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.

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MMGM: Art, Letters, and Life Lessons: The Boy Who Painted the World and From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski

Back in February. Kasey Giard of The Story Sanctuary recommended From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski by Melody J. Bremen since I mentioned I enjoyed epistolary novels. I enjoyed it last spring, but recently that I discovered another title by Melody Bremen, The Boy Who Painted the World. I was so excited when Lizzie showed up in The Boy Who Painted the World.

You know how much I love heartfelt middle grade, especially with compelling main characters. If you also love middle grade contemporaries with MCs with gumption and grit, you will love these books.

 

Synopsis

 

The Boy Who Painted the World:

 
Indigo is a boy with a dream. He wants to be a famous artist when he grows up, but he's never had a real family or a home. He spends his nights in a shelter and his days working odd jobs to buy new art supplies. Jade is his best friend who has helped feed him and keep him safe. When she is arrested for shoplifting, Indigo sets off on a journey where he finds new people, and the courage to pursue his dreams. Follow Indigo on a journey that teaches him the meaning of friendship, family... and shows him that dreams really do come true. A novel for children ages 9-12.

 

From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski:

When 8th grader Lizzie Lazowski receives a pen pal assignment, she puts her letter into a bottle and throws it into the ocean. A few days later, she receives an anonymous response in her mailbox. She continues to write to her mystery pen pal, answering prompts like what’s your favorite food (milkshakes), and who is your best friend (she doesn’t have one at the moment).

Through her letters, she tells about her biggest dream: to secure a spot at Northcrest High School for the Arts. If she submits a creative project—a true story about one person—she can win a scholarship. And Chloe, the new girl at school, just might be the one to help her complete the project (and maybe even fill the best friend role).

As the deadline for the scholarship draws near, her project flops and her budding friendship goes horribly wrong. All she has is the help of a mystery pen pal to put her life back on track.

(from Amazon)

 

My Take 

Both these novels have resilient characters. Indigo (The Boy Who Painted the World) is homeless, having been left on the street by his mother when he was five years old. She’d promised to “come back in a minute” and never returned. He’s taken in by Jade, a homeless teen, who looks after him till she gets arrested for stealing hand cream for his chapped hands. By then Indigo is ten, but it’s up to him to survive and find his way. Even though this sounds like a dismal start, Indigo has a gift for drawing that truly makes this story. He also has a truly unique way of seeing the world. Along the way, he encounters many people, and despite his own hardships, he always has a positive impact on others. This was such a powerful story, and so refreshing to see a difficult theme handled realistically, but also infused with so much hope.

Lizzie is also a fun character, and I felt for her right away. She is a cancer survivor, and her dad died in Iraq when she was three. I could relate to so much of what Lizzie went through, especially not wanting to be the person everyone feels sorry for. But there was so much else to love about this novel. I really enjoyed the epistolary format, and her correspondent was a mystery till the end. (I kept guessing, but never guessed correctly.) Her struggles with mom dating again was handled well. I loved how so much of the novel was set at her mom’s work—a retirement home. Then Lizzie’s goal of trying to get into a theater high school was pretty cool. There was ton of humor throughout. This was a little lighter than Indigo's story, but equally heartfelt. If you want to read them in order, I’d suggest The Boy Who Painted the World first, since that’s where Lizzie makes her first appearance. But they can be read in either order or as a stand alone.

What I loved about both these books: Although both these main characters have gone through a lot, they never let their past define them.

My favorite line is something Indigo says to Lizzie in book 2: 
“Some people will pity you,” he said finally. “But only until you prove to them that you’re more than just one thing.”

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog*

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴

Just one dog was mentioned in passing in The Boy Who Painted the World, but in From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski, there was Ranger, a German Shepherd, who tried to attack Kira’s cat and had a mishap with some cake. I just happen to be part German Shepherd. Now I thinking I’m a dog who likes cake too (Hint. Hint). 😊 

Your Turn: 

Do you like series or stand alones? 

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