Mare's War received a Coretta Scott King Honor in 2010. The story is told in two parts, the current time where the family is driving cross country and the past where we see Mare's life unfold in the "Men's Army". The story depicts alcohol, cigarettes, and some sexual violence. Representation of African American and a character representing LGBTQ community. I would recommend this book for middle school and up.

In this historical novel, Marey Lee Boylen takes her two granddaughters, Talitha (Tali) and Octavia on a cross country trip for a family reunion. During the trip Marey or Mare, tells stories about her life and time in the African American battalion of the Women's Army Corps during World War II. An eye-opening account of the sacrifice African American men and women made to fight for freedom when they had little of their own. The characters have depth and each one struggles to find themselves and understand each other. A fun side note, the story is enhanced by postcards that are sprinkled throughout the book. The postcards are written by Tali and Octavia to friends back home. They highlight some of their inner thoughts.

In the classroom, the book could be used to study World War II, segregation, African American culture, and more. ( )

I'm a fan of historical fiction, and this novel was no disappointment. At first the writing seemed stiff and I wasn't so sure, but as soon as Mare, the grandmother, started to tell stories about her life before WWII and then joining up with the Women's Army Corps, I couldn't put it down. Mare described terrifying and heartbreaking experiences unflinchingly, and she brings her experiences completely into focus. ( )

Mare, the family's name for Octavia and Tali's grandmother, is taking the teenagers on a road trip to a family reunion, over their objections. Along the way, they hear stories about Mare's teen years and her time as an African-American in the WWII Women's Army Corps.

Definitely a good read, with lots of human interest as well as history in the historical fiction parts. I admire Mare (more in retrospect than in the current time, I admit, but then I see my harder-nosed grandmother in her). Octavia and Tali grow on one, but Tali, like most elder siblings in fiction takes some time to warm up to.

trigger warning description of attempted sexual assault

Two teenagers learn more about Mare, their grandmother, during a road trip. Chapters move between their travels and Mare’s experiences in an African American battalion of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. A erword

Highly satisfying historical novel about a black woman's experience as a WAC during WWII. Octavia and Tali dread their upcoming summer road trip with Mare, their 80-year-old grandmother who still wears stiletto heels and push-up bras and is nothing like the typical cookie-baking, soft grandma. Familial tempers flare regularly during the drive but Mare is also sharing a story the girls were not aware of, when she ran away at 16 from an alchoholic mother and her mother's sexually abusive boyfriend to join the Women's Army Corps. Mare is determined to protect her younger sister and prove her strength and mettle on her own in the Army, while also coping with the racism. Mare strives for better in her life and never loses sight of her goals. ( )