LIGHT AND AIR by Mindy Nichols Wendell, published by Holiday House (2024)
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2024)
SYNOPSIS
It’s 1935, and tuberculosis is ravaging the nation. Everyone is afraid of this deadly respiratory illness. When Halle and her mother fall ill, they are sent to the J. N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital, far from home, far from family, far from the world. Tucked away in the woods of upstate New York, the hospital is a closed and quiet place. But it is not, as Halle learns, a prison. Free from troubles at home and troubles at school, she slowly discovers joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging in this world where people are united by what they have in common, rather than separated by their differences. But when Mama suffers a lung hemorrhage, Halle’s entire future is thrown into question. LIGHT AND AIR deals tenderly and insightfully with isolation, quarantine, found family, and illness. Set in the fully realized world of a 1930s sanatorium, it offers a tender glimpse into a historical epidemic that has become more relatable than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Halle vows to do whatever it takes to save Mama, a profound message of strength, hope, and healing emerges.
Praise for LIGHT AND AIR
“A timeless portrayal of resilience and compassion during an epidemic.”—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
“This beautiful story, set in 1935, underscores parental struggles as well as the power of community and the risks worth taking to save the ones we love.” —School Library Journal
“Wendell’s engaging, straightforward narrative makes the story highly accessible, and her portrayal of Halle will resonate with many readers. A satisfying first novel.”—Booklist
“[A] well-constructed historical debut. . . Via unflinching depictions of tragedy and strife, richly rendered period detail, and emotionally honest interpretations of parent-child relationships, Wendell builds satisfying suspense as Halle breaks facility rules to help her mother recover and struggles to win her father’s affection.” —Publishers Weekly
“A vivid work of historical fiction that explores how infectious disease can intersect with daily life.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Readers may select this title seeking information about TB, but they’ll stay for the sweet-as-honey cast of characters.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
AUTHOR BIO
Mindy Nichols Wendell is the author of LIGHT AND AIR (Holiday House, 2024), a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2024). Her second novel, CALIFORNIA OR DUST will be released on August 11, 2026. Before beginning her writing career, Mindy taught writing and pedagogy at SUNY Fredonia for more than thirty years, where she served as the Coordinator of the English Concentration and the Director of the Composition Program. In 2019, she received the prestigious State University of New York’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Mindy lives in Western New York with her husband Steve, a retired teacher.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Instagram: @MNWendell
Facebook: @MindyNicholsWendell
Bluesky: @mnwendell.bsky.social
AUTHOR WEBSITE
MindyNicholsWendell.com