The Day the World Stopped Turning

by Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo's The Day the World Stopped Turning is a middle-grade novel about an extraordinary boy who sees the world differently.

In the unique landscape of the Camargue (France) during World War II, Lorenzo lives among the salt flats and the flamingos. There are lots of things he doesn't understand–but he does know how to heal animals, how to talk to them; the flamingos especially. He loves routine, and music too: and every week he goes to market with his mother. It’s there he meets Kezia, a Roma girl, who helps her parents run their carousel–and who shows him how to ride the wooden horse as the music plays.

But then the German soldiers come, with their guns. Everything is threatened, everything is falling apart: the carousel, Kezia and her family, even Lorenzo’s beloved flamingos. Yet there are kind people even among soldiers, and there is always hope. . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, School, World War II, Young Adult, Fiction, Friendship

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2019

About the author

Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.

Reviews

[Naomi Drozdowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I loved the writing style and the way the story came to life through descriptions.

[M.L. Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner: The Day The World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo and @macmillankidsbooks. Releases July 9, 2019.
—————
I LOVE this book! It is so so good! I have never read anything of Michael Morpurgo despite the fact that he’s something of a literary giant. If they’re all like this, I have been missing out.
The Day the World Stopped Turning is a slow read but not for one second boring. With a fine-tuned voice and advanced vocabulary, Morpurgo brings us to the world of 1940 France, a bustling market square, a hand-carved carousal, and the intense friendship between a Romani girl and an autistic boy. As German soldiers invade their lives, both Lorenzo and Kezia find themselves on the list of the hunted, and their isolated farm may not be enough to hide them.
The Day the World Stopped Turning juxtaposes two generations by having a much-older Kezia tell us the story, but the back-and-forth never gets confusing and is never hard to read. The story braids tension with love and beauty to create a story that grips you.
On July 9 you can read this one for yourself! Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy—all opinions are my own.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo, 284 pages. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2019. $17.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A teen named Vincent finds himself in a small town in southern France, where he meets two people, who have been lifelong friends, who share their experiences during World War II. The war story of Kezia, a young Roma girl, and Lorenzo, a special boy, is shared with Vincent. Kezia’s parents ran a carousel in town that Lorenzo and his family would often visit. When a storm destroyed the carousel, around the same time German soldiers came to their small town, Lorenzo’s family hides Kezia’s Roma family.

I loved the story of Kezia and Lorenzo, but it was a bit confusing to have the story told to Vincent. I was never sure what Vincent added to the book. I think the setting of Camargue, France with the flamingos was portrayed so well and I loved the minor characters (a German soldier, Kezia and Lorenzo’s parents) as much as Kezia and Lorenzo. I had never imagined what it would be like for Roma families during World War II, so I enjoyed this historical fiction.

Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Hadassah Buie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required reading for school, and I was pleasantly surprised with the story. One of the most prominent figures in this story is a boy named Lorenzo, or Renzo as he calls himself, who has autism. I went into this book assuming that they just wrote the story wanting to represent someone with autism and wouldn't be too terribly concerned with the actual plot. I was proven wrong! The plot keeps up a good pace with a beautiful, sad, and hopeful story woven throughout. I immediately fell in love with Kezia and Lorenzo, their friendship was so sweet. I also have a greater appreciation for flamingos after reading this! Recommended reading for ages 12 on up.

[Brighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really sure what the point of Vincent’s inclusion was, but the rest of the book was good. Most of the last chapter was weak though.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, as per usual Morpurgo. I always enjoy learning the back story. In this case, Morpurgo's grandson has autism and he wanted a story reflecting that experience in the character of Lorenzo. This WWII story of survival in occupied France depends on the kindness of individuals, seeing themselves in each other's stories, acting on their convictions. Not the least part of this story is the remarkable and historical presence of the flamingos.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into the style of writing. :(

[Kate Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner

Thank you to the #kidlitexchange network and the publisher for the advance copy of The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo. On sale July 9, 2019.

I love almost any historical fiction book set during WWII and this book is no exception. The Day the World Stopped Turning is set in 1940s France in the Camargue region. Vincent is 18 and has just finished his exams and had a near-death experience that led him to follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh and to travel to France. Vincent ends up collapsing in the marshes of Camargue and is rescued by a man named Lorenzo and his dog. He is nursed back to health by Lorenzo's companion, Kezia. As Vincent heals, Kezia tells him her story of how she came to know and live with Lorenzo. Kezia is Roma and was tormented for this. Lorenzo is autistic and was also mocked for this. When the war came to their town, their lives drastically changed. It is this story that Vincent learns.

