Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

We’ve been in need of a new mattress for quite a while now, given how much better either my husband or I can sleep in the middle of our current one than on our respective sides. My hubby did some online research–something he excels at–and we’re trying both a new sort of mattress and a new frame that takes the place of regular box springs. Which means, of course, that not only did the old mattress, box springs, and basic metal frame we’ve been using have to move, we also have to clean out what’s been under our bed for (in some cases) well over a decade. Oh, the dust!

On the other hand, we should have more room under the bed than we’ve had before, and I’m an enthusiastic fan of storage.

Anyway. I also have a graphic novel to review–or, rather, a nonvel, given that it’s nonfiction–and my 9- and 14-year-old would never allow me to put off such a thing. (More to the point, they’re fiendishly good at noticing–and endeavoring to pilfer–graphic novels in my possession.) I’ve been looking forward to Hour of Need: The Daring Escape of the Danish Jews During World War II for some time; I’m moved to tears every time I think about what Denmark did to save its Jews from the Nazis, and especially how well it succeeded. (Only 120 Danish Jews died in the Holocaust, while well over 7,000 escaped to Sweden.) Hour of Need follows 9-year-old Mette and her family during their escape, as well as a few other Jewish refugees and a teacher-turned-resistance-leader who went by the name of John for protection. I had actually expected a broader approach based on the title, but the book’s individual approach may well make it more accessible to its intended audience; I’m not necessarily complaining. I will confess, however, that I didn’t love the art–other than hair color and style, the adults looked awfully similar to each other, and the overall aesthetic had a ‘Dick-and-Jane’ feel for me. That may complement the time period, I suppose, but I seriously doubt my kids will be impressed by it. Given the topic, however, I’m still going to have each of them read it, because it’s an important piece of history–and because we need more heroes worthy of the name. (And at 160 pages or fewer, it’s also not much of a time commitment.)

Wish us luck banishing the dust!