meet each other in unexpected ways, culminating in a group effort to save an enemy. I loved that this story truly showed that there was no bad people, and the complexities of why people fought in the war.
The discovery of Ambulance trains via the story of Juliette, a British girl who wanted to serve in the Red Cross, was entirely new and fascinating to me. I'm not sure I've ever heard of them before, speeding their way through Europe to collect the wounded and patching them up again.
Each of the teens are on harrowing, unforgettable journeys and I enjoyed my time with every one of them and celebrated when they turned back on again in other's stories. I'm looking forward to reading more of Jennifer's work and seeing what she does next!
August 17, 2021
I love books that tell multiple stories and then tie them altogether in the end! This one is a fabulous example of that. It tells the stories of five teenagers during World War I whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Felix (from Austria-Hungary, who witnesses the start of the war and fears for his Jewish family), Kara (from Britain, serving on a Red Cross train), Juliette (from France, displaced from her home and separated from her family), Elsa (from Germany, whose father is a high ranking officer), and Dimitri (from Russia, fighting in France) each give a different perspective on the war. Combining them together into one book provides an exciting and thorough overview of WWI. Highly recommended for grades 5 & up, especially for fans of Echo and Refugee.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
May 27, 2022
Excellent! Ties in all sorts of historical facts about WW1 from the various countries in the fight (Austro-Hungarian, French, German, British, Russian)! So neat to listen with my kids and have them remember what we just learned this year in school. Highly recommend if you are teaching WW1!
January 10, 2023
Amazing book! Want to re-read it already!!!
December 2, 2022
This was such a good book!
I thoroughly enjoyed how Nielsen wove five stories into one amazing and insightful book that vividly portrays Europe during the third bloodiest war in history.
Full review coming to my blog soon. 😁
I thoroughly enjoyed how Nielsen wove five stories into one amazing and insightful book that vividly portrays Europe during the third bloodiest war in history.
Full review coming to my blog soon. 😁
August 16, 2024
I started reading this book in and May and took a break from it to read Don Quixote. And let me tell you that was a huge mistake!!
Don Quixote is an adult book that supposed to contain many intriguing stories and adventures. WELL IT DOESN’T!!! I picked up lines of courage the same day of finishing Don Quixote, and I felt my passion for reading reborn in an instant.�
Honestly this book teaches many lessons, building courage to take risks at the most frightening moments of your life, maintaining friendships, and to never stop and cry about your struggles, but to keep pushing forward.
Lines of Courage >>> Don Quixote
Don Quixote is an adult book that supposed to contain many intriguing stories and adventures. WELL IT DOESN’T!!! I picked up lines of courage the same day of finishing Don Quixote, and I felt my passion for reading reborn in an instant.�
Honestly this book teaches many lessons, building courage to take risks at the most frightening moments of your life, maintaining friendships, and to never stop and cry about your struggles, but to keep pushing forward.
Lines of Courage >>> Don Quixote
October 23, 2023
Really really enjoyed this read!!!! Even though I love history, WW1 is not a war I’m very knowledgeable on. This was told through 5 teens perspectives each covering a different year and country involved in the war. Then they had crossovers which was cool. So excited to put this into my classroom!
June 9, 2022
Really great historical fiction about WW1 which doesn’t have as many fiction books to read about. Thrilling enough for hard core fans, but gentle enough for those who may be more sensitive to war
June 13, 2022
It should have been an exciting visit to Sarajevo with his father, but instead Felix Baum, a 12-year old Jewish boy, witnesses the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, and feels he is a coward for not warning anyone when he saw the assassin with a hand grenade. Returning home, the Baums are visited by Major Dressler and his daughter Elsa from Germany, who gives Felix the gift of a carrier pigeon . War is soon declared, and Felix's father is called up. Learning that the Russians are coming, Felix and his mother try to leave Lemberg, but instead run into the cruel Russian Captain Garinov. Felix manages to irritate Garinov and pays dearly for it. Luckily, Elsa and her mother rescue Felix and his mother, enabling them to escape to Vienna.
