What do you think?
Rate this book
A Thunderous Whisper
Ani believes she is just an insignificant whisper of a 12-year-old girl in a loud world. This is what her mother tells her anyway. Her father made her feel important, but he's been off fighting in Spain's Civil War, and his voice in her head is fading. Then she meets Mathias. His family has just moved to Guernica and he's as far from a whisper as a 14-year-old boy can be. Ani thinks Mathias is more like lightning. A boy of action. Mathias's father is part of a spy network and soon Ani finds herself helping him deliver messages to other members of the underground. She's actually making a difference in the world.
And then her world explodes. The sleepy little market town of Guernica is destroyed by Nazi bombers. In one afternoon Ani loses her city, her home, her mother. But in helping the other survivors, Ani gains a sense of her own strength. And she and Mathias make plans to fight back in their own unique way.
And then her world explodes. The sleepy little market town of Guernica is destroyed by Nazi bombers. In one afternoon Ani loses her city, her home, her mother. But in helping the other survivors, Ani gains a sense of her own strength. And she and Mathias make plans to fight back in their own unique way.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
33 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Christina Diaz Gonzalez
14 books319 followersChristina Diaz Gonzalez is the Edgar® award-winning author of several books including The Red Umbrella, A Thunderous Whisper, the Moving Target duology, Stormspeaker, Concealed, and two upcoming books, Invisible (a graphic novel available in August 2022) and The Bluest Sky (a historical fiction novel available in September 2022). Her books have received numerous honors including the Florida Book Award, the Nebraska Book Award, and the International Latino Book Award. Her work has also been designated as an American Library Association's Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and as an International Reading Association's Teachers' Choice book. Christina currently lives in Miami, Florida with her husband, sons, and a dog that can open doors. Learn more at www.christinagonzalez.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
dropped
July 31, 2012look at that. isn't that ..?
yes, it is:
it's pan's labyrinth's ofelia played by ivana baquero with a nose job on the book cover!
yes, it is:
it's pan's labyrinth's ofelia played by ivana baquero with a nose job on the book cover!
November 9, 2015
It was amazing. How a friendship that strong survived. I hope Ani and Mathias see each other again. And I only read the book in a day
April 4, 2016
Personal response: This book from the start intrigued me. It kept a firm hold on that throughout the entirety of the book. The relationship between Ani and Mathias captured my interest right from the beginning as it seemed as if there was more to it than just friends at the start. Ani’s school mates attitude towards her surprised me as the only things they ever said to her were teasing or otherwise hurtful. I wasn’t surprised that when Mathias invited Ani to watch a movie that he had an ulterior motive; however, I was not expecting the ulterior motive to be spying.I was surprised when the adults asked the two to assist them by delivering messages by way of sardine deliveries. The air raid did not come as a surprise as soon as Mathias said his family was moving I knew the raid was coming. I did not expect them to send Ani to Britain however I expected Mathias to want to go to Germany to get revenge.
Plot: The beginning of the book starts out with just a normal day for the young girl known as Ani. From there she meets the young boy name Mathias. The two then talk and it results in Ani being invited to a movie by Mathias. From there Mathias then urges her into spying with him on the adults. They then get caught and the adults end up deciding that they could use the two as inconspicuous couriers for them. They then start to deliver secret message under the guise of sardine deliveries. Time goes on and one day Ani hears from Mathias that his family will be moving from the city soon to get away from their enemies. Soon after the city gets attacked by enemy fighters and bombers. In the carnage Ani and Mathias both discover that their parents are dead. The two then go out to the countryside to live with a friend. Time passes again and Ani then sees her father passing through to get to the other front. Ani hears from the old couple that her father has decided to send her to Britain to get away from the war. Mathias then tells Ani that he is going to Germany to get revenge for his parents. Days later the two part on the docks for what could be the last time Ani to Britain and Mathias to Germany.
Characterization: Ani in the beginning was strangely mature for her age yet she did still have some child in her. Ani did still get excited over some things a child should that shows that she still had some child in her. She, however, did steadily lose some of her childlike side very quickly through some events that she encountered. She did not have as severe of a reaction to the bombing as Mathias she still maintained her reasonability afterwards.
Mathias Is a rather immature boy in the beginning as he was quick to return a quip. Mathias also, however, quickly matured during his time with Ani, however, Mathias was still majorily immature. Once the town was bombed he quickly turned into a boy controlled by rage with a strong desire for revenge.
