Page to Post: The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold

In the Page to Post series, the Teen Book Guild spotlights the books that caught our attention after scoping out an entire shelf of titles in the Winter Park Library. From that first spark of interest to how we really felt after reading, you’ll get our honest take—no sugarcoating, just real talk from teens who love books (or sometimes don’t!).

If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see if our choice was worth it, stick around. Let’s dive into the world of stories, one shelf and one book at a time.

Title: The Blood Years
Author: Elana K. Arnold
Chosen by: Andres J.

If I had to pick a genre for this book:

Historical Fiction

Why I picked it:

I read the description and called my attention that this story was based of Elana's grandmother.

Brief synopsis (no spoilers!):

The story focuses on 13-year-old Frerieke and her older sister Astra and the Jewish peoples experience in Czernowitz, Romania during World War 2. They werechased by the Soviet Union and also the Nazis. They lost their jobs, their home, businesses, and safety and then were sent to places like Trasnistria, a region where thousands of Jews were sent to die. In the story Frerieke and Astra are struggle to survive and experience traumas and abuse.

Swoon Factor:

2 - "Slight spark"
There's a hint of something, maybe a crush or a shy glance. The romance is subtle and might be more about potential than actual sparks.

Rating my choice:

5 - "Obsessed!"
This book is EVERYTHING. It’s your new favorite, you’re gushing about it to everyone, and you might even reread it someday!

My take on this book:

I really liked it because when a story based on a true experience makes it even more realistic and interesting, and it keeps me more engaged into the story. I kind of understand what the person experienced and how the person felt about it. It's makes me feel like I was experiencing it because it's detailed and focused on the story.