This Newberry Honor book is definitely dated. It was written in 1956. Today's students would probably find it hard to read and relate to. I enjoyed it. As a bonus it has pictures by Maurice Sendak.
"But would my mother and father still be in such a town of battle?"
The guerrilla smiled a thin smile. "If I know a father, he will wait until the last moment in the small hope that you may return. And if I know a mother, she will wait until the Japanese are in the streets and their bayonets at her back before she gives up a first born son." p. 104
There sat the lieutenant half turned, and he did not understand what his mother said. Ah, but he did understand. He understood! The heart understands without words. p. 189