Kara Webb, 13 almost 14, wants to be a Red Cross nurse more than anything, just like her mother. Allowed to accompany her mother on the Red Cross Ambulance train traveling throughout France picking up the wounded at Casualty Clearing Stations, Kara may only act as an orderly, never leaving the train. When the Germans begin using poison gas, the number of wounded increase, then the rail line are destroyed, so everyone has help carry soldiers from the battlefield to the train. When an orderly is injured, Kara is finally allowed to help. But when she rescues and hides an injured enemy soldier named Baum, she is no longer allowed to do anymore work on the train, even after Sergeant Baum leaves. Reaching Verdun around Christmas, Kara meets Juliette Caron, selling items to get money for her family to bribe a German guard to get her father out of their prison. Kara buys a bright red hat, but gives it right back to Juliette.
Juliette and her family try to leave Verdun, but are soon caught by the Germans. Juliette manages to hide in the woods, but the Germans set up camp so close she can't run away without being seen. After falling asleep, she wakes up on Kara's Red Cross train, but now she doesn't know where her mother and two younger brothers are. After two months, Juliette leaves the train, searching for her family and hoping to free her father. In Lille, she runs into an old friend, Monique, who brings her home, but double crosses Juliette, taking her money. Then, the girls are captured by Germans and taken to a farm to work. Monique does help Juliette escape the farm, but then she runs into Major Dressler, who knows and admires her father. Dressler lets her go instead of sending her back to the farm, and she finds herself back on the ambulance train with Kara. Two months later, Juliette is on the road again, looking for her family when she sees an injured young boy and rescues him, bringing him to the cave she has found shelter in.
The boy's name is Dimitri Petrenko, 14, and he's been serving in the war under Captain Garinov, now a Bolshevik who intensely dislikes him for supporting the Tsar. Garinov sends him into no man's land to get a rifle, where he is knocked unconscious and left for dead. After Juliette nurses him back to health, he returns to his unit, knowing what he now wants is freedom. But as soon as Garinov sees him, he orders Dimitri to lead a charge, one that costs him dearly. When news of the Russian Revolution reaches the trenches. Garinov refuses to fight anymore, wanting to return to Russia. After Garinov's mutiny, Dimitri finds himself fighting with the French in Belgium, where he is taken prisoner by the Germans. Taken to Major Dressler's home to work in Freiburg, Dimitri runs into Captain Garinov, also a prisoner. When Garinov finds an old medal in Dimitri's pocket, he tries to get him in trouble, but Elsa Dressler recognizes the medal as belonging to Felix's family. Convinced he didn't steal it, Major Dressler arranges for Dimitri to be driven to the French border and released. Meanwhile, Garinov has stolen a horse from Dressler and run away.
The medal that is found on Dimitri is a red thread running through this story and connecting each of the main characters to each other. Felix refused the medal when his father offered it to him. Sergeant Baum had taken it with him to war as a reminder of his own father's courage. He had given it to Kara, who gave it to Juliette. Later, Juliette gave it to Dimitri and Elsa had recognized it.
The novel begins in 1914, with the assassination of the Archduke and goes through to November 11, 1918, the end of the war. It is a well-researched work and includes information I did not know, for example, the Red Cross Ambulance Train.
But...
I've always enjoyed Jennifer Nielsen's historical fiction for young readers, but I'm sorry to say, for me, this is not one of her best books. Writing a story about five very different characters from different countries who are connected to one another and including Dressler and Garinov in the mix is hard to do because so much much depends on coincidences not found in reality. And the novel is so filled with coincidences plus the improbability of its five characters running into each other the way they do was just too hard for me to believe. Nielsen does include some interesting WWI history in the story and in her Author's Note, but the multiple story lines overwhelmed me. I felt like she had five short stories and decided to turn it into a novel by knitting them together using a medal from an earlier Austrian conflict, but it just didn't work for me.
I think that given what is going on in Ukraine right now, this would be an interesting novel for anyone interested in history and especially WWI as long as the coincidences doesn't bother them. It is of note that so many young teens were asked to do the job of adults in this war. I can't imagine sending 14-year-olds to war, but I know it could happen again.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Scholastic Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this novel.
