Soul Lanterns

I've been loving middle-grade books lately, the way they pack in such meaningful messages and stories while being easy enough for anyone who reads

Having not read the blurb (yet again), I was deeply surprised by the way this book tackles the after-effects of war, the atomic bombing in Hiroshima in particular - a reminder of how utterly low humans can get and how despite it all, humanity prevails. A little compassion, a little empathy - we all need reminders to understand that those who suffer or have suffered are no different than ourselves, just a lot more unfortunate.

 We live and learn to take everything in great stride, but the cruelties and harshness of war should never be forgotten.