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The Number 7

About The Book

It all starts with a mysterious phone call from Louisa's decorative antique phone. And that wouldn't be so strange, except that the phone is unplugged, and has been for years. Frightened by the call and its message--and questioning her own sanity--Louisa listens as a somehow-familiar voice describes a lost family secret about Louisa's grandfather and his daring involvement in resisting the Nazi scourge in his native Sweden during World War II. Piecing together each clue she can find, Louisa begins to see how her grandfather's guilt and shame continues to haunt her own father, and the rest of her family, decades later, planting seeds of doubt that threaten to tear them all apart.

Now desperate to know the full truth, despite the charming distractions of a boy with secrets of his own, Louisa becomes consumed with her discoveries, which she passes off to her parents as a school history project. Digging through old family albums and letters, she at last begins to see that the phone call was only the beginning, and that she is the one meant to be the messenger who can bring the truth of the past to light--before it's too late for her family.

About The Author

Jessica Lidh is the author of The Number 7, a Simon & Schuster book.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (November 7, 2014)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781440583070
  • Ages: 14 - 18

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Raves and Reviews

"In this fresh take on a familiar paradigm, a sensitive teen inherits a well-kept family secret touching on Sweden's role in World War II that's profoundly affected her family. Insightful and compassionate storytelling." --Kirkus Reviews

"Louisa and her family were shattered when her mother died of breast cancer.... Debut author Lidh skillfully incorporates information about Swedish history into the gripping story of Louisa's ancestors.... Louisa's grief is portrayed with honesty, as is her gradual reconnection with her father and sister." --Publishers Weekly

"The story is interesting and highlights a part of World War II history that isn't often addressed. Strengths include a light romance, some interesting historical references, and strong pacing." --School Library Journal

"The interesting historical perspective interwoven with family relationships and romance make for a good story with teen appeal." --Voya Magazine

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