Kara Webb, 13 almost 14, wants to be a Red Cross nurse more than anything, just like her mother. Allowed to accompany her mother on the Red Cross Ambulance train traveling throughout France picking up the wounded at Casualty Clearing Stations, Kara may only act as an orderly, never leaving the train. When the Germans begin using poison gas, the number of wounded increase, then the rail line are destroyed, so everyone has help carry soldiers from the battlefield to the train. When an orderly is injured, Kara is finally allowed to help. But when she rescues and hides an injured enemy soldier named Baum, she is no longer allowed to do anymore work on the train, even after Sergeant Baum leaves. Reaching Verdun around Christmas, Kara meets Juliette Caron, selling items to get money for her family to bribe a German guard to get her father out of their prison. Kara buys a bright red hat, but gives it right back to Juliette.
Juliette and her family try to leave Verdun, but are soon caught by the Germans. Juliette manages to hide in the woods, but the Germans set up camp so close she can't run away without being seen. After falling asleep, she wakes up on Kara's Red Cross train, but now she doesn't know where her mother and two younger brothers are. After two months, Juliette leaves the train, searching for her family and hoping to free her father. In Lille, she runs into an old friend, Monique, who brings her home, but double crosses Juliette, taking her money. Then, the girls are captured by Germans and taken to a farm to work. Monique does help Juliette escape the farm, but then she runs into Major Dressler, who knows and admires her father. Dressler lets her go instead of sending her back to the farm, and she finds herself back on the ambulance train with Kara. Two months later, Juliette is on the road again, looking for her family when she sees an injured young boy and rescues him, bringing him to the cave she has found shelter in.
The boy's name is Dimitri Petrenko, 14, and he's been serving in the war under Captain Garinov, now a Bolshevik who intensely dislikes him for supporting the Tsar. Garinov sends him into no man's land to get a rifle, where he is knocked unconscious and left for dead. After Juliette nurses him back to health, he returns to his unit, knowing what he now wants is freedom. But as soon as Garinov sees him, he orders Dimitri to lead a charge, one that costs him dearly. When news of the Russian Revolution reaches the trenches. Garinov refuses to fight anymore, wanting to return to Russia. After Garinov's mutiny, Dimitri finds himself fighting with the French in Belgium, where he is taken prisoner by the Germans. Taken to Major Dressler's home to work in Freiburg, Dimitri runs into Captain Garinov, also a prisoner. When Garinov finds an old medal in Dimitri's pocket, he tries to get him in trouble, but Elsa Dressler recognizes the medal as belonging to Felix's family. Convinced he didn't steal it, Major Dressler arranges for Dimitri to be driven to the French border and released. Meanwhile, Garinov has stolen a horse from Dressler and run away.
The medal that is found on Dimitri is a red thread running through this story and connecting each of the main characters to each other. Felix refused the medal when his father offered it to him. Sergeant Baum had taken it with him to war as a reminder of his own father's courage. He had given it to Kara, who gave it to Juliette. Later, Juliette gave it to Dimitri and Elsa had recognized it.
The novel begins in 1914, with the assassination of the Archduke and goes through to November 11, 1918, the end of the war. It is a well-researched work and includes information I did not know, for example, the Red Cross Ambulance Train.
But...
I've always enjoyed Jennifer Nielsen's historical fiction for young readers, but I'm sorry to say, for me, this is not one of her best books. Writing a story about five very different characters from different countries who are connected to one another and including Dressler and Garinov in the mix is hard to do because so much much depends on coincidences not found in reality. And the novel is so filled with coincidences plus the improbability of its five characters running into each other the way they do was just too hard for me to believe. Nielsen does include some interesting WWI history in the story and in her Author's Note, but the multiple story lines overwhelmed me. I felt like she had five short stories and decided to turn it into a novel by knitting them together using a medal from an earlier Austrian conflict, but it just didn't work for me.
I think that given what is going on in Ukraine right now, this would be an interesting novel for anyone interested in history and especially WWI as long as the coincidences doesn't bother them. It is of note that so many young teens were asked to do the job of adults in this war. I can't imagine sending 14-year-olds to war, but I know it could happen again.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Scholastic Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this novel.
February 1, 2023
I liked this book a lot. I can't decide if it is YA or middle grade, so I am saying it is 7th-10th grade-ish. It ties up a little too perfectly for YA, but it is a smidge too complicated for 6th grade. I guess it depends on the maturity level of the reader. Summary: WWI through the eyes of five protagonists: Felix from Austria-Hungary who witnessed the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand; Elsa, whose father is a German officer; Kara, from the UK works with her mother on a Red Cross train in France; Juliette, a French girl who is separated from her family in the battle of Verdun; and Dimitri, a Russian soldier sent to the front without a weapon. Each of these characters ages range between 12-15 and they grow as the war wages on over the years.
