The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo
Published by Feiwel & Friends on July 9, 2019
ISBN: 1250107075
Pages: 288
Genres: Historical Fiction
Goodreads

This historical fiction novel takes place in the Camargue, a region in southern France. Vincent Montague travels from his home in Watford in search of where Vincent Van Gogh painted a picture that has significance to Vincent and his family. Vincent becomes ill during his travels in the Camargue and is taken in by an old couple, Kezia and Lorenzo. Through Kezia he learns what took place in this area during World War II. Kezia’s family were Roma and ran a carousel in the nearby village. Lorenzo is autistic. He has always had a very unique relationship with animals and birds, especially the flamingos that live in the salt marshes. When the Germans occupy the village everyone’s lives are changed forever. A German official, the Caporal, plays an integral role in this story. I highly recommend this book because of the incredible characters, the descriptions of the setting, and the beautiful way the story is told. For ages 10 and up. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish.