Mare's War

An uplifting look at a little-known chapter of WW II

Two teens are stuck in a car with their crazy granny, Mare, as they drive cross-country to a family reunion. Along the way, Mare recounts her experiences in an all-black unit of the Women's Army Corps in World War II. The story cuts back and forth between Mare running off to join the Army and the two modern girls realizing just how spoiled they are compared to the Greatest Generation. Davis' straightforward narrative doesn't spare anyone's feelings, but this isn't a story about discrimination so much as it's about breaking through other people's expectations to become your own person -- in any day and age.

A must read !!!

Mare's War is about a grandmother who was in World War II . She is going on a road trip with her two grandduaghters who are caught up in there own world of MP3 players and cell phones , but while heading for a Family reuion down south from California the girls are forced , but enlightned to know the past of their grandma Mare's life and what she has done for herself and family . I loved the book and could not put it down such a great read that follows a fictional story with historical facts of the times frame around world war two with the African American army of women . I highly suggest you and your kids read this book .

Great storytelling wrapped around fascinating, little-known history

Great blend of a history most of us never heard about--the "colored" women's unit of the U.S. Army during WWII--and a modern-day road trip with two girls and their tough, seen-it-all grandmother. Great family story, but also a very inspiring how-to--how to transform yourself from a poor, afraid, and powerless girl into an independent, kickass young woman. A book I'll gladly share with the teenage girls in my life!

Reviewed by Amber Gibson for TeensReadToo.com

Going on a road trip with their wacky grandmother, Mare, is not at all how either Octavia or Tali wants to spend their summer. However, at Mare's insistence, they reluctantly agree to accompany her all the way across the country for some mysterious family reunion in Alabama.

The girls don't know how they will survive all of this time cooped up together with each other and with Mare. Before they even leave the driveway, Mare is already driving Tali crazy with her smoking and Tali's headphones are equally unacceptable to Mare. The two make a pact to banish cigarettes and headphones for the trip, and do a pretty good job of keeping their word.

To whittle away the hours as Mare drives, she tells stories of her younger years. Both Tali and Octavia are astonished to hear some of Mare's stories about growing up in the Great Depression and running away from home to serve in the WAC (Women's Army Corps) during World War II. Mare's struggles at home made joining the army seem like a wonderful proposition. The army provided a place to live where she would be safe from harm and fed three good meals a day.

However, even though the WAC helped defeat the enemy in Europe, the segregation that Mare and the colored soldiers in 6888th Battalion, Company C face proves much harder to vanquish. Nevertheless, Mare's tough spirit and pride from her army days will always remain an integral part of who she is. After all she has been through, it is no wonder Mare thinks Octavia and Tali are spoiled.

By the end of this trip, all three women grow closer and develop a newfound appreciation and respect for one another.

Tanita S. Davis weaves a thoughtful tale, alternating chapters between the modern day road trip and Mare's stories of the olden days. Readers who enjoyed Sherri L. Smith's FLYGIRL will also love this tale with a similar historical background.

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