Bookworm for Kids: Wages of Empire by Michael J Cooper with Giveaway

I was excited to get my hands on this one, especially since my homeschool daughter and I hit this time period (WWI) already this year. We did make sure to delve into the situation surrounding the Ottoman Empire and the division of the states as influenced by Europe. So, this will be a treat to read and see how it reflects the various situations we learned about (although I'm more than sure she won't be nearly as excited to grab up this one as I am).

So, let's just dive in and take a look!

In the summer of 1914, sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine since it's from Jerusalem where Kaiser Wilhelm II dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor.

Wages of Empire

by Michael J. Cooper

YA Historical Fiction

Grand prize winner - 2022 CIBA Dante Rossetti Award for YA fiction
First place honors - 2022 CIBA Hemingway Award for wartime fiction
#1 Amazon Best Seller—Jan 2024—Historical World War I Fiction

In the summer of 1914, sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor.

Filled with such historical figures as Gertrude Bell, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann, Wages of Empire follows Evan through the killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war that is just beginning, and become part of a story that never ends.

“Masterful storytelling will keep you furiously turning the pages of this compelling (historical WWI) novel. A winner!”–Andrew Kaplan, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Blue Madagascar and the Homeland Novels

“The characters, historical and fictional, come to life on the page as the storyline drives relentlessly forward. Bravo!”–Matt Coyle, bestselling author of the Rick Cahill novels

“A beautifully written tale...exhibits seamless research in illuminating unforgettable historical and fictional characters...a tour de force!” –Professor Ronit Meroz, Dept of Jewish Philosophy and Talmud, Tel-Aviv University, Israel

“This superb historical novel is a must read...directly relates to issues we face today.” –Rizek Abusharr – Emeritus Director General of Jerusalem International YMCA

“Cooper has made this period of history come alive. It is a treat to read.” –Rabbi David Zisenwine, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Education, Tel Aviv University

“A Young Indiana Jones–style adventure.” –KIRKUS reviews

“Story is gripping and the characters that he describes come alive through his skillful writing. I couldn’t put it down!” –Rabbi Gordon Freeman, Ph.D., Rabbi Emeritus, B’nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, CA

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MY TIDBITS

History comes to life as the intricate weave of power plays, hopes, dreams, and oaths knot together in the thorns of war.

This tale takes a look at a sixteen-year-old, who desires to fight for all that's good in WWI, but it also goes way beyond this single character's aspirations and struggles. The author has clearly done his research and offers a solidly based dive into the time frame. The leaders, families, and leading influences in Europe during WWI seep into the problems surrounding the dissipation of the Ottoman Empire and create a tight knit tale, which hits personal and emotional levels while still incorporating the political and cultural difficulties these areas faced. Well-known figure heads of the time add a solid foundation, while fictive aspects glide in between to add excitement, tension, and, for all things, heart.

While the factual side will draw in history fans, the story fills in the important human aspect, which is so often forgotten in dryer history books. Especially the relationship between the father and son stabs the heart and creates a close connection with the story. The vast array of individuals involved (from political heads to sworn protectors of their religious beliefs) presents a detailed landscape. This also means that it takes a little more thought while reading this novel than a lighter, quick read might. But for more engaged readers, this tale promises richness and so much more.

While it is sold as a read for the young adult audience, I do see adults enjoying it as well.

And here he is...

Michael J Cooper writes historical mysteries set in the Holy Land at major turning points of history—all the while subtly promoting the notions of coexistence and peace. His books have won multiple awards and include; Foxes in the Vineyard (winner of the 2011 Indie Publishing Contest Grand Prize), set in 1948 Jerusalem, The Rabbi’s Knight (finalist for the CIBA 2014 Chaucer Award for historical fiction) set at the twilight of the Crusades in 1290, and his current novel, Wages of Empire set at the start of WWI in 1914 and winner of the CIBA 2022 Grand Prize for young adult fiction as well as the Hemingway first prize for wartime historical fiction. A sequel of Wages of Empire, Crossroads of Empire, will be published in the fall of 2024, and the unpublished manuscript has already won first prize honors in the 2023 CIBA Hemingway wartime historical fiction category.

A native of Berkeley, California, Cooper absconded to Israel after high school and spent the next eleven years studying and working there. He lived in Jerusalem during the last year the city was divided between Israel and Jordan, studied at Hebrew University, and graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School. He returned to the US to specialize in pediatric cardiology, and after 40 years of practice, he continues to return to the Middle East for biannual volunteer missions serving Palestinian children who lack access to care. Otherwise, he lives in Northern California with his wife and a spoiled-rotten cat. Three adult children occasionally drop by.

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