Winters, Cat. In the Shadow of Blackbirds. New York: Amulet, 2013.

Mary Shelley Black named after the creator of Frankenstein because of her mother’s love of science and the mystery of life is a strong, curious, stubborn, intellectual who takes us on a fascinating journey in 1918 America. She is missing her father who is in prison for his lack of support for the war effort, struck by lightening, haunted by her dead first love, embroiled in the mystery surrounding his death, nearly killed by a blow to a head, nearly killed by the Spanish influenza epidemic. This book is part ghost story, part love story, part historical story, part mystery and kept my interest every step of the way.

My students do love a good ghost story. They will be drawn to the spiritualist elements of this time in history. The frequent black and white photos absolutely enhance the content. The author notes that she was inspired in part by the story of the fairy photograph hoax. I can see myself book talking this title with The Fairy Ring, a nonfiction account of this event that I recently book talked with much success. Students will be fascinated by a world where folks have almost a need to believe in the ability to contact the dead.

Since this need is driven in a large part by the horrendous injuries and loss of life in World War I and the flu epidemic, students will also be learning a great deal of history through this read. Mary’s dad has been arrested for helping soldiers to escape the draft. Throughout the novel Mary debates the morality of war. Her aunt urges caution, telling others that Mary’s father is actually off fighting. As Mary begins to learn of her first love Stephen’s emotional breakdown in the trenches, she becomes even more confused.

Through flashbacks and psychic episodes my readers will be drawn in to Mary and Stephen’s love story. Many girls love a good romance, while they may not get the ending they hope for (indeed, I was hoping for a different ending), they will get a beautifully touching story set against the background of the war.

I love to give my female readers a strong protagonist. Mary Shelley is just that. She is tough and independent. She refuses to give up on the ones she loves. In a world where intelligent young women are not truly appreciated yet, she refuses to ignore her intellectual gifts and curiosities. Her doubts make her real and relatable. Her strengths make her a heroine to be admired.

One of the reasons I chose this title just now is because of its status as a William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist. As we were researching titles for a display in light of the recent YMA from ALA, this book came to my attention again. I remember be drawn to the cover last year when it arrived and just not having the time to read it then. I’m thankful for the snowy days that are giving me a little unexpected time to get some of my want to reads off my list.