WILLOW RUN
Bibliography:
Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2005. Willow Run. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 0385900961
Plot Summary:
The year is 1944 and Margaret Dillon "Meggie" and her family are on the move from New York to Michigan without her brother Eddie because he is serving in Europe. Meggie's family moves to Michigan to so that their father can work in a factory that is building B-24 bomber planes used for World War II. Unfortunately for Meggie her grandfather does not make the trip with them; however, she does stay in contact and writes letters to him frequently. While Meggie is upset that her brother and her grandfather will not be making the trip with them she finds solace in the fact that the changes are just "for the duration". As time passes in Michigan Meggie realizes that most of the people in the town are faced with similar changes and hardships, but continues to feel safe knowing that the changes are just "for the duration". Sadly, when Meggie's brother is reported as missing her family's spirit is challenged and Meggie begins to wonder if she will ever be reunited as a family.
Critical Analysis
Patricia Reilly Giff creates a family that is the quintessential family of 1944. They are supportive, patriotic, pragmatic family of four with an addition of a live-in grandfather. Through the third person limited omniscient point of view, the reader gets a strong sense of the honest, sensitive, hopeful main character, Meggie. Meggie is the typical eleven year old girl whom has to deal with prejudice, bullying, and leaving her safe hometown. Meggie is a believable character which the reader can relate to. Similarly, Grandpa is a generous, loving, hard-working man that keeps the spirit of the family alive through letters he and Meggie write back and forth. Giff creates a relatable grandpa figure that many readers will be able to connect too.
The setting and plot of WILLOW RUN are brilliantly woven together. The story centers around the family move to a factory town, so the father can do his part for the war and help build B-24 bomber planes. The setting of Michigan is described by Meggie as grassless, old, and nothing that grows. The setting is ideal for this plot because it gives the reader a feeling of authenticity about wartime in America during 1944. The descriptions and integration of facts and setting are written on level for any age to enjoy.
After reading WILLOW RUN two major themes ring true throughout the novel. First, the theme of love, support, and sacrafice a family endures to create the best life for themselves. The family sticks together with all that they have in order to maintain a life. Even though Grandpa does not leave with the family the support and love still travels through letters, and in the love of brother Eddie that is so prevalent for this family creates the theme of family support and love is essential in dealing with struggle. Secondly, the theme of sacrifice and commitment made by Americans during World War II is ubiquitous throughout the novel. The novel shows how families were committed to the war efforts even though it meant tremendous sacrifice. It is through these themes that Giff creates an accurate historical novel.
Giff's style and literary elements are key to creating a historical representation through the eyes of a one family. While the edition of the book that I had did not have an author's note, it is clear on Giff's website that her love and passion for World War II inspired her to write a true historical fiction.
Review Excerpts:
Tough and tender, this is an excellent addition to World War II shelves. Ilene Cooper BookList
Giff's engrossing, heartwarming story will help readers understand how personally war affects people.–Renee Steinberg- School Library Journal
Connections:
Read other award winning books by Patricia Reilly Giff
Lily's Crossing
Awards: (Newbery Honor 1998)
Pictures of Hollis Woods
Awards: (Newbery Honor 2003)
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Edgar Award for Best Juvenile
Students could read WILLOW RUN before studying American's actions in WW2
Students could read WILLOW RUN and compare against the Henry Ford assembly line
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