It was interesting to read this while also listening to "Okay for Now" on my commute - both feature the day-to-day life of boys in the 20th century, talk about war, are funny and bittersweet, and have yellow and blue covers with hidden faces.Since I read this after the Newbery was awarded, my expectations were pretty high. I thought it was funny, for sure, and it had some great moments. But there was something about the denouement that didn't seem quite right - maybe too ridiculous when everything else was still somewhat realistic?? I did like how the importance of history was conveyed.