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goodem9199's review against another edition
3.0
A super important story, but I'm just not sure who I would give it to. Seems above the elementary crowd, but the young age of the main character may put off older readers.
gmamartha's review against another edition
3.0
Gives a picture of the typical youth's thought process during Stalin's regime. Hard for our kids to accept as true, as it is so far removed.
misspippireads's review against another edition
5.0
Themes: Soviet Union, Communism, family, history (1925-1953)
Characters: Sasha Zaichik, Dad Zaichik, neighbor Stukachov, Vovka Sobakin, Borka "Four-Eyes" Finkelstein, teacher Nina Petrovna
Yelchin shares a glimpse of life in the Soviet Union under the rule of Comrade Stalin. Sasha wants to a Young Pioneer and show his alligence to the wonderful leader of their land. In comparison, adults live in fear. Who will be arrested next? Who will be accused of being a Wrecker? Many individuals go to Lubyanka, but none if any leave alive.
The author shares a short note at the end of his novel. His fictional tale holds many truths of how he grew up before leaving for America. He concludes his tale by explaining, "I set this story in the past, but the main issue is it transcends time and place. To this day, there are places in the world where innocent people face persecution and death for making a choice about what they believe to be right."
Reviewed from a library copy.
Characters: Sasha Zaichik, Dad Zaichik, neighbor Stukachov, Vovka Sobakin, Borka "Four-Eyes" Finkelstein, teacher Nina Petrovna
Yelchin shares a glimpse of life in the Soviet Union under the rule of Comrade Stalin. Sasha wants to a Young Pioneer and show his alligence to the wonderful leader of their land. In comparison, adults live in fear. Who will be arrested next? Who will be accused of being a Wrecker? Many individuals go to Lubyanka, but none if any leave alive.
The author shares a short note at the end of his novel. His fictional tale holds many truths of how he grew up before leaving for America. He concludes his tale by explaining, "I set this story in the past, but the main issue is it transcends time and place. To this day, there are places in the world where innocent people face persecution and death for making a choice about what they believe to be right."
Reviewed from a library copy.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
5.0
Honor Book 2012
This book opens with a child writing a letter to Comrade Stalin, thanking him for making life so wonderful for the people of Russia. In the two short days of this story, Sasha finds out just how difficult life actually is in Stalinist Russia, and his life is changed forever. It is heartbreaking, yet hopeful, and a quick and fascinating read.
This book opens with a child writing a letter to Comrade Stalin, thanking him for making life so wonderful for the people of Russia. In the two short days of this story, Sasha finds out just how difficult life actually is in Stalinist Russia, and his life is changed forever. It is heartbreaking, yet hopeful, and a quick and fascinating read.
thebrainlair's review against another edition
3.0
Having a hard time with this one. Think it should be teen alongside Between Shades of Grey and Second Fiddle. Deceptively child-like drawings will pull in kids but the story is harsh and will need some adult or classroom discussion. I give it a 3.5
megangraff's review against another edition
3.0
I think it could be tricky for students unless they have some background on Stalinist Russia.
jennymock's review against another edition
4.0
This is a well written novel and the illustrations enhance the story. It is marketed as a middle grade book (6-8 grade), but I feel it is better suited to fifth grade at the most.
alboyer6's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure what rating to give this book. On the surface, it is a fairly simple and simply written book but it also a heartbreaking tale of a boy slowly becoming disillusioned with the leader he idolizes and the government he represents. As an adult reading this book, I have a certain level of history that fills in pieces not stated in the book. I have previous knowledge of the USSR and of Stalin's atrocities that is hard to set aside when trying to read as a kid would read this book. It is a very quick read that paints a picture of a moment in time during Stalin's rule. It will generate discussion among those who have read it but it won't be flying on anyone's shelves anytime soon. I think I will give it three stars for now...