Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves

"From the very first page of Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves, you'll know you're in the hands of a skilled storyteller. Vividly and lyrically told, L.M. Elliott captures the drama and heartbreak of the U-boat attacks on the Eastern U.S. coast during WWII." - Elisa Carbone, author of Blood on the River: James Town 1607

"Evocatively threaded with the scents and sounds of Tidewater Virginia coastal communities, this story presents a fascinating, lesser-known aspect of the war told from a young girl's perspective. Successfully tackling the devastation of depression on family relationships, the bitter cost of war, and the uplifting strength of no-nonsense friendship, this story has impressive depth. Superb." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"An infrequently explored aspect of WWII history-German submarines torpedoing U.S. cargo ships along America's East Coast-underpins Elliott's (Walls) well-crafted novel. Evocative descriptions of the region's natural life ground this realistic depiction of one family's efforts to withstand depression and personal tragedy during wartime." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Elliott convincingly limns a moment of WWII when an underinformed population naive to the unimagined dangers of war on their doorstep was prone to fumble in their self-defense. An author's note is included." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Elliott weaves a deeply moving historical tale, including small but significant details that flesh out the situations and characters, even the secondary ones. The extensive and fact-filled backstory in the author's note gives readers even more context. An excellent middle-grade read that balances adventure, emotions, and family."

"Poignant. Elliott is a descriptive writer and beautifully evokes the coastal Tidewater backdrop [and] offers a sensitive portrayal of a family grappling with depression." - Buffalo News

"A stunning story about a little-known chapter of our history. Elliott's impeccable research of the history, setting, and more bring this story to life. The writing is superb, the characters are rich and complex, and the story is very, very compelling. This book is not to be missed." - Seattle Book Review

"Middle grade lovers of World War II historical fiction will find this title engrossing. Elliot's story delivers facts and a thoughtful approach to characters experiencing grief and depression, while adding some maritime adventure. VERDICT A must-have for all middle grade historical fiction collections. Recommend to those who enjoyed Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's The War That Saved My Life and Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's Making Bombs for Hitler."