I like that this book is about WWI. I have found very little historical fiction about the first world war, especially for this age group. I also feel like this time period isn't covered very well in history classes either. We seem to skip from the Civil War to WWII. Having the story told from the many perspectives shows why the war was being fought and it shows how there is not one central purpose, that every country was in it for different reasons and there is no real consistency or solidarity. This book makes me want to research more. The author also has great notes in the back and I learned many new things. I had no idea that the Red Cross had hospital trains.
I also felt that there are a lot of quotable parts of the book to teach kids moral lessons, like these:
"There is a fire within each of us. If you fuel that fire with anger, it will burn all of your happiness. But if you fuel it with courage, then the fire will give you strength to do difficult things... Anger will not get us through the war, Anger is the war." p. 45-6
"Life is messy. It's a line that moves in circles, and weaves itself into the circles that others have created. Our lines should be messy, because that's how our lives connect together." p. 373
I like the connectedness the author weaves through these characters' lives. I also like that the book begins with the Archduke's assassination and ends on Nov. 11, 1918 (I know so many people who don't know that is why we celebrate veteran's day on Nov. 11). It even touches on the Spanish Flu a bit. My only problem with this book is how it wraps up so perfectly... even one of the worst antagonists has a change of heart which is completely unbelievable... making this a more juvenile book. But, that is not such a bad complaint I guess, considering all the teachable moments in this book whether they are about history or ethics. Plus, it's a super quick read. Recommend!
I like that this book is about WWI. I have found very little historical fiction about the first world war, especially for this age group. I also feel like this time period isn't covered very well in history classes either. We seem to skip from the Civil War to WWII. Having the story told from the many perspectives shows why the war was being fought and it shows how there is not one central purpose, that every country was in it for different reasons and there is no real consistency or solidarity. This book makes me want to research more. The author also has great notes in the back and I learned many new things. I had no idea that the Red Cross had hospital trains.
I also felt that there are a lot of quotable parts of the book to teach kids moral lessons, like these:
"There is a fire within each of us. If you fuel that fire with anger, it will burn all of your happiness. But if you fuel it with courage, then the fire will give you strength to do difficult things... Anger will not get us through the war, Anger is the war." p. 45-6
"Life is messy. It's a line that moves in circles, and weaves itself into the circles that others have created. Our lines should be messy, because that's how our lives connect together." p. 373
I like the connectedness the author weaves through these characters' lives. I also like that the book begins with the Archduke's assassination and ends on Nov. 11, 1918 (I know so many people who don't know that is why we celebrate veteran's day on Nov. 11). It even touches on the Spanish Flu a bit. My only problem with this book is how it wraps up so perfectly... even one of the worst antagonists has a change of heart which is completely unbelievable... making this a more juvenile book. But, that is not such a bad complaint I guess, considering all the teachable moments in this book whether they are about history or ethics. Plus, it's a super quick read. Recommend!
October 29, 2022
i am so excited for this book to be released. i fell in love with nielsen's historical fiction books before any of her other ones, and am so ready for another historical fiction. i've been waiting and waiting...and it's almost here!!!
*fangirl squeal*
i'm also super duper excited for these characters! how could you not be?!?
UPDATE:
wow. i loved this. rtc
UPDATED UPDATE:
For everyone out there who loves history like me, read this book.
Jennifer Nielsen can describe the horrors of war so delicately laced with its beauties so well. The kindness of the characters that represent those few selfless souls in hard times like WWI really moved me. Especially since WWI is a time in history so many people brush over.
The characters were all truly amazing in their own ways. I enjoyed reading the book from each of their perspectives and getting to know them each. I'd probably say Demitri was my favorite. His story of being a young soldier was both inspiring and heart-wrenching. I also did love Juliette and her perseverance. The way all the characters end up helping each other in such grand ways is just lovely.
It was really just an outstanding story. I highly recommend reading this, as well as Nielsen's other historical fiction novels.
Happy Reading!
*fangirl squeal*
i'm also super duper excited for these characters! how could you not be?!?
UPDATE:
wow. i loved this. rtc
UPDATED UPDATE:
For everyone out there who loves history like me, read this book.