Impacts of Setting: The setting of a small village in the countryside during World War II really seemed to make the story of two kids acting as couriers for spies seem more droll; especially, with the way the kids acted about it. After the town was attacked the carnage really made the story seem more dramatic.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to anyone male or female from the ages of ten to thirty. I say this recommendation because the book seems a bit light for most people above the age of thirty but it has too advanced of emotions for most people younger than ten.
April 26, 2012
Reviewed on blog - 10/22/12
Gonzalez does a great job of describing her setting. Guernica comes to life, especially the area around Ani's favorite tree, the schoolyard, and the beautiful old theater. Ani's character is also carefully written. She slowly comes out of her shell as she learns about herself. She is not suddenly brave and different but events reveal her inner self and we are taken along with her. Mathias, on the other hand, is more of a sketch of a boy with everything spelled out. We know who he is and what to expect from him, no surprises. This doesn't lessen our immersion into A Thunderous Whisper. The focus on the bombing of Guernica, what leads up to it and the aftermath, keeps us reading. A Thunderous Whisper adds a missing element to a study of World War II and would be a welcome addition to literature circle discussion
Gonzalez does a great job of describing her setting. Guernica comes to life, especially the area around Ani's favorite tree, the schoolyard, and the beautiful old theater. Ani's character is also carefully written. She slowly comes out of her shell as she learns about herself. She is not suddenly brave and different but events reveal her inner self and we are taken along with her. Mathias, on the other hand, is more of a sketch of a boy with everything spelled out. We know who he is and what to expect from him, no surprises. This doesn't lessen our immersion into A Thunderous Whisper. The focus on the bombing of Guernica, what leads up to it and the aftermath, keeps us reading. A Thunderous Whisper adds a missing element to a study of World War II and would be a welcome addition to literature circle discussion
January 7, 2013
Historical fiction during a unique time period and setting: Spain during their civil war in the 1930s. A Basque girl and a half Basque/half German boy meet and become friends. Then their small town of Guernica is bombed and both suffer terrible losses. Can they help each other to survive and move on? Based on experiences of the author's relatives. This is one that could easily inspire additional research. It starts off a bit slow, but keep going!
January 4, 2015
A very powerful and interesting book, I found myself clinging to every word until the very end!
Also, the end left me a bit unsatisfied, but I can't help but feel that's the way it's supposed to be...? Mixed feelings??
Also, the end left me a bit unsatisfied, but I can't help but feel that's the way it's supposed to be...? Mixed feelings??
March 31, 2020
I greatly enjoyed this book because it kept me interested the whole time reading it. I would highly recommend this book to many people!
January 31, 2019
A Thunderous Whisper is about a girl named Ani who meets a boy named Mathias. They become best friends, but then their town, Guernica, gets bombed by Nazis and they must deal with the destruction left behind.
One like that I have about the book is the multiple different relationships throughout the book that keep you interested without having too little or too many. The other like that I have is the use of nicknames to show Ani's personal growth throughout the story.
The only dislike that I have of the book is that the bombing was rushed and very anticlimactic with some description, but not a huge description of what was happening.
I would recommend it for people who want a book on friendship, but not for those who want a book on WWII. Overall I think it was a good book, but not a great book.
One like that I have about the book is the multiple different relationships throughout the book that keep you interested without having too little or too many. The other like that I have is the use of nicknames to show Ani's personal growth throughout the story.
The only dislike that I have of the book is that the bombing was rushed and very anticlimactic with some description, but not a huge description of what was happening.
I would recommend it for people who want a book on friendship, but not for those who want a book on WWII. Overall I think it was a good book, but not a great book.
January 8, 2015
The book that I just finished reading was called A Thunderous Whisper. The book is 309 pages long, nonfiction, and its wrote by Christina Diaz Gonzalez. This book is about a girl named Ani and her friends Mathias. Ani has lived in Guernica her whole life, but Mathias just moved there. Ani and her mother are the Sardinia's of town, and that is what Ani is known for. It's just Ani and her mother at home because her father is working in the kitchen at the war. Mathias's parents own the town's movie theater. Ani isn't sure if that's exactly what she wanted to do though. Mathias approached Ani on helping his family with being spies in the World War 2 war. After a letter that Ani's father is going to fight on the front lines, she isn't sure what to do. Not long after there's a bombing on Guernica. Do Mathias and Ani loose the ones they love most? Does Ani get relocated for her safety? Find out when you read the book. The theme of the book is to be brave and never forget that you are special in your own way.
My reaction to the book was very scared, but anxious to read more in the book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves true stories about war.
