Awards

• Commended for Benjamin Franklin Award (Audio-Children's) 2024

Overview

When her father pulls her out of high school to care for her invalid mother and little brother, sixteen-year-old Magda is devastated-but the greater challenge is saving her family in the face of a war and pandemic. In 1916, the world is at war, even if America has not yet joined the effort. But for Magda, the growing hostility her German immigrant family faces hits close to home. Despite her domestic obligations, Magda persists with her education, determined to find an independent role for herself. Faced with the mounting crises of the war and the Spanish flu, Magda seeks the knowledge and strength to try to protect those she loves most. Standing up to a war and pandemic, traditions and expectations, Magda embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience that leads her back to embracing her family and caring for a wider community.

Full Product Details

9781954805385

Table of Contents

Reviews

"""... Magda is an appealing protagonist, and the book, though told in the third person, presents the character's sensitive perspective....She's revealed to be resourceful and understanding-a person upon whom no experience is lost. As a result, readers get a good, detailed sense of place as the book explores a brawny town of steel mills and foundries where clear skies were the exception, not the rule....An impressive first novel that effectively draws on the author's family story."" - Kirkus Reviews ""Magda, Standing was such an encouraging story of resilience, determination, and the sheer power of self-confidence. Magda knew what she was capable of, and she fought for it....Christine Fallert Kessides did a fantastic job of conveying Magda's feelings and her struggles as she fought for every little dream she had. The narrative was packed full of emotion and imagery that made me feel as if I was part of the story. Magda's journey was told with empathy, and that made it easy for me to connect with her. The pace was fast without overwhelming me, which I appreciated. The author was able to convey the story of a survivor and a warrior....The novel encapsulated four monumental years of Magda's life perfectly, and I loved it."" - Readers' Favorite, 5-star review ""An impressive and rich debut novel: A compelling read and immersion into a lesser explored time in American history-the lead-up to WWI as well as the tragic impacts of that war and the 1918-19 Influenza. Beautifully detailed in day to day life, an engaging and endearing cast of characters, plus a vivid window into the challenges facing German-Americans as we became immersed in WWI. Loved the many quietly feminist women and role models in Magda's life and her own journey of self-discovery. A fascinating and inspiring narrative about a young woman who finds her own strength and path during an era that irrevocably upended and changed the world."" - L. M. Elliott, award-winning author of 10 MG/YA historical novels, on Goodreads 5-star review ""The story is multi-faceted with history woven in and out of the main plot of a young woman following in the footsteps of relatives to make her own life choices. Family is so important in this story and the theme of a vocation in service is highlighted, all set within the era of the Great War. Fantastic story-telling...."" Goodreads 5-star review ""Hard to believe this was the author's debut novel! Excellent historical fiction!"" - StephBookWorm, GoodReads 5-star review ""Readers who like young adult historical fiction, books with solid families, and novels with resilient heroines will love Magda, Standing."" - Kate Szegda, award-winning author of Pharmacy Girl"

Author Information

Christine Fallert Kessides was born and raised in a German-American family in Pittsburgh. After a career with The World Bank in Washington, DC, she now lives in suburban Maryland with her husband and spends as much time as possible with her adult children, grandchild, and granddogs. In her spare time, she volunteers with nonprofits that support women and families and especially enjoys reading, travel, yoga, and sharing books with friends. Magda, Standing is her first novel.

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