My Thoughts: The drama of WWII is brought to life through the eyes of a young girl compelled to help her country by joining the little-known military unit called The Sand Pounders. As the U.S. is attacked on both shores, civilians are recruited to join the military in an effort to protect America from invasion. A teenaged girl disguised as a boy, and her horse, Star, enlist in the Coast Guard to patrol the beaches on the Oregon Coast. When a wounded sailor is found after a Japanese submarine is discovered off of the shores of Oregon, Jane will have to decide who to trust as she becomes entangled in the complicated lives of Japanese-Americans forced to choose a side.

Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I was surprised to have never heard of The Sand Pounders or their activities during WWII. In this moving YA novel, Evans blends historical facts and a dramatic backdrop with relatable characters while weaving in a love story that entrances readers. The setting plays a vital role from typical weather patterns to locals’ characteristics that will be immediately relatable to anyone familiar with the area. This enjoyable novel blends history with fictional characters in a way that creates a compelling story full of authentic details.