✼ We may earn an affiliate commission if you make a purchase through links on our site.
Last updated on March 28, 2025
Trajectory by Cambria Gordon is a unique YA historical fiction novel that you won’t be able to put down. This engaging book about WWII is a coming of age story with an interesting main character and a plot that will intrigue those interested in learning more about the role women played during the war. The theme of family is also prevalent throughout the novel, making it a must-read for those who enjoy reading books that give a glimpse of the past.
Title: TrajectoryAuthor: Cambria Gordon
Publisher: Scholastic
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Rating:
The stirring and dramatic story of one young woman who must find a way to overcome her deepest fears in order to unlock the secret that will help America and the Allies to victory as World War II rages on.
Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is nothing like her hero Eleanor Roosevelt. She is timid and all together uncertain that she has much to offer the world. And as World War II rages overseas, Eleanor is consumed with worry for her Jewish relatives in Europe. When a chance encounter proves her to be a one-in-a-generation math whiz--a fact she has worked hard all her life to hide--Eleanor gets recruited by the US Army and entrusted with the ultimate to fine-tune a top-secret weapon that will help America defeat its enemies in World War II and secure the world’s freedom. This could be her chance to help save her family in Poland.
Soon, she’s swept from the basement of an Ivy League engineering school, to the desert of California, to an Army Air Corps base at Pearl Harbor, and finally she takes to the skies above the South Pacific.
But before she can solve this complicated problem, she must learn to unlock a bigger herself.
Critically acclaimed author of The Poetry of Secrets, Cambria Gordon weaves an extraordinary story of remarkable courage and the will to unearth our deepest secrets, based on previously undiscovered true events.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Trajectory by Cambria Gordon
Eleanor is a 17-year-old girl who has been tasked with helping the US army to assist with a top secret mission using her skills in math. As she seeks to solve math equations, she learns more about herself in the process. While her character is enjoyable to read about, she is a bit immature for her age, which makes the story more on par with younger YA readers.
❀ Perfect for the Classroom
The involvement of women during WWII is a fascinating aspect to the story and there are lots of historical elements in the book that make it perfect for the classroom. It is eye-opening to read about the triumphs and struggles that women faced during the 1940s and the Second World War. Eleanor is definitely a character that demonstrates the sacrifices and courage of women during this time.
❀ Strong Family Theme
Another theme that runs throughout the novel is family. Eleanor spends much of the book dealing with the grief she feels for her father’s stroke. She has a strong connection with her family and she must learn how to cope as well as find her way.
❀ A Must-Read for Historical Fiction Fans
Trajectory by Cambria Gordon is a perfect feminist historical fiction novel for a younger YA audience. The story makes many intriguing connections to the role of women during WWII and will entertain those who enjoy the genre. This is a must-read for historical fiction fans.
About Cambria Gordon
Cambria Gordon is the author of The Poetry of Secrets, which Ruta Sepetys called an "epic, poetic journey," and coauthor of the award-winning The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming, winner of the National Green Earth Book Award. Cambria has written for Los Angeles Times Magazine, Boys' Life, Parent Guide News, and The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles. She lives in LA with her husband and youngest son, and as close as possible to her two adult children, without annoying them.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
Great review, Lori! This seems like a great read, although probably not for me personally since I don’t vibe with YA as much anymore but I’m glad this book is out there for the YA crowd.
Sounds good. I enjoy reading stories that take place in this era.
Ive really gotten into historical fiction recently – this sounds like something I would really enjoy reading
This one sounds really good! I already had it on my order for next year’s book budget for my library. Glad to hear it will be a worthwhile purchase. Great review!
Great excerpt; I need to read more historical fiction books. 🙂
intriguing
Thank you for your review. I’m not too much into historical fiction books but this one actually sounds fun.
Lovely cover
This looks outstanding. Thanks for sharing and hosting this tour.
I love the cover! It sets the stage for the book!
Great cover
Looks like I’m adding this to the tbr. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good. I like the summary of the book.
The book sounds very intriguing. Great cover!
I enjoyed reading this review sound like a great YA book.