My reaction to the book was very scared, but anxious to read more in the book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves true stories about war.
August 30, 2021
It was a good book, but one thing I didn't understand was that the author in the summary of the book, says that Mathias and Ani plan to fight back in their own unique ways but WHAT UNIQUE WAYS! But it was a good book. It was just the ending that didn't make sense.
April 30, 2013
a bbook about a gril during the holicast this book dos a nice job shoing teh other side of ww2 my farvet part of the book was wen ani the gril in the book bmets he soon to be best frend maithis.
February 21, 2019
This book is a good example of historical fiction, with the blending of strong dynamic fictional characters into the infamous destruction of Guernica. Although I was personally a little unsatisfied with the ending, but I do not consider this a fault as Ani's character was immensely altered by the end. I would have just loved to see how she embraced her newfound confidence in herself. I was unhappy with this because of the emotional connection, a strength in this book, that I felt with Ani throughout. While easy to read, I feel that because the story was complex enough and since Basque culture was explored, this work is worth a read by adults and it can be entertaining and engaging for them as well.
In terms of classroom application this work works well with strong characters with their own issues and themes/connections to historical events. However, I am unsure if the use of Spanish and the Basque language is a strength or weakness, so probably a mix of both. It is great for students to be exposed to these other languages that help further the strong. At the same time, would this be challenging for students struggling with reading in English, and useless for those who wouldn't bother to look at the terms in the back? This book also portrays a smaller piece in the, larger scale of global conflict at the time and so would supplement the typical World War II narrative well. It is also similar to many other children experiences displaced by the war and so could work well in conjunction with other materials on this topic. Also related to social studies, it brings up the point of young peoples ability to have an impact on large scale events. When discussing history, the large players are so often the only ones discussed, so it is important to connect students to fact that everyday people also lived through and impacted these events. Additionally, that the students have the ability to make a meaningful impact as well. I think the book is a great jumping off point for these topics and other related to the Wars ( Spanish civil and World War II) and Basque Culture. The Spanish Civil War is barely taught and the Basque culture is relatively obscure, so it would be great to bring these less known parts of history/culture into a social studies class.
In terms of classroom application this work works well with strong characters with their own issues and themes/connections to historical events. However, I am unsure if the use of Spanish and the Basque language is a strength or weakness, so probably a mix of both. It is great for students to be exposed to these other languages that help further the strong. At the same time, would this be challenging for students struggling with reading in English, and useless for those who wouldn't bother to look at the terms in the back? This book also portrays a smaller piece in the, larger scale of global conflict at the time and so would supplement the typical World War II narrative well. It is also similar to many other children experiences displaced by the war and so could work well in conjunction with other materials on this topic. Also related to social studies, it brings up the point of young peoples ability to have an impact on large scale events. When discussing history, the large players are so often the only ones discussed, so it is important to connect students to fact that everyday people also lived through and impacted these events. Additionally, that the students have the ability to make a meaningful impact as well. I think the book is a great jumping off point for these topics and other related to the Wars ( Spanish civil and World War II) and Basque Culture. The Spanish Civil War is barely taught and the Basque culture is relatively obscure, so it would be great to bring these less known parts of history/culture into a social studies class.
May 1, 2019
A Thunderous Whisper had me on the edge of my seat for just about the entire read. Despite this being a young children's novel, it is packed with language and themes that a person of any age can relate to and enjoy. What I enjoyed the most about this book was the historical accuracy and detail it presented. From the bombing of Guernica, to boarding the ships to England, I loved the imagery and detail of this book. One thing I would say I disliked about the book was the ending. Yes, many books end with a cliff hanger, but I finished the book and thought to myself "What? That's it?"
I think this book would be a great read for a high school classroom. The one thing that is great about this book, as mentioned before, is the historical accuracy it presents. This particular book would work well in a World Literature course as you could not only discuss the historical elements, but also discuss different themes like perseverance, friendship, and loss. I say that this book would work better in a high school setting because the themes and main ideas can be a little bit tricky to pick up on. The one thing I disliked about this book, from a future teacher's point of view, was the accessibility to understanding the themes. With a lot of discussion in the classroom the themes of this book could be picked up, but I could definitely see how students would struggle trying to identify them while reading. Not to mention, the book offers some pretty sad elements to it, which can be difficult to teach in a classroom setting.
Overall, this is a great book not only for young adult readers, but anyone who is interested in historical fiction. As someone who did not know much about the Spanish Civil War, I was easily able to follow this book and was interested the entire time. Great read.
