From the Reviews

Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books of 2011
★ (Starred review) “A poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II. . . . In spare language and remarkably short sketches, carefully selected details effectively portray well-rounded, interesting characters. . . . Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read.”

Bankstreet Best Books of 2012 (Ages 12-14)
★ (Outstanding Merit) “Eddie is too young to enlist in World War II, but from his farm in Ellisville, Illinois, he sees how the conflict affects all its citizens, including his bomber pilot brother, Tom. Beautifully written prose vignettes.”

the poetry zone
“As a judge for this year’s National Book Award, friends have been asking me what wonderful titles I found along the way. So, this once, I’ll give you my two-cents worth of commentary on some of the latest, and what I, personally, consider the greatest YA titles entering the marketplace this year. . . . These, in addition to the five finalists, are simply my own, top-tier favorites. . . . Eddie’s War by Carol Fisher Saller shows us the impact of WWII on a farm boy in the Heartland. True and tender.” —Nikki Grimes, from “Nine Not-to-Miss Novels” on the poetry zone

Horn Book
“Beautifully phrased and vividly revealing of character . . . an authentic window into the past that recalls the narrative power of Karen Hesse’s verse and the moral debate in Mary Downing Hahn’s Stepping on the Cracks.”

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“Saller’s poems build from finely delineated episodes of no immediately apparent weight into a cumulative portrait of a tightly interlocked community, where routine, patriotism, and neighborly support cannot always confine darker attitudes and deeds to the shadows. The contemplative tone of the entries and the misplaced accusations against an innocent man are reminiscent of Betsy Byars’ Keeper of the Doves (BCCB 1/03); readers who step into Eddie’s shoes will appreciate that coming of age often involves seeing your family and friends for exactly what they are.”

Children's Literature
“Free verse vignettes will appeal to reluctant readers. Compare to Robert Cormier’s Frenchtown Summer or Rick Beck’s Necking With Louise. Very highly recommended.”

School Library Journal
“The narrative’s steady progression focuses on a boy’s maturation into his teen years. . . . Eddie’s reflections . . . connect the larger peaceful aspirations of a postwar world with the simple individual dreams of a teen.”

Catholic Library World
“An ideal choice for class discussions or book groups.”

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SCBWI-Illinois Prairie Wind
Promoting Your Book: Is There Any Point?
Terry Farish, The Elephant Rag
"Braiding the Verse Novel: Carol Fisher Saller"
Nancy Bo Flood, The Pirate Tree:
Social Justice and Children's Literature
Review and Interview
Chris Eboch, Write Like a Pro!
“Did I Really Write Eddie’s War?”
Pam Torres, So I'm Fifty
Interview: "Only You Can Write Your Book"
Illinois SCBWI Prairie Wind
“The Character Who Got Away”
Cynthia Leitich Smith, Cynsations
Guest Post: "Details from a Diary: Mining a Family Treasure for Fiction"
L L Owens, Children's Writing
Poetry Friday, Q&A
Darcy Pattison, Fiction Notes
"Shrunken Manuscript X-Treme: A Writing Trick"
Clara Gillow Clark
"Celebrating Eddie's launch on publication day"