Scattergood with H.M. Bouwman

Do you have a kid who loves historical fiction? Join us for an evening with author H.M. Bouwman and her book, Scattergood, a historical fiction novel set in 1940s rural Iowa.

Author events are a great opportunity for kids to learn about the writing and publishing process directly from authors, and they’re also a unique and memorable way for kids to connect with the books that they’re discovering in school and at home! This book is recommended for ages 10 and up.

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About the Book:

Growing up a farm girl, Peggy’s life has never been particularly exciting. But a lot changes in 1941: Her friend Joe starts acting strange around her; the Quaker hostel nearby reopens to house Jewish refugees from Europe, including a handsome boy named Gunther and a troubled professor; and her cousin and best friend, Delia, is diagnosed with leukemia—and doesn’t even know it.

Peggy has always been rational. She may not be able to understand poetry and speak in metaphors like Delia, but she has to believe she can find a way out of this mess, for both of them. There has to be a cure. And yet the more she tries to control, the more powerless she feels. She can’t make Gunther see her the way she sees him. She can’t help the Professor find his missing daughter. She’s tired of feeling young and naive, but growing up is even harder.

A historical coming-of-age novel that feels as alive and present as today, Scattergood offers even readers familiar with World War II a fascinating new glimpse of history, far from the battlefields of Europe and the shores of New York City.

Not able to join us? Order your copy here: https://www.schulerbooks.com/b...

About the Author:

H.M. Bouwman is the author of middle grade fantasy and historical fantasy including A Crack in the Sea; her new novel, Scattergood (January 2025), is her debut historical fiction. She lives in St. Paul, MN and teaches at the University of St. Thomas.