Michael Whatling Libri

ABSENCE ISN’T A HOLE. IT’S A PRESENCE LIVING INSIDE YOU, EATING ITS WAY OUT. Occupied France, 1943Returning home from the daily hunt for the rationed ingredients necessary to keep his family pâtisserie open, André Albert finds his four-year-old son in the street, his wife gone, and an emaciated Jewish woman cowering behind the display case.Without Mireille, the foundation of André’s world crumbles. He desperately searches for her, but finds more trouble than answers. Lives are further jeopardized when he agrees to hide Émilie, the escapee, and a Nazi officer shows up to investigate Mireille’s disappearance.André will do anything to bring his wife home, catapulting him, their son, and Émilie on a perilous journey impeded by temptation, past trauma, and stunning revelations.The French Baker’s War is as relevant today for its themes of duty to strangers and sacrifice for family. Recommended for readers who enjoyed The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Book Thief, and The Nightingale.

Exploring the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in contemporary high schools, this book delves into the challenges faced by openly gay students. It examines the prevalence of homophobia, the evolving societal attitudes, and the impact of various stakeholders, including peers, educators, and families, on these students' lives. Through personal narratives and research, it sheds light on the complexities of being out in a school environment today, highlighting both progress and ongoing struggles.