Breathing Room

This book was a simple narrative about a little girl who has active tuberculosis and goes to a sanitorium to rest and recuperate and to keep from spreading the disease. I liked the perspective of thirteen-year-old Evvy (pronounced like Chevy). She’s a sweet girl whose life is thrown upside down by her condition, she doesn’t even get to keep her stuffed bear with her in the sanitorium because of germs. However, she moves from the scared little girl, ripped from her parents and twin brother to a mature teenager who is willing to sacrifice for her friends. And the heartbreaking journey of the patients of the sanitorium hit me right in the gut! I decided to ask Ivan about Evvy’s chart (yes there are pictures in this book! YAY!!) and his prognosis was not good. I did my senior college thesis on a local TB hospital back in Greenville, SC, so I knew a little about the stays of patients at these types of institutions. Tuberculosis is a scary disease and my heart went out to these people. This is not an action-packed book, there isn’t any mystery or crazy drama. I would recommend this to history teachers, and they should absolutely have this book on their shelves, or to anyone looking for an easy, historical read.

I read this book upon the advice of my 10 year old granddaughter who found the medical history fascinating. It’s a great book for young adult readers.

I first read this book in the 4th grade and even tough I cry every time I read it I can't deny the love I hold it is one of my favorites if not my favorite I have read it a total of 20 times since 4 th grade and I will continue to I find new things every time and I have learned to also enjoy the author notes this is an amazing book and I hope everyone could get.a chance to read this heartfelt and heart churnning story

For some time I’d been avoiding this book thinking it would be just another quick read with a simple plot. But when I finally got my hands on it I couldn’t put it down.This story is mainly about a young teenager named Evvy Hoffmeister. She has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and is sent to a sanitarium called, “Loon Lake” in Minnesota. There she meets a couple girls her age who each have their own shining personality. The rules at Loon Lake are strict. No walking, talking, or even going to the bathroom on your own until you have earned the privilege. Also, during this time period WWII is raging in Europe and due to Evvy’s German name she is at times mocked at her stay in the sanitarium. I personally believe this is a truly wonderful book. It is full of excitement, sadness, and friendship. At this time in history was WWII was blocking out most of the other meaningful things happening at the same time. This author did a wonderful job of shining a light on what it was really like to be a TB patient during this hard time. Written by Sophie, 7th grade

This was a wonderful read! I almost read the whole book in one sitting but a pesky little thing called sleep won out.Breathing Room takes place in 1940 at a sanitarium for tuberculosis patients. 13 year old Evvy has to leave everyone and everything she knows in order to get well. At Loon Lake Sanitorium in Minnesota, she is housed with other girls her age in a ward where the biggest rule is to rest. This means no talking, walking, or even going to the bathroom. (Can you say metal bedpans?) Stoic nurse Marshall tells her, "I am not here to coddle you." and "Kindness will not cure you or anyone at Loon Lake."Despite the rigid rules within the confines of Loon Lake's dismal walls, Evvy does make friends during her long stay at the sanitorium, and this is where the heart of the story lies.Not only was this a well-written story with engaging characters, but I learned so much about a time in history I knew very little about. I think WWII overshadowed much of the history of TB sanitoriums and I am glad the author is giving voice to it and the patients.

This is a story for our time in light of the current COVID epidemic. My 9 year old could not put it down and I also had the same experience. It is a beautiful story of courage, friendship, and how a young girl faces the unknown.

although I do understand that Pearl had to pass, I didn't like it. that is one of the reasons why it is four stars.also moving Dena into the adult ward because now you have to be 18 to be an adult.the book now has me pondering what happened to dear Dena. what became of her? did she go 'home'? or maybe she was discharged?personally I think Sarah went 'home'. although it's a sad thought it is just my personal opinion.I think Beverly was discharged to early. it would have been nicer to know more about her.

My 7th grader loves this book! She’s picky about what she reads and it’s hard for her to get hooked on books. This is a really great one!