MMGM: Finding Kindred Spirits in the San: A Review of Light and Air

 

Are you looking for a book to tuck into your book basket for a study of the 1930s? Or perhaps you have a child who’s fascinated by medicine or medical history—but you’re hoping for a story that feels gentle and hope-filled, without lingering in the heaviness of illness.

Today I’m featuring Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. At first, although I heard wonderful reviews of this book, I was a little afraid to take it on. I am a sensitive reader, and I was afraid a book about tuberculosis might be depressing. But when Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of LM Montgomery Studies at UPEI, mentioned that there were references to Anne in this book, I knew I had to dive right in.

Summary: 

When Halle (short for Hallelujah)’s mama is sent to J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital for a rest cure, Halle is shunned by her classmates. Children are not allowed to visit patients, but she’s determined to find a way to see her mama, convinced that she can help her get better. Her attempt to run away to the hospital causes her to get sick and be admitted herself. But despite sickness, rules, and her father’s disapproval, Halle’s determined to help her mama get well. 

This is a story of courage in small places, and of the quiet ways love endures, even in uncertain seasons. 

Why this story stays with me

1.    Real relationships between parents and children. Halle’s relationship with her mother is deep and profound. She is such a comfort to Halle. But even though her relationship with her father is strained, he is never portrayed as an ogre, but as someone carrying his own sorrow. I loved how family was so central to this novel, not just for Halle, but for the children she meets at the “San.”

2.    An insight into the tuberculosis in the 1930s. There are a lot of books about the Great Depression, but this is the first time I’ve read a middle-grade book about tuberculosis and what it was like living in a sanatorium. It made my heart glad to see that spending time outside was emphasized. Despite our advances in medicine, fresh air is still important for good health. It offers a living glimpse into a chapter of history that often goes unmentioned and would make a wonderful addition to any study of that era.

3.    Friendships! Halle had many dear friends. Thelma was like her Diana, a bosom friend from childhood. I also loved Flossie, the patient she meets later. Flossie is black, but the hospital admitted all people regardless of race. And this was dealt with in a sensitive and realistic way. 

4.    Faith was an integral part of Halle’s family life. It was refreshing to see that Halle prayed and that she found comfort in things her mother taught and lines from old hymns. To me, this gave the novel depth and hope despite its hard themes of sickness.

5.    Nods to classic novels and a writing style like them. Halle loves to read, and it was great fun seeing some of my favorites like the Anne of Green Gables series, Little Princess, and Royal Velvet mentioned. This was keeping with the time period and gave the book a vintage feel. Due to Wendell’s beautiful writing style, I felt like I was reading how Montgomery would’ve written about these kindred spirit friendships in a hospital setting.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 8-12 year olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 4th-5th grade reading level and above. A gentle note for parents and teachers: this story touches on the realities of serious illness, including loss, handled with great tenderness and hope.

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. Mindy Nichols Wendell’s second novel, California or Dust, is set in 1939 and follows a girl relocating with her family to California during the Dust Bowl. It releases on August 25, 2026, and sounds like another thoughtful, heart-filled story from the Great Depression era.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

No dogs again! Ugh! But the book was short, and I liked that they had school outside. My kind of place!  

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch

 

What books set in the 1930s have you and your family enjoyed?
If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: The Friendship Awards: Finding Kindred Spirits in Middle Grade Fiction

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, I’ve been thinking a lot about the beauty of friendship in middle-grade novels. For many of us, those middle school years were the most eventful of our lives—full of the joy of finding a friend and the sting of being left out. 

In our home, we always used books to explore big feelings and new experiences. Whether you are a fellow homeschooler, a teacher looking for a heart-filled read-aloud, or a parent seeking a meaningful bedtime story, these books help our children find their way with friends. They show them how to handle the hurt of being left out, how to be a steady support, and how to spot a true kindred spirit.

Since the Olympics are currently underway, I thought it would be fun to host a "Friendship Awards" for some of my favorite middle-grade characters. 

The Award for Unconditional Grace

 

 

The Winner: Howard and Charlie in Wish by Barbara O’Connor. We all need a friend like Howard, someone who looks past our prickly defenses and loves us "in spite of ourselves." Howard’s steady, quiet kindness is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a safe place to land for someone else. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story touches on the "winter seasons" of family life, including foster care and parents who are absent or struggling. While the background includes some difficult realities, the focus remains on Charlie finding a "heart-home" and a quiet place to land with her aunt and uncle.

The "Instant Kindred Spirit" Ribbon

 

Three Way Tie: Anne and Diana (Anne of Green Gables), the cousins in The Story Girl (by L.M. Montgomery), and Betsy and Tacy (Betsy-Tacy).While modern stories often focus on the hard work of friendship, there is still a place for the instant connection. As someone who still keeps in touch (by letters, of course!) with my own childhood best friend, I love seeing life-long bonds celebrated. They remind us that sometimes, you instantly recognize a kindred spirit.

Note on Reading Levels: The first two books (Betsy-Tacy and Betsy-Tacy and Tib) are perfect for our younger readers (ages 5-8) and make lovely first chapter books. As the girls grow up, so do the stories; later books like Over the Big Hill and Downtown are best suited for ages 8-12.

The Award for the Unexpected Path

 

 

The Winner: Abigail and Gabby in Always Abigail. Abigail begins her year with a tidy plan, only to find herself paired with Gabby, the girl she least expected to like. This story resonated with me, perhaps because I remember being the outcast and the surprise of finding that the person I overlooked was the friend I needed most. It’s a wonderful reminder to keep our hearts open to the people we might otherwise miss. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story is a wonderful mirror for children navigating the "middle school shift" in friendships. It gently explores the ache of being left out and the quiet courage it takes to be kind to someone who isn't part of the "popular" circle. A perfect choice for discussing how to spot a true kindred spirit. 

