Jennifer Bohnhoff has written many historical novels for middle grade and YA. Time periods range from the Civil War to World War II along with a more recent story about a devastating wildlife fire in the American West. I chose to review PERSPECTIVE today based on the unique setting: a remote island in Lake Superior during the Great Depression.

Twelve-year-old Genevieve William’s emotional story is revealed through her own first person narration. Her mother has died of lung cancer and Genevieve has only one choice and that is to go live with the father she never met where he resides on Isle Royale. She soon realizes this place is nothing like her original home. It’s a location living in the past with few amenities of a big city. Isolation is now her biggest challenge.

Genevieve does have her art work that she hopes will propel her to a future career doing what she loves to do. But that is a long way off. For now she wants to figure out why her parents marriage failed along with trying to stop her father from drinking alcohol.

The world building puts readers right into this remote place. The detailed and descriptive writing have you solidly rooting for this young girl. I thought this plot could even transform into a movie. Best for older MG readers who like a gently paced historical story.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: 10/7/2025 PAGES: 247

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: PERSPECTIVE by Jennifer Bohnhoff

1. The time period of the Depression is not one you see in Middle Grade Fiction. I learned many new things about the setting and this tough time in our history.
2. Genevieve is a mature 12-year-old who lives a far different life than present day kids that age. I felt like I was there with this girl as she tries to make sense of this vastly different world.
3. A new place requires adaption. Perspectives can change as Genevieve discovers the positive of new relationships and a place she initially didn’t appreciate. Great parallels.
4. The author’s background as a former social studies teacher shows her passion for the historical time period and the details brought forth on each page. Jennifer’s travels often inspire her books, as this one did when she and her family visited Isle Royale National Park.
5. The 27 chapters aren’t action packed but this novel still captures your attention. You will have a longing to learn more about the island and the Great Depression.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A lifelong New Mexican, Jennifer Bohnhoff loves travel and history, so it should come as no surprise that many of her books are historical novels set in beautiful and interesting places. She taught Middle School Language Arts and New Mexico History for years, but is now a full time author. (For more about Jennifer, visit her Author Website)

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