This is a story of friendship, loss, and hope. I loved the description and that it was set in a region and situation outside of the main action of WWII. I also like that it showed aspects that aren't always depicted in WWII or Holocaust historical fiction. Specifically, this book focuses on the Roma population and their treatment during the war and individuals with disabilities. The relationship between Lorenzo and the animals in the books, mainly flamingos, was also heartwarming. The story unfolds slowly, but the narrative is engaging and pulls the reader in. This is book includes important messages about friendship, trust, and never giving up hope. I think this book will make a great addition to any classroom or school library, and I will be adding it to my list of recommended historical fiction books for my students.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many books written by Michael Morpurgo, and he never lets me down with his storytelling talents. Often, his stories feature war and unsung heroes that are fairly ordinary individuals. In this particular book, he tells the tale of Lorenzo whose fondness for flamingos and connection to animals makes him a healer even while it is difficult for others to understand him. Lorenzo and Kezia, a Roma descendant, live together in the salt flats of Camargue in the south of France when Vincent, a young man in search of adventure, falls ill, and Lorenzo rescues him. Lorenzo and Kezia nurse him back to health, and while he heals, she relates their background stories and how they came to live together. The story winds back in time to Kezia's parents arrival in town with their carousel, the destruction of the carousel due to a storm, and how it was eventually rebuilt. Even though the Germans arrive and take over the village, there is one kindhearted officer who helps with the rebuilding and protects the families of Lorenzo and Kezia. While this gently-told story might not be for everyone because of its slow pace and description, it was right up my alley. I love stories with unexpected heroes and compassionate actions that are just as unexpected. When Kezia relates her life story, she provides many details for parts but next to none for others, which is often the case for storytellers as certain events assume much more significance than others. Although readers never learn what makes Lorenzo so different from others, they come to realize that he has been blessed with incredible gifts. I got such a kick out of his fondness for King Arthur.

[Sydney Witbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It seemed like an easy read so I picked it up casually. However this story goes deeper than that. Set during WW2, it follows the story of a young Roma (gypsy) girl named Kezia who befriends an autistic French boy named Lorenzo.

It is truly "the people who don't fit in who change the world." This is a message that rings true and is portrayed in a simple yet profoundly moving way.

BOOKISH YAYS! ❤️

*Lorenzo! He was one of my favorite characters in this book. He does not allow his differences to hold him back and always stands up for what he sees is right. His friendship with Kezia was so sweet and tugged at my heart the whole time I read it. It grows from a simple interaction to Kezia helping look out for Renzo to him protecting her when the Germans come.

*The interactions with animals - especially the flamingos. Lorenzo loves flamingos and they play a central role in the story.

*The strong role of children's imagination. Lorenzo and Kezia both love King Arthur and together they have a place near the house called "Camelot" where they reenact the stories Lorenzo's mother reads them.

*One of the German soldiers (no spoilers) who goes against orders to warn Kezia's family

*THE ENDING! I almost began tearing up, it is lovely.

*The carousel that becomes the heart of the village during the war in more ways than one.

BOOKISH OKAYS:

*Kezia does have a stubborn streak which leads to her arguing back in a few scenes and not wanting to follow authority.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this story and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of historical fiction and characters who don't fit the world's "conventional mold." ❤️❤️

[J Mccarragher · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner “Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the
review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.”

Love this book! While I read and love most anything WWII and Holocaust-related, The Day the World Stopped Turning is like no other. Told from Kezia's perspective, it tells the story of an autistic boy, Lorenzo, whose family embraces Kezia's Roma (gypsy) family, both of whom are subject to ridicule and discrimination because they are different. How the two families weave the fabric of their stories is masterfully done by the author, Michael Morpurgo.

The story begins when Vincent, intrigued by a painting done by a more famous Vincent, decides to chart his own course and “follow the bend in the road wherever it takes you”.
Traveling to the South of France to the area of Camague after finishing his exams, Vincent becomes mysteriously ill, is found by Lorenzo, and nursed back to health under Kezia and Lorenzo. It is through Kezia’s storytelling that we learn the back story.

