What people are saying about MARE'S WAR:

"Absolutely essential reading." May 1, 2009, Kirkus Starred Review

"...focusing on vivid characterizations rather than long descriptions, Davis creates a work of historical fiction that even non-historians can enjoy." VOYA, June 2009

"...this contemporary intergenerational story resounds with mutual exasperation, criticism, discovery, and humor... A steady travelogue, realistic banter, memorable characters, and moments of tension, insight, and understanding make this an appealing selection." The School Library Journal, July 2009

DON'T call her "grandma."

Mare's not the type.

No cookies, no crossword puzzles, and no church choir. Mare's not the kind of old lady who is all about soft laps and cuddles. Nope -- she's got stiletto heels, a sporty red car, and she's not ready to sit down and be old just yet.

Granddaughters Octavia and Tali really don't want to hang out with Mare all summer long -- or with each other, either -- but Mom and Dad have laid down the law. Tali and Octavia's plans for a perfect, lazy summer are RUINED, and they're off on the longest cross-country road trip EVER, with the most opinionated old lady in the world.

Mare's got a history -- and stories -- that Tali and Octavia have never heard. Who knew THEIR grandmother lied about her age, ran away from home, and joined the African American battalion of the Women's Army Corps during World War II? Certainly not Tali and Octavia. And Mare's got more to tell.

There's no way this is going to be a perfect summer for ANYBODY. But it might turn out to be the best thing Tali and Octavia have ever done.

Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis was published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, a division of Random House, Inc.

Mare's War is also honored to be a Junior Library Guild Selection.

Hardcover edition released June 10th, 2009

ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85714-0

ISBN-10: 0-375-85714-1

Also available as an eBook.