Patricia Reilly Giff’s Lily’s Crossing is a Newbery Honor book and a timeless historical novel about friendship, honesty, and the costs of war.
 
The summer of 1944 should have been perfect for Lily, who spends every year at Rockaway Beach. But this summer, everything changes. Lily’s father has gone overseas to fight in World War II, her best friend moves away, and then she meets Albert—a refugee from Hungary who has fled the war. As their friendship grows, Lily’s lies and secrets threaten to put them both in danger.
With honesty and heart, Patricia Reilly Giff explores the effects of war on children far from the battlefield, weaving together a story of courage, truth, and the bonds that carry us through uncertain times.
 
⭐ Why You’ll Love It
Winner of the Newbery Honor Award.
A touching look at World War II through the eyes of children.
Explores friendship, honesty, and resilience.
A staple in classrooms and historical fiction collections.
🎯 Perfect For
Middle-grade readers ages 9–12.
Fans of historical fiction with heartfelt friendships.
Classrooms teaching World War II history from different perspectives.
Readers of Number the Stars and The War That Saved My Life.