Genre:
Magda Standing
by Christine Fallert Kessides
When her father pulls her out of high school to care for her invalid mother and little brother, sixteen-year-old Magda is devastated—but the greater challenge is saving her family in the midst of a global war and pandemic.
In 1916, the world is at war, even if America has not yet joined the effort. But for Magda, the growing hostility surrounding her German immigrant family in Pittsburgh hits close to home. Despite her domestic obligations, Magda persists with her education, determined to find an independent role for herself. Faced with the mounting crises of the Great War and the Spanish flu, Magda seeks the knowledge and strength to protect those she loves most.
Standing up to a war and pandemic, traditions and expectations, Magda embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience that leads her back to embracing her family and caring for a wider community.
Book Details
-
Gold medalist - 2024 Ben Franklin Award from Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) - for Young Adult Audiobook
Silver medalist - 2023 Story Circle Sarton's Book Award - Young Adult category
Silver medalist - 2024 Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) Award for Young Adult Fiction
Bronze medalist - 2023 MOONBEAM Children's Book Award - Young Adult Fiction: Historical/Cultural
Winner of Maryland Writers Association Award for Young Adult Novel
Finalist for 2024 Independent Author Network (IAN) Book of the Year - Fiction Teen/Young Adult
Finalist for the 2023 international Eyelands Book Award for published Historical Fiction/Memoir -
War and pandemic survival
Immigration and prejudice
Female independence
Education and ambition
Family and community care -
".... Magda is an appealing protagonist, and the book, though told in the third person, presents the character's sensitive perspective....she's revealed to be resourceful and understanding—a person upon whom no experience is lost. As a result, readers get a good, detailed sense of place as the book explores a brawny town of steel mills and foundries where clear skies were the exception, not the rule....An impressive first novel that effectively draws on the author's family story." -Kirkus Reviews
"Magda, Standing was such an encouraging story of resilience, determination, and the sheer power of self-confidence. Magda knew what she was capable of, and she fought for it...Christine Fallert Kessides did a fantastic job of conveying Magda's feelings and her struggles as she fought for every little dream she had. The narrative was packed full of emotion and imagery that made me feel as if I was part of the story. Magda's journey was told with empathy, and that made it easy for me to connect with her. The pace was fast without overwhelming me, which I appreciated. The author was able to convey the story of a survivor and a warrior....The novel encapsulated four monumental years of Magda's life perfectly, and I loved it." -Reader's Favorite, 5 star review
"An impressive and rich debut novel: A compelling read and immersion into a lesser explored time in American history--the lead-up to WWI as well as the tragic impacts of that war and the 1918-19 Influenza. Beautifully detailed in day to day life, an engaging and endearing cast of characters, plus a vivid window into the challenges facing German-Americans as we became immersed in WWI. Loved the many quietly feminist women and role models in Magda's life and her own journey of self-discovery. A fascinating and inspiring narrative about a young woman who finds her own strength and path during an era that irrevocably upended and changed the world." -L. M. Elliott, award-winning author of 13 MG/YA historical novels, on GoodReads 5-star review
"The story is multi-faceted with history woven in and out of the main plot of a young woman following in the footsteps of relatives to make her own life choices. Family is so important in this story and the theme of a vocation in service is highlighted, all set within the era of the Great War. Fantastic story-telling...." - Goodreads 5-star review
"Magda, Standing by debut author Christine Kessides a truly remarkable YA read....This was a well written debut with great world building and character development." -LibraryThing
"Hard to believe this was the author's debut novel! Excellent historical fiction!" -StephBookWorm, GoodReads 5-star review
"....Christine Fallert Kessides has crafted a meticulously researched and impressively detailed family saga with its roots in her own history for her debut novel, MAGDA, STANDING. Many facets of Magda's story that are so compellingly constructed in this period novel are mirrored by problems that society faces today....Debut author Christine Fallert Kessides' wonderfully rich young adult novel, MAGDA, STANDING, includes period details which are convincingly evoked and a fully realized protagonist in all of her emotional complexity." -IndieReader
"This gut-wrenching, beguiling historical novel is written in fine prose and it features a female protagonist that instantly wins the hearts of readers....The book doesn't just examine what it feels like to take on the role of an adult as a teenager, but makes readers experience it through the emotions and struggles of the young protagonist. There is consistency in the narrative voice, which is sharp and enticing." -The Book Commentary
"The writing style of the author is fantastic. The language used in the book is lucid....Magda's character is an inspiration. I am glad to get my hands on this well written book." -SassyReviews