I think this book would be a great read for a high school classroom. The one thing that is great about this book, as mentioned before, is the historical accuracy it presents. This particular book would work well in a World Literature course as you could not only discuss the historical elements, but also discuss different themes like perseverance, friendship, and loss. I say that this book would work better in a high school setting because the themes and main ideas can be a little bit tricky to pick up on. The one thing I disliked about this book, from a future teacher's point of view, was the accessibility to understanding the themes. With a lot of discussion in the classroom the themes of this book could be picked up, but I could definitely see how students would struggle trying to identify them while reading. Not to mention, the book offers some pretty sad elements to it, which can be difficult to teach in a classroom setting.
Overall, this is a great book not only for young adult readers, but anyone who is interested in historical fiction. As someone who did not know much about the Spanish Civil War, I was easily able to follow this book and was interested the entire time. Great read.
March 26, 2019
A Thunderous Whisper, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, is a simple but very interesting book. Gonzalez usually writes for a younger audience, which makes it a very easy and quick read. She describes the setting with detail, as well as creates the characters in a way that makes them very easy for readers to follow.
The story takes place in the Spanish town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. The main character is Ani, a 12-year-old girl that struggles to make friends and find her place in society. Ani lives with her mother, but their relationship is not healthy. Her dad is out fighting in the war, but he was the only one that Ani got along with. One day, Ani meets Mathias, an electric, direct, and arrogant boy new in town. She unintentionally made a new friend.
A Thunderous Whisper is historical fiction directed to a younger audience, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is historically accurate as well. It keeps the audience hooked throughout the story, thanks to the quickness of the narrative.
The characters are well developed and are in the same situation as many teenagers, trying to find their place and role in society. That makes them very relatable. The story also informs the reader on alternative stories about World War II, as well as Spanish history. I would recommend this book to teenagers looking for a quick, easy, and entertaining read.
The story takes place in the Spanish town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. The main character is Ani, a 12-year-old girl that struggles to make friends and find her place in society. Ani lives with her mother, but their relationship is not healthy. Her dad is out fighting in the war, but he was the only one that Ani got along with. One day, Ani meets Mathias, an electric, direct, and arrogant boy new in town. She unintentionally made a new friend.
A Thunderous Whisper is historical fiction directed to a younger audience, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is historically accurate as well. It keeps the audience hooked throughout the story, thanks to the quickness of the narrative.
The characters are well developed and are in the same situation as many teenagers, trying to find their place and role in society. That makes them very relatable. The story also informs the reader on alternative stories about World War II, as well as Spanish history. I would recommend this book to teenagers looking for a quick, easy, and entertaining read.
October 30, 2017
Finished. The first book of this year that got my interest to read it as soon as I can since I saw it. First of all, I like the cover. It shows an innocent and fragile girl from her appearance, yet if you look at her whole body standing there, she also looks strong. The image of a small town with its narrow street and in black-orange potray the situation that I would see. After I searched for other versions, I know that I run into the best cover version and I totally like it. Second, meeting myself. As soon as I read the synopsis, I found a tiny connection with the main character because we shared the same (alias) name. Well, in my case, Ani is for people who don't know me. But when I read it further, I found other pieces that connect us more. Her thoughts and personality, dream and hope. I like this idea for magic seed of Guernica tree. Third, Mathias. He is lovable and they both cute when they are together. The last line of this book made me sad because of a bad scenario that my head made. Fourth, Ani's ability. I think her ability suits her most and at that time it could give much of an influence. Indeed being an insignificant girl doesn't mean doesn't have influence.
I really enjoy reading this. It feels like reading a story about the other me. In the end, I feel this feeling of envy. Ani speaks Spanish.
I really enjoy reading this. It feels like reading a story about the other me. In the end, I feel this feeling of envy. Ani speaks Spanish.
May 7, 2020
I really enjoyed the book and Christina Diaz Gonzalez did a great job capturing the emotions in each of the scenes. The story follows the protagonist, Ani who lives in the town of Guernica. She is called sardine girl at school because she smells like sardines. Her mom is strict to her and does not often show her love. One day when she goes to her favorite tree after school, she meets Mathias and the adventure goes on from there. What happens to them in the Middle of the book is pretty tragic but the ending is nice. The epilogue is also pretty sweet since it ties up the ending where it all began, at the tree in the field. The name of the book is also pretty clever once you understand the meaning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
This was classed as a YA book but I think it would also be suitable for a younger reader. We follow the Sardine Girl, a nickname given to Ani at school because she smells of the sardines her mother sells. She makes friends with Mathias who uses a walking stick.