The "Strength in Vulnerability" Medal

 

 

The Winner: Peony in Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon. It is a hard lesson to learn that real friends let people in during the "winter seasons" of life. Peony’s journey from hiding her father’s unemployment to letting her friends support her is such an important lesson. It reminds kids that they don't have to be "fine" to be loved and not to shut out those who want to help. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. Peony struggles with the shadow of her father’s unemployment, leading her to make some poor choices about honesty with her friends. It’s a wonderful conversation starter about why we don't have to hide our hard times. It also includes a sweet, age-appropriate middle school dance.

The "Better Together" Award

 

The Winner: Mavis and Rose in Wonderland. Mavis is the spark that pushes Rose out of her comfort zone. And Henry, the runaway dog, is the project they take on together. A great reminder that good friends can be complete opposites, but they are better together than alone. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story gently explores the "tangled" roles that can happen when a parent struggles to find their footing. While Mavis sometimes carries more responsibility than a child should, her journey is handled with great care and remains very kid-appropriate.

Max’s Bone-Rated Review

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴!

Well, hands down, Wonderland and Wish are my favorites because they have excellent dog representation! And we get Henry's point of view in Wonderland. Barbara O’Connor clearly understands that a dog is often a kid's first 'kindred spirit'! She knows what makes a good friend—someone loyal, a good listener, and always ready for a walk. Just like me!

A Note for the Front Porch:

Do you have a favorite fictional friendship that felt like a "heart-home" to you as a child? Which characters would you give an award to today? I’d love to hear about the stories that are currently gracing your living room or bookshelf.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: If You Love Pippi Longstocking, Try Maria Parr

This week is spring break in Oregon, so I thought I’d feature a series that is full of fun and the joy of being a kid. These would make a perfect spring break or summer read.

Don’t we need more books like that?

If you love stories about fun heroines with silly antics, you will love these books.

Think: Pippi in Norway

Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr

Lena is Trille’s best friend, even if she is a girl. And there is never an ordinary day when you’ve got a best friend like Lena.

Hardly a day passes without Trille and Lena inventing some kind of adventure that often ends in trouble. Whether it’s coaxing a cow onto a boat or sledding down the steepest and iciest hill with a chicken, there is always a thrill—and sometimes an injury—to be had. Trille loves to share everything with Lena, even Auntie Granny’s waffles. But when Lena has to move away and Auntie Granny leaves the world, it sometimes seems like nothing will ever be right again. The warmth of friendship and the support of family suffuse this lightly illustrated novel, proving that when times are tough, a little taste of sweetness can make all the difference.
(from Amazon)

Lena, the Sea, and Me by Maria Parr

In a charming sequel to Adventures with Waffles, Trille and Lena navigate the rough waters of friendship when a new soccer coach and a new girl in school disrupt their seaside escapades.

Trille and Lena may be getting older, but they still find everyday adventure - and trouble - in their coastal village, including sinking every raft they build, getting little sisters stuck up flag poles, and attending those dreaded music lessons. But that’s not all. The arrival of a less-than-encouraging new soccer coach is putting twelve-year-old Lena's goalkeeping career in doubt. And Trille is wondering how to impress the girl who has just joined his class. As the best friends battle the elements and their own emotions, one thing is for sure: they're not giving up, not if Lena has anything to do with it! 

In Maria Parr’s follow-up to Adventures with Waffles, the acclaimed author returns to Mathildewick Cove with a rib-tickling story of growing up.
(from Amazon)

What I love about this series:

1.Lena! I had a friend a lot like Lena as a kid, although she was a little more like a frenemy than Lena is. Lena has a huge personality and often Trille is just struggling to keep up with what she’s up to. But she also has a huge heart. You’ll love her.

2. The warmth of family: Trille has a big family and a grandfather that lives with them. For Lena, at least in book 1, it is just her and her mom. Both families and parents give their kids a safe place to fall and enough freedom to explore. (Not that they don’t get in trouble at times!) I just loved spending time with these people.

3. Silliness and seriousness: Book 1 is definitely more silly than Book 2. Trille and Lena go on lots of adventures (including the aforementioned chicken sledding incident). Book 2 is a little more upper middle grade in dealing with crushes, jealousy, and girls not being allowed to play on the boys’ soccer team. I loved how Parr could combine all these elements to make a good story and a beautiful picture of growing up in Norway.

4. Norway! I loved learning about cultural traditions and foods and just how life was a little bit different than here in the States. It is so important to read outside your comfort zone sometimes and novels in translation are a perfect way to do that.

5. Humor! You can probably guess from the description that these books are both laugh out loud funny, which are my favorite types of books to read, and yet are often hard to find. I know it is a key element that my sons always look for as well. So, please, authors, include more humor. (As a writer myself that’s something I’m trying to include myself.)

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

Adventures with Waffles 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Lots of animals in this one! A horse, a chicken, but my favorite part was when Lena and Trille write an advertisement for a dad (for Lena), but someone brings them a dog instead. 

Lena, the Sea, and Me 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

Trille's new friend/crush Bridget has a dog. The best part is when Lena finds the dog in the forest and thinks it's an answer to her wish for a brother.

Good book choices this week! Hooray for Maria Parr!
 

Your Turn:

Any plans for the spring? Is it spring break where you are? What types of books do you like to read on vacation or holiday?

Another book I previously featured by Maria Parr: Astrid the Unstoppable

If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.