Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies 2019 List
Lectio Book Award List for 2019-2020 (Texas)
Maine Student Book Award Nominee 2019-2020
Sequoyah Intermediate Book Award Nominee 2020 (Oklahoma State Award)
Childrens Book Review Best Kids Novels 2018
Midwest Booksellers Choice Awards Finalist
“This heart-tugging story is told entirely in letters, mostly between the loquacious Reenie and her elderly customer, hers in faux hand printing on lined-paper backgrounds and his typed. These letters demonstrate their growing friendship as well as Reenie’s developing activism and increasing understanding of what nonviolence really entails. Moving and thought-provoking.” —Kirkus Review
“In this Vietnam-era epistolary novel, O’Connor (Sparrow Road) introduces a sweet and unexpected intergenerational friendship. . . . The close-up on the remarkable relationship between Reenie and Mr. Marsworth shines here, as do the larger historical insights and the book’s resonant themes of pacifism and patriotism.” —Publishers Weekly
“…beautifully rendered through letters between an intrepid 11-year-old and an elderly pacifist. This is sweet story about a girl trying to save her brother from the draft. But it is also a significant historical tale about war, bullies, peace, friendship and family…. The intrigue comes together in an ending that deftly connects the dots and arouses both sympathy and joy for these very fine characters.” —StarTribune
“…weighty subject matter emerges in this tale told entirely through the correspondence between Reenie and Mr. Marsworth. O’Connor poses a question about pacifism in this novel: is it a lofty opposition to war or can it be practiced in daily life…” —VOYA
“This historical novel doesn’t shy away from hard truths about war and life, so keep a Kleenex box handy as you read it. . . . An excellent choice for a class read-aloud or literature circle selection to discuss the ramifications of war and the price that is paid for it.” School Library Journal; Recommended.
“Set during the summer of 1968, a profound relationship develops between Mr. Marsworth, an elderly recluse (and draft dodger). . . . There are numerous threads to this story, stunning secrets revealed, and various perspectives on the Vietnam War represented. All of the characters are well-drawn, distinct, and memorable, plus there are very provocative, discussion-worthy themes.” —Mark Adam, Mrs. Nelson’s Book Fair Company, Pomona, CA
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT SHEILA? OR, DOING A REPORT ON UNTIL TOMORROW, MR. MARSWORTH? CHECK OUT THESE INTERVIEWS.
On Penpals and Protests: Barnes and Noble Interview with Sheila O'Connor
My Writing and Reading Life: Children’s Book Review Interview with Sheila O’Connor