The story is about Guernica, a terrible episode in Spain's history. I knew very little about it and it made me want to learn more. The last few pages of the book, after the story ends, is a little bio of the author and her connection to Guernica.
The story is about Guernica, a terrible episode in Spain's history. I knew very little about it and it made me want to learn more. The last few pages of the book, after the story ends, is a little bio of the author and her connection to Guernica.
July 8, 2019
I have a lot of unanswered questions and think this could probably be a series or that the epilogue could have been a few pages longer. A good story directed at middle-school readers that covers a bit of history that usually is only touched on in history classes if at all. The theme of making a difference even in small ways is backed up and well done. You don’t have to be on the front lines of a war to help out, running deliveries or comforting children can be enough.
June 15, 2022
What a fantastic book!
Gripping storyline til the very end - probably has to do with being based on truth.
A talented author helps as well I’m sure.
My only issue is the epilogue - I want more information!!!
Note: I didn’t know about the Glossary at the back until… I was completely done … I know a fair bit of Spanish so I was okay but others may find it helpful (although the author did a great job utilizing context clues to help with translation).
Great book for youth and adults!
Gripping storyline til the very end - probably has to do with being based on truth.
A talented author helps as well I’m sure.
My only issue is the epilogue - I want more information!!!
Note: I didn’t know about the Glossary at the back until… I was completely done … I know a fair bit of Spanish so I was okay but others may find it helpful (although the author did a great job utilizing context clues to help with translation).
Great book for youth and adults!
April 14, 2018
It's surprisingly difficult to find novels about the bombing of Guernica. The author does a great job bringing the setting to life and really makes us care about Ani and the friends she makes as the tension bubbles up, building to the terrible attack. Very immersive historical that will appeal to anyone wanting a glimpse into life during the Spanish Civil War.
August 23, 2019
I loved the friendship between Ani and Matthias and the growth Ani experienced over the course of the book. I didn’t really know anything about the Spanish civil war or the bombing of Guernica before, and this book definitely made me want to learn more. The author’s note lent extra credibility to the narrative. However, the epilogue felt unnecessary.
May 5, 2021
I loved this book and I love how it plays out. The author did an awesome job of making the setting and characters come to life. I was always anticipated and excited to see what was going to happen next. I think this book truly shows what a friendship is about and how much it can go through. Ani and Mathias are both super interesting characters and I loved to watch their friendship develop.
June 23, 2021
This book was emotionally and wonderfully written. I've never cried for sadness and happiness all in one during one singular book. A Thunderous Whisper will forever remain a new favorite of mine. I I started this book in December or maybe before that and fell into a reading slump and just picked it up and finished in January I'm so glad I did finish it.
April 20, 2022
I recommend Christina's book A Thunderous Whisper for people who like war books and for people who want to make a stand. The two main characters in this book are Anextu and Mathias and they stay together to stay alive during the bombing. The reason I gave it 4 stars is that it was a book that didn't slow down much, but they ended up splitting up the two main characters.
May 15, 2023
There are many untold stories of World War 2 but in the book A Thunderous Whisper, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, one of those stories is told. This is the story of two children who became spies to help the nationalist party of Spain, eventually tying into World War 2. This book has a great topic and style. It’s fun to read but frankly, the ending ruins it.
May 12, 2025
Young adult book so I read it fast. Knowing that I would visit Guernica, where the story takes place, I was really interested. When I see Picasso’s painting of Guernica, I will have much to bring to the viewing. A horrible event in Basque history, but the young characters in the book move beyond it. Great book to read before travel there.
November 12, 2025
This is a book I definitely would have loved as a kid. Therefore I recommend it to middle graders.
I found the book enjoyable. This is the first book I read that takes place before world war 2 and in Spain instead of France. Germany, or England.
I would have liked to see a reunion with Ani and Mathias, as well to see their experience throughout ww2.
I found the book enjoyable. This is the first book I read that takes place before world war 2 and in Spain instead of France. Germany, or England.
I would have liked to see a reunion with Ani and Mathias, as well to see their experience throughout ww2.
August 11, 2017
This was a good story of a girl living in a time were war hit close to home. I found the story simple and straight to the point. i did wished for more exploration after the event but I understood this story wasn't that.
Overall 3 out of 5 acorns.
Overall 3 out of 5 acorns.
October 17, 2017
This historical novel will prove to be a treat for both young and older readers. Set during the Spanish Civil War, it follows two friends who make a difference during the toughest of times. This is a powerful and intriguing read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews