Miss Morgan's Book Brigade: A Novel by Janet Skeslien Charles

In "Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade," bestselling author Janet Skeslien Charles crafts a captivating tale inspired by the true story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian who made a significant impact on the literary landscape of France during World War I.

In 1918, amidst the turmoil of the Great War, Jessie Carson leaves her position at the New York Public Library to join the American Committee for Devastated France. Led by the wealthy Anne Morgan, this group of international women dedicates themselves to rebuilding French communities near the front lines. Jessie's mission is to establish children's libraries in these war-torn areas, a pioneering effort that involves transforming ambulances into bookmobiles and training French women as librarians. However, her sudden disappearance leaves behind unanswered questions.

In 1987, NYPL librarian Wendy Peterson becomes intrigued by a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives. As she delves deeper into Jessie's story, Wendy uncovers surprising parallels between their lives and embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery surrounding Jessie's disappearance.

Drawing from the little-known history of women who received the Croix de Guerre for their bravery during the war, "Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade" pays tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of literature. Through Jessie's story, Charles highlights the courage it takes to enact change in the face of adversity, resonating across time and inspiring readers to appreciate the enduring impact of acts of bravery and the enduring power of literature. ❤️📚❤️