Jennifer Nielsen can describe the horrors of war so delicately laced with its beauties so well. The kindness of the characters that represent those few selfless souls in hard times like WWI really moved me. Especially since WWI is a time in history so many people brush over.
The characters were all truly amazing in their own ways. I enjoyed reading the book from each of their perspectives and getting to know them each. I'd probably say Demitri was my favorite. His story of being a young soldier was both inspiring and heart-wrenching. I also did love Juliette and her perseverance. The way all the characters end up helping each other in such grand ways is just lovely.
It was really just an outstanding story. I highly recommend reading this, as well as Nielsen's other historical fiction novels.
Happy Reading!
Read
May 22, 2022This is one of the few books I’ve read that I won’t rate. This book is meant solely for middle grade readers. I gave this a try since I was interested in the time period and gave it a chance on a whim. Knowing this isn’t for me whatsoever and I don’t have a positive opinion of the book, I won’t give a star rating.
The book does a good job featuring kids at the center of the action doing heroic things. Kid readers will clearly love relating to these characters. The book also provides some basic introductory information about WWI. The history element of the book is very superficial, but could be a good way to engage kids with history. And that’s all this book wanted to be so I can’t fault it for that.
However, I do not recommend this book for adults. The story relies heavily on chance encounters and impossible scenarios that no amount of suspension of disbelief can ignore. All of the characters seem to be all knowing about events in the war no child would know and converse with each other with the hindsight of future historians. They understand the implication of events as if they could see decades into the future. Tragic events also get glossed over extremely quickly without giving the characters hardly any chance to grieve or deal with trauma. This is done purposely to teach kids about history, but it weakens the narrative because it’s unrealistic.
If you have a young reader in the home that likes these types of stories or want to branch out to historical fiction, I think this is worthwhile to pick up. But I think the author could do more creating historical fiction aimed at younger readers without dumbing it down so much.
The book does a good job featuring kids at the center of the action doing heroic things. Kid readers will clearly love relating to these characters. The book also provides some basic introductory information about WWI. The history element of the book is very superficial, but could be a good way to engage kids with history. And that’s all this book wanted to be so I can’t fault it for that.
However, I do not recommend this book for adults. The story relies heavily on chance encounters and impossible scenarios that no amount of suspension of disbelief can ignore. All of the characters seem to be all knowing about events in the war no child would know and converse with each other with the hindsight of future historians. They understand the implication of events as if they could see decades into the future. Tragic events also get glossed over extremely quickly without giving the characters hardly any chance to grieve or deal with trauma. This is done purposely to teach kids about history, but it weakens the narrative because it’s unrealistic.
If you have a young reader in the home that likes these types of stories or want to branch out to historical fiction, I think this is worthwhile to pick up. But I think the author could do more creating historical fiction aimed at younger readers without dumbing it down so much.
November 15, 2024
OMG this was such an amazing book it was so fun to read and had me staying up ✨WAY� past my bedtime. I originally had to read this book for a project but I was ✨OBSESSED�. I could not wait to keep reading. It was amazing to read about something so sad and the people who found hope, love, happiness, joy, and friends. I personally love books about war history, but not Non-Fiction books like books that are realistic fiction but about war. It was like a roller coaster.
September 1, 2022
Hard to imagine kids going through the things these kids did.
December 17, 2022
I really liked this book. I am a military historian and I still learned a lot from this book. While it is written for young adults, this is also a book for teens and adults. The elements of the story are real and hard hitting. While the characters are mostly teens, they tell a powerful story about a war that most AMericans know very little about.
April 21, 2025
She is quickly becoming a treasured author of ours. Once again, a compelling story that does a good job of illustrating the challenges and obstacles overcome in the midst of war.
June 27, 2022
This is a great book! It took a little for me to get into it but I found it so interesting. I have not read much about World War 1 so that historical perspective really drew me in. Highly recommend.
