★ “Debut author Mindy Nichols Wendell thoughtfully explores the complexity of human responses to tragedy and grief. . . . Light and Air is both a richly detailed re-creation of a specific period in U.S. history and a timeless portrayal of resilience and compassion during an epidemic.”—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
“[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
“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
“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 vivid work of historical fiction that explores how infectious disease can intersect with daily life.” —Kirkus Reviews
From Goodreads:
“Full of inclusion and found family, this book will remind you what it’s like to find comfort and home.”
“LIGHT AND AIR is a story you don’t want to miss out on.”
“A truly love-filled, light-filled book with an ending that will both surprise and satisfy. I wanted to climb right inside of this one. 5/5 stars.”
“Light and Air is the kind of novel I adored as a young reader: immersive, strange, and just historical enough that the world it lets the reader enter is one that can be found in photographs.”
“This was a magnificent read!”
“This is a short and thought-provoking historical novel for middle grade readers which brings to mind echoes of classic writers of children’s stories from the past like, Frances Hodgeson Burnett and Louisa May Alcott.”
“A fascinating read for me as an adult! With characters that readers can easily identify with, this historical novel is well-researched and will give today’s kids a taste of life in the not so distant past. Wendell has struck a good balance between a realistic story and one that has a satisfying ending. It would be an excellent choice for a classroom to read and discuss or for a book group of parents and children.”
“I am not sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book. As a lover of historical fiction I was looking for something I had not read about before. Light and Air exceeded every expectation I didn’t know I had. I was captivated by Halle and her journey and enjoyed getting to know the people she loved through her eyes.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing this ARC of ‘Light and Air’ by Mindy Nichols Wendell—a breath of fresh literary air. Wendell skillfully immerses readers in a world of rich emotions and compelling characters. Having lived through the Covid-19 pandemic, this 1930s American historical fiction brought back both fear and hope, making it a poignant read. For fans of Anne of Green Gables, this book is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
“In short, I loved this book!”
“A truly love-filled, light-filled book with an ending that will both surprise and satisfy. I wanted to climb right inside of this one. 5/5 stars.”
All Goodreads reviews can be found here.