The Wildcat Behind Glass
by Alki Zei; trans. from Greek by Karen Emmerich
Intermediate    Restless    224 pp.
5/24    9781632063649    $18.00

A chapter book, first published in 1963, by the author of the wonderful Petros’ War (winner of the 1974 Batchelder Award) is back in a new translation for contemporary readers. In 1936, almost-eight-year-old Melia is living an idyllic life on a small island when the Greek government is overthrown by a fascist dictator. Her favorite cousin must go into hiding; her older sister is brainwashed into spying on her own family; her scholar grandfather’s books are burned. Zei beautifully captures—and balances—the realities of the political landscape; the children’s adventures, both everyday and clandestine; and specifics of island life (food, activities, play, schooling); along with narrator Melia’s rich interior life and appealing personality.

From the July/August 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.