Beautiful Blue World Series by Suzanne LaFleur

Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they'll be all right.But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever... moreSofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they'll be all right.But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever.A reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot. less

A war took Mathilde away from her family when she was chosen to serve her country, Sofarende, with other children working on a secret military project.   But now the other children—including her best friend, Megs—have fled to safety, and Mathilde is all alone, determined to complete her mission. In this sequel to Beautiful Blue World, Mathilde must make her way through a new stage of the war... moreA war took Mathilde away from her family when she was chosen to serve her country, Sofarende, with other children working on a secret military project.   But now the other children—including her best friend, Megs—have fled to safety, and Mathilde is all alone, determined to complete her mission. In this sequel to Beautiful Blue World, Mathilde must make her way through a new stage of the war. Haunted by the bold choice she made on the night she chose her country’s future over her own well-being, she clings to the promise Megs made long ago: “Whatever happens, I’ll be with you.” less