21 AprodinsOdin’s Promiseby Sandy Brehl238 pages – ages 9+Published by Crispin Books (imprint of Cricket Hollow) on April 20, 2014Publisher’s description –“Odin’s Promise is a historical novel for middle-grade readers, a story of the first year of German occupation of Norway as seen through the eyes of a young girl. Eleven-year-old Mari grew up tucked safely under the wings of her parents, grandma, and her older siblings.
When Hitler’s troops invaded Norway in Spring 1940, she is forced to grow beyond her “little girl” nickname and comfortable patterns to deal with harsh new realities. At her side for support and protection is Odin, her faithful elkhound.
After she witnesses a troubling event on the mountainside, truths are revealed: the involvement of her family and friends in the resistance; the value of humor in surviving hard times; the hidden radio in her grandma’s cottage.”
Odin’s Promise by Sandy Brehl
Odin’s Promise by Sandy Brehl – Our Review
What I Thought – I loved this story! I first read about the German occupation of Norway and the Norwegian resistance in Steve Sheinkin’s BOMB and I thought the subject was interesting. I like World War II history and that time period in general, so this book was something I really wanted to read.
While reading this book, I learned even more about the Norwegian resistance and the culture/history of Norway. Ms. Brehl wrote a believable, exciting story with characters you care for.
I like that she wrote a sub-plot into the story to show that sometimes even the “enemy” is thrown into situations they can’t help being in or maybe don’t want to be in. Mari is a great main character.
The reader can really understand how she feels throughout the story. Ms. Brehl includes a bibliography and glossary in the back section of the book , which is very helpful. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Norwegian setting.
I could picture the small streets and hillsides in my mind. It is a good contrast when Ms. Brehl describes the beautiful scenery and the harsh reality of the German occupation. I liked learning about the rationing during this time and how the citizens bartered with and helped one and other. I completely enjoyed this book!Five out of five bookworms for Odin’s Promise! fivebooksGet the book on Amazon Get the book at Barnes and Noble
About the author – Sandy Brehl
Sandy Brehl is a retired educator and active member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). She enjoys gardening when she’s not reading and writing. She lives in the Milwaukee area and hopes you’ll visit her website (www.SandyBrehl.com) to learn more about ODIN’S PROMISE and follow her blog. She also posts reviews and commentary about picture books at http://UnpackingPictureBookPower.blogpot.com
Follow her on Twitter @SandyBrehl and @PBWorkshop.
Follow her on Facebook HEREBlog tour Dates!
April 21 – Erik at https://thiskidreviewsbooks.com
April 24- Guest post/Rochelle Melander ‘s http://www.writenowcoach.com
April 28 Suzanne Warr interview at http://suzannewarr.com/
April 29 Alex Bough at http://thechildrenswar.blogspot.com
April 30 Margo Tanenbaum at www.fourthmusketeer.blogspot.com
May 1- Heidi Grange at http://geolibrarian.blogspot.com
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Comments 23 CommentsCategories Age 9+← Sticks N’ Stones and the Garden of Phea by Angela Burkhead – Book Blast!Meet Clyde →23 Responses to “Blog Tour! Odin’s Promise by Sandy Brehl”
Angela Brown April 21, 2014 at 7:57 am #It’s wonderful locating historical gems that can share historical events in a way that middle grade readers can both enjoy and learn from. Thanks for the review.
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 21, 2014 at 7:48 pm #Yes, it’s wonderful!
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Joanna April 21, 2014 at 8:01 am #I like more obscure subjects from WWII, so I would enjoy this. Thanks for the review.
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 21, 2014 at 7:49 pm #It’s a great story!
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readingwithrhythm April 21, 2014 at 9:28 am #This looks like a great book! History from a little person’s point of view is always a plus. Add a dog hero and wow! Thanks for sharing!
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 21, 2014 at 7:50 pm #It is a great book!
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stanleyandkatrina April 21, 2014 at 9:49 am #Historical fiction is wonderful. I wish I had discovered it when I was a kid. I’m thrilled Neighbor Girl has found a love for it and I’m putting this on her TBR list. Thanks for another great review. I love that her buddy is an elkhound.~CM
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 21, 2014 at 7:52 pm #I hope you like it!
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Patricia Tilton April 21, 2014 at 10:15 am #My kind of story. I love to read books of survival and heroic acts during WWII. There are so many different perspectives out there. This one is no exception and it sounds like an excellent read. Great choice Erik.
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 21, 2014 at 7:55 pm #It is a great story!
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ontheplumtree April 21, 2014 at 10:23 am #This really sounds wonderful: real historical setting that outlines the kinds of things even a granny might be involved in!
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 21, 2014 at 7:58 pm #It’s awesome, isn’t it?
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Darlene April 21, 2014 at 8:49 pm #I also enjoy historical fiction like this story. Excellent review!
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 22, 2014 at 4:33 pm #Thank you! It is a great book!
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Michelle Isenhoff April 22, 2014 at 8:31 am #I’m catching up on posts again… This one is definitely going on my summer reading list. I’m so intrigued by this time period, and I especially like hearing the story told from perspectives outside the usual German, French, English, Netherlands, etc. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention.
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thiskidreviewsbooks April 22, 2014 at 5:06 pm #This one is really good! I think a certain historical fiction writer would love this. If only I could remember her name…
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Myra GB June 9, 2014 at 11:34 am #I have not read as many books from Norway yet – so I’m glad to see a historical fiction novel in this context. I’ve read parts of Bomb, so I know what you mean about the references to Norway. Will check this one out.
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thiskidreviewsbooks June 10, 2014 at 4:32 pm #BOMB is a great nonfiction book!
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Lynn A. Davidson March 22, 2015 at 2:13 pm #Since my dad is a WWII Veteran I am going to find this book to read. Thanks for sharing about it, Erik.
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ThisKidReviewsBooks March 26, 2015 at 7:24 am #It is a marvelous book. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyTrackbacks/PingbacksCountdown: Three Days to Norway House Party! | Sandy Brehl – April 21, 2014[…] 21 – Erik at THIS KID REVIEWS BOOKS or copy and paste this […]
Catching My Breath: Grateful for Such Support | Sandy Brehl – May 6, 2014[…] April 21 – Erik at https://thiskidreviewsbooks.com/2014/04/21/blog-tour-odins-promise-by-sandy-brehl/ […]
Book Review & Giveaway: Odin’s Promise by Sandy Brehl | Mother Daughter Book Reviews – May 8, 2014[…] “Mari is a great main character. The reader can really understand how she feels throughout the story. Ms. Brehl includes a bibliography and glossary in the back section of the book , which is very helpful. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Norwegian setting. I could picture the small streets and hillsides in my mind. It is a good contrast when Ms. Brehl describes the beautiful scenery and the harsh reality of the German occupation. I liked learning about the rationing during this time and how the citizens bartered with and helped one and other. I completely enjoyed this book “ ~ Review, Erik, This Kid Reviews Books […]
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