Introducing Shirley Braverman

by Hilma Wolitzer

Shirley has other things than World War II on her mind as she confronts the vicissitudes of daily life in a Brooklyn apartment building

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Hilma Wolitzer (b. 1930) is a critically hailed author of literary fiction. She is a recipient of Guggenheim and National Endowment for the Arts fellowships, an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature, and a Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award. Her first short story appeared in print when she was thirty-six. Eight years later she published her first novel. Her novels and stories have drawn praise for illuminating the dark interiors of the American home. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading more and more on my iPad and I needed something available immediately for a quick read. This is a great historical fiction book set in 1944-1945 Brooklyn. Shirley is in sixth grade. She's got a little brother who is scared of everything and an older teenage sister who pays her little attention.

It's a fast read. My only bother is completely unrelated: this was written in 1975 and set in 1945. Basically the equivalent of writing in 2013 and setting in 1983. Since I'm old enough that I was a teen in 1983... wow, seems really harsh to call something set 30 years prior historical fiction!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story of a young girl growing up during the WWII era in NYC. Her day to day life at home and in school. Shirley is a positive child who loves and admires those around her. This book is filled with many characters who could fit into any family and neighborhood. A real feel good read.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sounds good. I wish I remembered it better.

[Bibliomama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quiet little book. Funny that the words she had trouble spelling are words that I have trouble spelling.

[Kidlitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best American novels about children in WWII, living in Brooklyn where the war seems very far away - until it doesn't. Wolitzer absolutely represents the voice of a smart Jewish girl growing up in a New York that doesn't seem so long ago, thanks to Shirley's fresh, funny voice.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to get acquainted with Hilda Wolitzer. The book is charming.

[Ronalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reader likely aimed at 3-4 graders about a young girl in 1940s NYC.