What could be worse than a summer vacation with your grandmother and your bossy older sister? How about a road trip from California to Florida? Octavia and Tali's parents arrange for them to travel to a family reunion with their very unconventional grandmother who prefers to be called “Mare.” What the girls do not know is that Mare was a member of the African-American unit of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. During their travels, Mare relates her story, bit by bit. Octavia and Tali discover they have some very interesting relatives in their family tree.

This is a fascinating combination of history and fiction, filled with realistic characters who struggle with complex issues of racism, sibling rivalry, family feuds, and growing up. 341 pages Ages 12 and up

Best Books for Young Adults 2010

Children’s Books of the Year 2010 12-14

Recommended by Deborah E. Cohen