Review: Scattergood

By H.M. Bouwman

New York: Holiday House, 2025. Fiction. 308 pages.

It's 1941 and life for twelve-year-old Peggy Mott is uneventful. She spends her time doing chores on her families farm, and even though she keeps busy at home she finds time in the afternoon to visit her cousin and best friend Delia. This summer Peggy's quiet life changes as she becomes aware of the world around her. She must learn how to navigate her way through her first crush, her best friend Delia being diagnosed with leukemia, and her small little world becoming bigger when refugees from Europe move into a hostel next to her farm. As Delia gets weaker, Peggy must learn how to continue living. Peggy makes some big mistakes, but she learns from her mistakes and becomes aware of others around her and how she can support and help them through their own hardships.

A truly beautiful story about a world that is changing around a young girl who is still growing up and changing herself. I loved this coming of age story, it is perfect for readers who enjoy historical WW II books and books written by Lauren Wolk. I would recommend this book for upper elementary through middle school readers.

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