When Christmas Comes Again: The World War I Diary of Simone Spencer

by Beth Seidel Levine

Book Overview

In another very special Dear America Christmas story that crosses the ocean during WWI, Simone Spencer leaves home and keeps a diary of her life as a brave "Hello Girl" on the Western Front. In April of 1917, Simone Spencer's world changes. Her beloved brother Will goes off to war, and Simone seeks a way to help. The passionate daughter of a feisty French mother and a rebellious upper-class father, Simone is not cut out for the society life she is meant to lead. So, when General Pershing calls for French-speaking American girls to operate the switchboards on the Western Front, Simone becomes one of the first brave "Hello Girls" whose courage helped lead the Allies to victory. In the end, Christmas brings the Spencers back together again.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439439825
• ISBN13: 9780439439824
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Length: 171 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Sweet historical fiction

Nice book about a job in WWI I didn’t know much about. Well written

Five Stars

Simone Spencer is living a good and easy life in 1917 her family is very well off but every time Simone hears about the fighting over in the Great War also know as World War I. Simone's brother is also fighting over and Simone wants to do something. She decides go over and help by translating messages from the frontlines as nicknamed a Hello Girl. It was really interesting learning how close to the lines this girls were and Simone's diary entries were well detailed and very interesting. We always remember how much women helped during World War II that we often forget about the women who helped during World War I. This book certainly made me want to read more about the hello girls.

Great Addition to a Great Series

I waited with more anticipation then the next Harry Potter book. It was well worth the wait. I absolutely love this book. I wish Simone was my big sister. I think this would make a bigger blockbuster movie than Harry Potter. I'd even wait in line overnight.

The inspiring diary of a "Hello Girl"

The year is 1917, and for seventeen-year-old Simone Spencer the World War overseas has caused her world to take a 360-degree turn. Her brother, Will, is in the army, and Simone finds with each passing day that her high society life in New York is far from what she wants. Searching for some meaning in her life, Simone finally volunteers to be a "Hello Girl," better know as French speaking girls who work as switchboard operators. Little does Simone know the many challenges the raging war will through her and the influence she will play. As each day passes with new surprises, all Simone wishes for is that her family will return intact and well. Being a big fan of "Hello Girls", the ones who helped bring the Allie victory, I was very excited to finally find out they were going to do a piece on them. Though this diary was written by a virtual unknown, I felt Beth Levine did a great job writing this diary and should be commended. Another book I would recommend to read is Survival in the Storm, by a fifteen-year-old sensation. To close it up, I recommend all to read this new Dear America book.

A wonderful new book from the Dear America series.

Seventeen-year-old Simone Spencer finds her life as a member of New York City society in 1917 empty, especially with the United States entering World War I and her older brother enlisting in the army. Simone is searching for meaning in her life, something she can do to contribute to the war effort -- and she thinks she has found it when she learns of a need for French-speaking American women to work as switchboard operators on the front. Simone travels to France, but is little prepared for the devastation of war. She forms close friendships and even falls in love with a young soldier. But on the front every new day is unpredictable, and Simone wonders if she and those she cares about will make it out of the war intact. I highly recommend this new Dear America books to fans of the series. I'd been hoping the series would put out a book about World War I, and I'm glad they finally have.

Best Childrens Book in Years

I had little expectations when I picked up this unknown author. I was completely blown away by her style and composition. If ever a book deserved a Newberry, this is it. My daughter has read it every night since I brought it home. If Ms. Levine keeps this up she will be the next Jackie Collins for young teens. I can't wait for her next book. Put it on my wish list now.