Quaking

Fourteen-year-old Matt (Mattie) moves to Pennsylvania to live with a Quaker foster family after experiencing trauma in her previous homes. As she starts at a new high school during the Iraq War era, she struggles with both her past wounds and the daily challenges of being an outsider. Matt finds herself drawn to the peaceful ways of her foster family, the Sladkys, despite her instinct to keep everyone at a distance. She faces bullies at school while also processing her complex feelings about war and violence, which intensify as she learns more about Quaker beliefs. At home, Matt helps care for young Sam, her foster brother who stopped speaking after his father's death in Iraq. Through her relationships with Sam and the Sladkys, she begins to understand different forms of strength and courage. The novel examines how peace can exist alongside anger, and explores what it means to stand up for one's beliefs in a world that often demands conformity. Through Matt's story, questions about pacifism, justice, and healing take center stage.

Readers connect with the authenticity of Matt's internal struggles and voice, particularly her journey dealing with anxiety and PTSD. The book's exploration of Quaker values and pacifism resonates with many reviewers who appreciate seeing these themes in young adult literature. Liked: - Realistic portrayal of panic attacks and anxiety - Complex family dynamics - Integration of peace activism with personal growth - Strong character development - Educational aspects about Quaker beliefs Disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - Several readers wanted more resolution with background characters - A few reviewers felt the anti-war message was heavy-handed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ reviews) Common reader comment: "Matt's panic attacks and coping mechanisms feel genuine and relatable." The book receives particular praise from educators and school librarians for its handling of difficult topics while remaining appropriate for middle-grade readers.

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🌟 Author Kathryn Erskine drew from her own experiences with Quakers while writing the novel, having attended Quaker meetings and being deeply influenced by their peace-centered philosophy. 🕊️ The book tackles the serious issue of PTSD in teenagers, specifically addressing how trauma from domestic violence can affect young people's ability to trust and form relationships. 📚 "Quaking" was nominated for the 2008 Virginia Readers' Choice Award and was selected as a Bank Street Best Book of the Year. 🎨 The protagonist Matt's artistic talents, particularly her political cartoons, were inspired by real teenage activists who use art as a form of social protest. 🏫 The Pennsylvania setting of the novel reflects the historical significance of the state in Quaker history, as Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn as a haven for Quakers in the 17th century.