H.M. Bouwman's 'Scattergood' explores resilience in wartime Iowa

A poignant tale of a young girl’s journey during World War II.

Illustration by Ilbusca

By Novanka Laras and Adelina Indah

Scattergood, by H. M. Bouwman

H.M. Bouwman’s Scattergood is a heartfelt coming-of-age novel set in the summer of 1941, a pivotal moment in American history as the United States stands on the brink of World War II. For nearly 13-year-old Peggy Mott, however, the distant war feels less pressing than the challenges she faces in her small Iowa farm town. Her parents are grappling with the uncertainty of their crops' yield, her friendship with longtime companion Joe is shifting in ways she doesn’t understand, and her cousin and best friend, Delia, is battling a mysterious illness called leukemia—a term and condition Peggy barely comprehends.

Peggy, a budding mathematician, yearns for the clarity and logic of the equations in her textbook, but life in Scattergood is far from straightforward. This wise and tender novel for readers ages 10 and up immerses us in Peggy’s world as she encounters new challenges, learns about resilience, and builds connections with a community of Jewish refugees at Scattergood, a former Quaker boarding school turned safe haven.

Bouwman grounds her narrative in history by incorporating real-life details about Scattergood. Between 1939 and 1943, the Iowa school housed Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Europe, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives. In the novel, Peggy befriends several fictionalized residents, including the Professor, a cantankerous history teacher and master storyteller whose family has been captured by the Nazis. Despite his gruff demeanor, the Professor and Peggy form a bond over chess and their shared quests: the Professor’s desperate search for his family and Peggy’s equally heartfelt mission to find a cure for Delia’s illness.

Through these relationships, Bouwman paints a vivid picture of how small-town America intersected with the global realities of World War II. Scattergood becomes a microcosm where themes of war, displacement, and survival play out against the backdrop of Peggy’s personal growth.

While the novel is rooted in Peggy’s daily life, Scattergood raises profound questions about faith, fate, illness, and war. Bouwman’s storytelling avoids moralizing, offering readers an authentic exploration of life’s complexities. The characters grapple with unanswerable questions, reflecting the uncertainties of a world in turmoil.

Peggy’s no-nonsense personality makes her an engaging protagonist. She’s self-aware, acknowledging her own flaws while remaining steadfast in her commitment to helping Delia. Her determination, though sometimes bordering on single-mindedness, underscores her loyalty and courage. As she navigates the challenges of her evolving friendships and the new reality of her connection with the Scattergood residents, Peggy comes to a deeper understanding of life’s uncertainties.

One of the novel’s central themes emerges through these interactions: how to support and accompany others in the face of life’s inevitable tragedies. Whether confronting Delia’s illness or the refugees’ traumatic histories, Peggy learns that sometimes, the most meaningful response is simply being present for those in need.

Bouwman’s depiction of resilience is both poignant and understated. The residents of Scattergood, despite their harrowing pasts, find ways to rebuild their lives and support one another. Their creative pursuits, conversations, and quiet acts of defiance against despair serve as subtle reminders of the human spirit’s capacity for hope.

The Professor, in particular, embodies this resilience. His love of storytelling and chess offers both a distraction and a connection to the past, while his mentorship of Peggy reflects his desire to pass on wisdom and strength to the next generation. Peggy, in turn, learns that resilience doesn’t always mean finding answers—it often lies in accepting the unknown and moving forward anyway.

Peggy Mott’s character stands out as a richly drawn and relatable protagonist. Her love of math serves as a metaphor for her longing for order and predictability in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Bouwman skillfully captures Peggy’s inner conflict as she struggles to reconcile her logical, problem-solving nature with the emotional and unpredictable realities of life.

At the same time, Peggy’s growth is marked by her ability to step outside her comfort zone. Her relationships with the Scattergood residents challenge her assumptions and broaden her understanding of the world. Through these experiences, Peggy discovers that even in the face of loss and uncertainty, connection and compassion can provide a sense of purpose and meaning.

Although Scattergood is set in the 1940s, its themes resonate with contemporary readers. The novel’s exploration of resilience, empathy, and the importance of community offers valuable lessons for young readers navigating their own challenges. Bouwman’s nuanced approach ensures that these lessons feel organic rather than didactic, allowing readers to engage with the story on their own terms.

The historical context adds depth and richness to the narrative, providing a window into a lesser-known aspect of American history. By highlighting Scattergood’s role as a refuge for Jewish immigrants, Bouwman honors the real-life efforts of those who offered hope and sanctuary during one of history’s darkest periods.

H.M. Bouwman’s Scattergood is a beautifully crafted novel that weaves together history, personal growth, and the enduring power of human connection. Through Peggy’s journey, readers are invited to explore life’s big questions and reflect on their own capacity for resilience and empathy.

With its engaging protagonist, historical depth, and timeless themes, Scattergood is a standout work of middle-grade fiction that will resonate with readers of all ages. Whether navigating the uncertainties of war, illness, or personal growth, Peggy’s story reminds us that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, we can find strength in our connections with others.

For young readers and adults alike, Scattergood offers a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of hope, compassion, and community.