Overview

The War That Saved My Life meets Coraline in this chilling middle grade historical novel from the author of the acclaimed The Story That Cannot Be Told following an anxious young girl learning to face her fears--and her ghosts--against the backdrop of the typhoid epidemic.Essie O'Neill is afraid of everything. She's afraid of cats and electric lights. She's afraid of the silver sick bell, a family heirloom that brings up frightening memories. Most of all, she's afraid of the red door in her nightmares. But soon Essie discovers so much more to fear. Her mother has remarried, and they must move from their dilapidated tenement in the Bronx to North Brother Island, a dreary place in the East River. That's where Essie's new stepfather runs a quarantine hospital for the incurable sick, including the infamous Typhoid Mary. Essie knows the island is plagued with tragedy. Years ago, she watched in horror as the ship General Slocum caught fire and sank near its shores, plummeting one thousand women and children to their deaths. Now, something on the island is haunting Essie. And the red door from her dreams has become a reality, just down the hall from her bedroom in her terrifying new house. Convinced her stepfather is up to no good, Essie investigates. Yet to uncover the truth, she will have to face her own painful history--and what lies behind the red door.

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9781797135205

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A thrilling read with poignant commentary on the value of immigrants' lives and one's capacity to become a stronger, better person. -- Booklist, Starred Review

A thrilling read with poignant commentary on the value of immigrants' lives and one's capacity to become a stronger, better person. -- Booklist (starred review)

Author Information

J. Kasper Kramer is the author of the acclaimed novel The Story That Cannot Be Told as well as The List of Unspeakable Fears. She's an author and English professor in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has a master's degree in creative writing and once upon a time lived in Japan, where she taught at an international school. When she's not curled up with a book, Kramer loves researching lost fairy tales, playing video games, and fostering kittens. Visit her at JKasperKramer.com. Angel Pean is an actor and narrator who thrives on the power of storytelling and being a part of impactful projects that leave their mark. She made her way from Houston, Texas, to NYC to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. There, she obtained a degree in film and television performance. Angel has had the pleasure of training with several coaches and actors, including Jay R. Goldenberg, Maury Ginsberg, and Ruth Nerken. Her love for storytelling, as well as reading, eventually led her to explore the beautiful world of audiobooks! She began studying with narrator and coach, Elise Arsenault, has since built a home studio, and recently finished narrating her very first book: The Vampire's Assistant by Eva Alton, a romantic fantasy now available on Audible. In her free time, you'll certainly find her lounging around with her cat, or dancing. Angel currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she is continuing to audition, work, and hone her craft.

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