Along with penetrating insights into the feelings of those who went to fight, stayed behind or just became victims of circumstance, Gold supplies enough historical background to give readers an understanding of the complex events and rationales that drove each war. A memorable debut, both timely and universal in its themes
Kirkus Reviews
Soldier Doll is an excellent book that will draw young readers into stories of the past without even noticing they're learning about history. (Starred Review)
Quill & Quire
Well-researched...virtually cinematic. Superb writing...amazingly unbiased portrayal of recent wartime tragedies in our civilization.
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Gold has developed an amazingly unbiased portrayal of recent wartime tragedies in our civilization. Teachers, librarians, and parents are encouraged to share this timely and inspiring novel with mature children and all young adults as we reflect on the 100th anniversary of World War I.
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Gold’s gentle prose and well-defined characters from each era make the complicated plot easy to navigate... An uplifting story of high interest to historical fiction fans.
Booklist
Jennifer Gold is very astute in using the doll as the focus for discussions of life and death, war and peace, and responsibility and honour.
CanLit for Little Canadians
The ambience of the historical periods, the character’s mannerisms and attitudes from the past – I stepped into those worlds and really tasted how unfair war is. As a debut novel this one is a wonderful accomplishment and I look forward to whatever Gold comes out with next.
The Book Wars blog
Soldier Doll is an insightful and compassionate contemplation about war that wisely does not preach or take sides, but allows each of the characters, in their unique historical settings, to speak for themselves.
AJL Reviews
As readers are drawn into the story and the well-developed characters, they will gain an understanding of the pain caused by war and will be prompted to consider complex ideas of conflict resolution and justice.
Resource Links
[Jennifer Gold] manages to maintain a note of hopefulness and uplift.... Undoubtedly, it will provoke thoughtful discussion.
Jewish Book World
While the war action is restrained, [Soldier Doll] still captures life on the battlefields and the heartaches and joys of the various people who interacted with the doll down the years…. I dove into the mystery and loved watching Gold weave the different stories together into a complete whole.
Kiss the Book blog
[Soldier Doll] is a unique book and an interesting read....Recommended for high school and mature middle school students.
Kutztown University Book Review
Gold artfully weaves together relevant snapshots of past wars in Europe and Vietnam with more recent conflicts as she traces the doll’s journey… Genuine and plausible historical connections to the soldier doll coupled with a highly engaging writing style make for a compelling narrative.
Professionally Speaking