Things to love about this story: its tenderness, Zia’s and Renzo’s unspoken understanding of each other, autism, the carousel, Caporal Willi Brenner, the flamingos, Camelot, Nancy and Henri, Maman and Papa, the animals, Madame Salomon, and the tenacity of the human spirit. In case you haven’t guessed, I truly LOVED everything about it! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Mimi Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo is a great example of how different people were affected during World War Two and the Holocaust. After Vincent finds an artifact making him curious about his ancestors and where he came from, he then travels across Germany to find the secrets of his ancestors. However, when Vincent becomes very sick from traveling with little resources, he is taken in by a gypsy woman and a mentally ill man who cares for him. The rest of the story is filled with the gypsy woman telling Vincent about her past and life during the Holocaust. Vincent then learns that because these people were considered "different," their lives were affected greatly by the war. It was not unheard of during the Holocaust to separate people from their homes and families and take them to concentration camps because they were seen as "different," but this idea of "the survival of the fittest" really comes into perspective in this novel from the relatability of the characters. This book made me more interested in learning about the groups of people who fell victim to the Holocaust and who was considered "different" to the point where some thought they had no right to live.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical and atmospheric story of 2 families set in the Camargue area of southern France during WWII.

The story's structure uses a framework of another teen falling ill while walking the Camargue and being rescued by the now adult children of the 2 families. As Vincent heals he learns the story and tells it to the readers. It is slightly distancing but I settled into it easily and I think the frame provides a sense of the timeless feel of the location and the universal themes of the story that in turn drive humanity.

The power of love and family, kindness, respect and tolerance - forces that are themselves timeless - and the ability of these things to overcome evil in time are all beautifully explored here. I loved the uniting element of the carousel and the way Morpurgo provided the back matter of the history so seamlessly and in such an authentically child-centered way.

Then there is the setting! I have traveled in the Camargue and this unique place truly come alive here. I was mesmerized by this book and truly moved by the story and the people so tenderly depicted.

This is not for every kid but rather for a patient mature reader willing to take on something different

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vincent, named after van Gogh, is 18, had finished his finals exams and starts on a journey to find where the original Vincent painted one of his most famous pictures. In the area of the Camargue (France), Vincent meets Kezia and Lorenzo, who are the focus of the story.

Lorenzo, who is "odd" (today we would know that he is autistic) does not speak very much. However, he has a real communion with animals, especially flamingoes. Kezia is his Roma friend.

Their lives change very dramatically when German soldiers occupy Vichy France.

I really liked this story, but I'm not sure that many middle school readers would have the patience to work through it.  Many themes are running through it; I think it would be a good book study so that there would be time to discuss and digest the nuances of the story.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kezia, a Roma woman, tells the story of how she and her friend Lorenzo survived World War II to a British teenager who is sharing the story with readers as an older man. Lorenzo has limited speech and a fascination with animals – he is fascinated with the carousel that Kezia and her parents operate in small towns across southern France. When the Germans arrive to occupy the town everyone tries to live normally, but Kezia’s family is forced into hiding. They are sheltered on Lorenzo’s family farm until betrayed by other townspeople. Kezia’s parents are sent to a concentration camp and do not return. Morpugo has written many compelling WWII stores and this one will please his readers. The Roma are sometimes forgotten as victims of the Holocaust – Kezia’s story should resonate with readers. The addition of the British narrator is not strictly necessary.

[Deanna Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

2019

WW2, family, friendship, flamingos (the 3 F's)

Family's and communities can look very different--there isn't one way that a family looks like. In this story two families live together on a farm, hiding away the Nazi's that have invaded their country, France. One family is Roma (gypsies) and they are considered "different" and not "normal." The other family has a son, Lorenzo, who is "different," (possibly aspergers) and he is blamed for mishaps in the community.

My favorite thing about this novel is that there is a story within the story. The narrator, Kezia, is telling their amazing family story to a visitor to their home and it is a powerful story--I couldn't wait to go to bed at night so that I could keep reading.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a required book to read with the World Geography curriculum of Not-grass History. My 9th grade son (14) is currently using this curriculum for his 9th grade history course. This course includes literature and this book is used for that portion. One of my goals was to read all of the required reading before my son did so that I could talk to him about each book.