April 3, 2022
It's hard to imagine a more relevant middle-grade novel for these turbulent times. Though set in the thick of war-torn Europe during World War I, the themes of demonic despotic rule, innocent wartime slaughter of innocents, and families torn apart by war are prescient of today's newsflashes as they are laid out here in the thrillingly interconnected lives of preteens/young teens Felix (Austrian), Kara (British), Juliette (French), Elsa (German), and Dimitri (Russian). Though separated by language and culture, these five young people have in common a strong ethical sense and sense of justice (in most cases, instilled by their parents); and though all are keenly aware of their powerlessness against the overwhelming odds against their survival, and the political forces that would throttle them, they are driven to tap whatever reserves of courage they can muster deep within their youthful selves not just to save themselves, but also other teens--and adults--who cross their paths desperately seeking some kind of help. We get a front-row seat to unvarnished battlefield scenes, the frazzled life aboard a Red Cross train, and neighbors turning on neighbors as the progress of the war takes one awful turn after another. How did Ms. Nielsen know when she wrote this adventure how tragically Putinesque and Ukrainian the ideologies and scenes she created fictionally would eventually come to be on the real world stage in 2022? Middle-grade students and teachers would be remiss to miss reading and discussing this authentic and ultimately uplifting book in their Language Arts and Social Studies classrooms, in any land or language. Thank you, Ms. N.--long may you share your vital gifts!
September 29, 2023
4.5 � rounded up
Ok, so. My second ever review.
First of all, I just want to say that this book was amazing. The characters had a lot of depth, though not so much that the backstories got boring. I've rarely read book about WWI, so at first, it was a little confusing, figuring out everything in my head, but the authors note at the end actually did help a lot.
It surprised me that the book was in third person, as I think the rest of Jennifer Nielsen's other books aren't, but I think she did an amazing job doing it, especially with the switched perspective.
Now for like, the summary part.
Kara, a teenaged girl from Britain, longs to become a nurse. She wants to earn her Red Cross pin by working on a train that helps wounded soldiers.
Dimitri, from Russia, needs to survive. He is fighting the war against the Germans, weaponless and underage to be a soldier.
Juliette, a spirited young girl from France, has to reunite with her family, who she's been separated form, and rescue her imprisoned father.
Young Austrian-Hungary boy, Felix, wishes to have the courage to stand up to the soldiers who want to deport the Jews, which includes him and his family.
And Elsa, a girl (who uses the word 'most' a lot) from Germany, relies on her homing pigeon to help her find allies in this devastating wartime.
Together, the five of them will aid each other in survival, and help them find what they need most- courage to fight, to live. To be free.
There. My beautiful explanation. Anyway, there's my review. Bye
Ok, so. My second ever review.
First of all, I just want to say that this book was amazing. The characters had a lot of depth, though not so much that the backstories got boring. I've rarely read book about WWI, so at first, it was a little confusing, figuring out everything in my head, but the authors note at the end actually did help a lot.
It surprised me that the book was in third person, as I think the rest of Jennifer Nielsen's other books aren't, but I think she did an amazing job doing it, especially with the switched perspective.
Now for like, the summary part.
Kara, a teenaged girl from Britain, longs to become a nurse. She wants to earn her Red Cross pin by working on a train that helps wounded soldiers.
Dimitri, from Russia, needs to survive. He is fighting the war against the Germans, weaponless and underage to be a soldier.
Juliette, a spirited young girl from France, has to reunite with her family, who she's been separated form, and rescue her imprisoned father.
Young Austrian-Hungary boy, Felix, wishes to have the courage to stand up to the soldiers who want to deport the Jews, which includes him and his family.
And Elsa, a girl (who uses the word 'most' a lot) from Germany, relies on her homing pigeon to help her find allies in this devastating wartime.
Together, the five of them will aid each other in survival, and help them find what they need most- courage to fight, to live. To be free.
There. My beautiful explanation. Anyway, there's my review. Bye
April 6, 2022
Jennifer Nielsen has a way of creating characters who are caught in impossible circumstances yet the reader can completely relate to. This time she focuses her attention on WWI and five strangers from the five empires involved in war who come together by fate and guide each other in kindness and strength. Even though their paths are woven together they are fighting a war they don't understand, traveling from their homeland where many of them don't know the fate of the families they left behind, wounded, imprisoned or lost. These young people stand by their convictions and offer help to those who are not only strangers but in some instances - enemies as dictated by war. These stories of courage, strength and friendship are usually overshadowed by the horrors of war but in this author's capable hands we see the human side that balances the evil. Riveting historical fiction expertly told that will appeal to middle grades and young adult alike. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
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