For the Duration: The War Years (26 Fairmount Avenue Series)
Tomie keeps hearing the phrase, 'For the duration.' Gas is being rationed 'for the duration.' The Fourth of July fireworks will be the last show 'for the duration.' So many things will be different as long as the war goes on, but much of Tomie's life goes on as usual. He's excited about starring in a dance recital, taking the bus around town all by himself, and having his first Communion. But Tomie is also still getting over his cousin's death in the war, and he has to say good-bye to his...
Search in google:
Tomie keeps hearing the phrase, “For the duration.” Gas is being rationed “for the duration.” The Fourth of July fireworks will be the last show “for the duration.” So many things will be different as long as the war goes on, but much of Tomie's life goes on as usual. He's excited about starring in a dance recital, taking the bus around town all by himself, and having his first Communion. But Tomie is also still getting over his cousin's death in the war, and he has to say good-bye to his uncle as he ships off to basic training. And then he has a run-in with some bullies and his brother doesn't even help him out. Luckily, Tomie knows there are a lot of people he can count on for the duration.Booklist[P]erfectly mixes big war news with daily battles at school and at home...black-and-white pictures capture the action and emotion.
\ Booklist[P]erfectly mixes big war news with daily battles at school and at home...black-and-white pictures capture the action and emotion.\ \ \ \ \ Children's Literature\ - Jean Boreen\ As the book opens, the spunky eight-year-old is still grieving over the death of his beloved cousin, Blackie, and trying to understand why his older brother, Buddy, is always so mean to him. The majority of the book is simply the general day-to-day of Tomie's life, and this is what makes it a special and fun read for elementary-aged readers. We watch as Tomie revels in being chosen to star as Neptune in the neighborhood dance recital and how he approaches the more grown-up challenge of handing the bus on his own. He also has to watch another family member go to war and tries to understand, as only a child can, why the war is necessary. This eighth book in the 26 Fairmount Avenue Book series picks up in May, 1942, as Tomie, the main character, continues to deal with the reality of World War II and its impact on his and his family's lives. This is another charming book addition to the series and is sure to be a hit with the middle-elementary crowd. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D.\ \ \ School Library JournalGr 2–4—In May 1942, while the school choir practices the Air Corps song, young Tomie reflects on his cousin's war-related death and goes home in tears. This event triggers a change in his relationship with his brother Buddy that, along with the news that his Uncle Charlie will be going into the Army, casts a shadow on the second grader's year. Throughout the time period covered in this book, the boy hears the phrase "for the duration," which he comes to realize refers to more than just rationing. References to contemporary film and music stars (Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rodgers, etc.) set the book firmly in the early 1940s. Upbeat events include a dance recital, where Tomie shines as King Neptune; the citywide art exhibit at his school; and First Communion preparation. Early chapters begin with diary entries, but the diary soon disappears. Tomie finds the ruined journal by the book's end, and wonders sadly why his brother Buddy is so mean. dePaola's style and word choices are just right for his audience, and the point of view is consistently that of a second grader. Full-page and spot art black-and-white pencil drawings and silhouette art by the author illustrate this must-read title for fans of the series.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN\ \
