
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the deep, quiet ache of a family member's long-term absence, particularly due to military service. Set against the backdrop of the Peninsular War, this story centers on the Oliver family, London bakers who find themselves fractured when Polly runs off to find her soldier sweetheart. It is a beautiful exploration of how a community can channel their anxiety and grief into a massive, creative project to show their love. While the historical setting provides a safe distance for exploring these big emotions, the feelings of longing and the need for connection are universal. Best suited for middle-grade readers, the story emphasizes that even when we are physically separated, the bonds of family and the work of our hands can keep us tethered to one another. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the difficulty of waiting and the power of communal resilience.
Themes of separation and intense longing for a loved one away at war.
The book deals with war and the resulting separation in a direct but age-appropriate manner. The threat of danger to the soldier and Polly is realistic, though the focus remains on the home front. It is secular in tone, though it reflects the period's social values. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing the strength of the family unit.
A 10 to 12 year old child who is experiencing a 'waiting period' for a parent or sibling's return. It is especially suited for a thoughtful child who enjoys history or baking and needs to see that their feelings of helplessness can be transformed into action.
Read cold. The historical context of the Peninsular War might require a brief explanation (Napoleon's era), but the emotional core is self-explanatory. A parent might see their child withdrawing or becoming overly anxious about a loved one's safety. This book serves as a prompt to discuss how the family stays connected during a long deployment.
Younger readers will focus on the 'big baking' project and the adventure of Polly's journey. Older readers will pick up on the nuanced stress of the parents and the historical reality of the dangers involved.
Unlike many 'waiting for a soldier' books that focus on letters, Overton uses the unique medium of baking and craftsmanship to show how physical labor and creativity can heal a family.
In 1812 London, the Oliver family is thrown into turmoil when their daughter Polly follows her love, a soldier, to Lisbon during the Peninsular War. Rather than sinking into despair, her family of bakers decides to create a massive, symbolic ship made of food and supplies to send across the sea to her. The narrative follows both the emotional toll of her absence and the logistical, communal effort to support her from afar.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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