Stepping on the Cracks, Mary Downing Hahn

Stepping on the Cracks, by Mary Downing Hahn is about two young girls, Margaret and Elizabeth, whose brothers have both gone off to fight in World War II. While at school, they experience problems with the school bully, Gordy. One day, they follow him into the woods and discover a secret about him. They jump to conclusions and develop an even greater feeling of hate towards him. After Gordy finds out that Margaret and Elizabeth saw him in the woods, he threatens them and makes them promise not to tell anyone what he has been hiding from the world, family, and most especially, his abusive father. Over time, they learn to like Gordy more because of what they learn through his secret.

This story has changed and questioned my view of war and of the human race so many times throughout the story because of the power and message it sends to the people who read it. It also makes ask yourself about bullies or people in your life and why they do the things they do. I have found there is almost always a reason for their actions. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction or want to read a book that keeps surprising you with every page you turn.

-Reviewed by Ceina, grade 9th.