Written by Michael Morpurgo
Set in World War II France, autistic Lorenzo lives among the salt flats and the flamingos. As the Germans invade France, Lorenzo and his Romani friend Kezia find themselves on the list of the hunted. When eighteen-year-old Vincent collapses in the marshes near their isolated farm, he has a near-death experience. Rescued by Lorenzo and nursed back to health by Kezia, he hears the tale of how the two became friends and how their lives were forever changed by the war. This is a touching story of friendship, loss, and tolerance. It focuses on the treatment of the Roma population and people with disabilities during the war. The characters are endearing and pull the reader easily into the story. Fans of World War II fiction, historical fiction, and stories of survival and unlikely friendship will enjoy reading this book.
Reviewed by Kira Moody, SL County Librarian and Olympus Jr High Community Member
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 6-9
Author Website: https://www.michaelmorpurgo.com/
The Day the World Stopped Turning
Written by Michael Morpurgo
Feiwel and Friends
284 pages
Release Date: July 9, 2019
ISBN: 9781250107077
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