I thought this was a cute book. It deals with the theme of World War 2 but in such a different and unique perspective. It still shows the prejudice the Germans had but in a different way. I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Also, it is a story about a boy with special needs and the special friendship and bond he had with not only his parents but a friend who comes into his life. It is a precious story of the gift of life. I really enjoyed this story and I will enjoy talking to my son about this book after he reads it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of war books. This one is about civilians in WWII. It tells the story of a gypsy family with a carousel that settles in a small town and the people that befriended and sheltered them. Not many books address the fact that gypsies were also targeted by the Nazis as this one does. This book is full of wonderful characters and a great sense of place. I was truly captivated and transported. It is not a child but a much older boy travelling on his own to whom the story is told. This young man falls ill and hears this tale during his recovery shared by an old silver haired woman looking back on her childhood. Another stunning work by Michael Morpurgo. Highly recommended.

[Summer Beecher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this with my 10 year old son and he enjoyed it for a while but eventually lost interest. It wasn’t the exciting war story he was hoping for, but I really enjoyed a very human look at how the war affected these two families, one of whom had a son who seemed to have autism. The other family were gypsies and I loved the way the author depicted the friendship that developed between these two unlikely pals. I also appreciated the portrayal of the German leader as a man with feelings and a conscience, not just a heartless villain.

[Brett Maragni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m trying to read more of the books that my kids are reading for school. This is one.

A young man named Vincent sets out from England to journey to the southern part of France, intent on seeing the places where Vincent Van Gogh lived and painted so many of his works, particularly the beach and boat scene on the painting that hung over his bead as a child. Instead he discovers an older couple living on a farm that nurse him back to health (they discovered him laying in the road, unconscious. His stay with them changed his life.

[Jill Ramig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story of Lorenzo, an autistic boy with an amazing ability to care for and heal animals as well as see the good in people. Told by Kezia a gypsy girl who loves the carousel her parents made and becomes a part of Lorenzo's family. When World War II comes and German soldiers threaten their French village it becomes harder to see the good in the world. Lorenzo is the one to show them the way.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book way too much! It’s literally my favorite book of all time now. It’s so inspiring and incredibly written. I have nothing bad to say about it. Lorenzo is one of the main characters and I’m pretty sure he is Autistic, the author never says but I can tell becuase my little brother is also autistic so this truly helped me so much just to understand my little brother more! I can’t believe how amazing this book is. The author is phenomenal! I absolutely recommend reading this.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another heartfelt story with such deep tenderness in a time of great sorrow during World War II.

Michael Morpurgo is one of my treasured authors, all of his stories are profound.

In a time of darkness many beautiful friendships are built and remained steadfast.

Do not be put off with this being classed as a junior read. I have no idea why they do this or in the future perhaps display it as an open age category.

Kindness is out there and this book holds many verses of that.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely extraordinary story with beautiful writing, characters I fell in love with, and themes of love, loss, family, war, discrimination, and acts of kindness during the atrocities of war. This is a must read and a solid historical fiction addition to middle grade books about WWII. Loved this book!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (I agree with what others have said) is mesmerizing! Michael Morpurgo, the author of War Horse, tells another war story in the south of France during WWII. It is about love and acceptance of those with differences whether it be with a gypsy family, a German soldier or a child/man on the spectrum (with autism). I highly recommend this book. It may be a deep read for young preteens.

[Cam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book definitely has some good examples of figurative language and flowery writing, I was unimpressed as it was hard to make shape of this story and recognize a clear plot and theme. While reading this book we were doing book circles in english class this past year and I often had to improvise and say that "I don't know what's happening."

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lorenzo, who seems autistic by a family who runs a carousel in France at the start of world war 2. He is good with animals and fascinated by flamingos. This was a pretty good take on historical fiction for children. I especially liked the theme of there being some good in all people. Even a wartime enemy.

[Christen DiGerlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, quiet story of WWII for middle grade readers. This story was unique as it focuses on a gypsy family and another family who has a boy with a mental disability. This is also a gentle account of WWII and would be a perfect option for more sensitive readers.

[Jan Raspen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story did not excite me at all. It was a quick read but not compelling.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
This was an interesting perspective in WWII. I liked the story but didn’t love the story within a story format.