Review: The FitzOsbornes at War by Michelle Cooper

The FitzOsbornes at War by Michelle Cooper. The Montmaray Jounals, Book III.

Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375870507

Review: How would you have liked it if the Nazis forced you out of your homeland? This happens to Sophie FitzOsborne, a princess of Montmaray, a fictitious island near Cornwall, England. Sophie takes refuge with her cousins in Britain. Michelle Cooper creates an extremely realistic setting in her conclusion to the Montmaray Journals Trilogy, The FitzOsbornes at War.

The FitzOsbornes at War begins as Britain declares war on Germany. Sophie's brother Toby joins the RAF to help the war effort while Sophie goes to London to work at the Ministry Of Food. A family friend, the Colonel, gets her to infiltrate cocktail parties at the American Embassy to find out if there is a spy in the midst. A couple years later, Toby gets shot down over Belgium, Axis territory, and his chances of survival are slim. Read the book to find out what happens to Sophie and the FitzOsbornes.

The FitzOsbornes at War did not appeal to me. Although there are historical facts, realistic characters, and compelling details of the Blitz, I found that I was not the best audience for what the book has to offer. First, I felt it was inappropriate for my age group because it includes mature content that made me uncomfortable. Also, because the book is written from a girl's perspective, girls would most likely enjoy it more. Probably the most significant reason that I did not fully enjoy The FitzOsbornes at War has more to do with the fact that I hadn't read the first two books. Without reading the first two books, it is hard to follow the characters. For instance, I didn't know what happened to their mother and father, so I wasn't up to date. Therefore it is critical that the first two books are read before beginning this one. Overall, the right audience for the book might have truly enjoyed the realism and strong historical story line, but I did not. I might have enjoyed this better if I had read the first two books. So I would not rule out The FitzOsbornes at War, but I would recommend that the readers know the background and are more prepared for the mature content.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The FitzOsbornes at War for this review.

Have you read The FitzOsbornes at War? How would you rate it?