Alias Anna by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson interior and map art by Balbusso Twins*

 A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis

After Mr. Dawson's daughter Aimee wrote her grandmother a letter requesting her to tell her about life when she was thirteen for a school project, for the first time Mr. Dawson learned about his Jewish mother's extraordinary escape from the Nazi rule in Ukraine. Musically brillant, Zhanna and her sister Frina, assume alias names and play out the war years as pianist entertainers for Nazi miliary leaders and soldiers. The girls' grit is astounding. God is not mentioned (in the afterword it is mentioned the family was secular) but their miraculous survival only points to Him. While I read this novel, I listened to Chopin's Fantaisie-Impromptu, sheet music Zhanna kept with her during the years of "hiding" in plain sight.

 Told in verse interspersed with direct quotes from Zhanna. A lot of background information is available in the back, including lists of pieces the girls played, identification of poetry utilized, and field trip ideas.

*Highly recommend for junior high and older.

-Borrowed from the library.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys-graphic novel adapted by Andrew Donkin art by Dave Kopka Color by Brann Livesay*

 When I went to the library to pick up Ruta Sepetys's novel, I Will Betray You, my library was displaying this new graphic novel version of her novel, Between Shades of Gray. I decided to borrow it. 

I don't know if I could handle reading the full-length version of this book. 

This account relates the Soviet's invasion of Lithuania and deporting thousands of Lituanians to Siberia. Lina, her brother Jonas, and their mother manage to remain together and endure brutal treatment and conditions. Through it all Lina writes and draws about the torturous, horrific years. 

Not for the sensitive reader. My mind could not comprehend how human beings could be this cruel or how anyone could survive this treatment.

Labeled "young adult" but see my warnings.

*Highly recommend for adults.

Warnings: the idea and hint of prostitution, graphic torture and abuse, death, a baby dies and is dumped through the hole in a train car, the women need to strip down to shower (nothing is shown), a guard/agent fondles Lina's breast, numerous times the guards look at the women inappropriately, mentions men "getting between your legs".

Catch You Later, Traitor by Avi

Pete, a seventh grader at the beginning of this story, loves detective stories and radio broadcasts.  He never imagines that he would put his knowledge to use but when his father is accused of being a "Commie", Pete launches a full investigation into his family tree.
Avi does a superb job revealing what life was like living during "The Red Scare" in the 1950s.  The story is very exciting, well written and thoroughly researched.
*Borrowed from a teacher.
Points to discuss/warning: Pete's dad joined the Communist party as a teenage and attended only one meeting.  Later in the book he declares himself a "socialist" which he claims is different than being a Communist.  Pete's uncle Chris is a Communist and declares that his sole goal for "the Party" is to convince Americans to join the Communist Party.  At points in the story family members are cruel to each other (the extended family).  Background on the Red Scare, Communism and Socialism may be necessary to discuss to fully appreciate the story.

Arcady's Goal by Eugene Yelchin*

Arcady's parents were arrested and killed because they were "enemy of the people/Soviet state".  His life is defined by his ability to score soccer goals in the orphanage yard.  These goals earn him food rations and respect.  Inspectors come to view the orphanage.  "Butterball", the director, demands that Arcady show off his soccer skills in front of the inspectors with the loose promise that maybe one of the inspectors is a soccer coach for the Red Army Soccer Club.  One of the inspectors is impressed by Arcady . . .but not with his soccer skills but with his courage.  "Ivan Ivanych" adopts him and the two of them help each other process the evil of Communism and thrive despite its threats and affects.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: asking questions, building schema

Starring Mirette and Bellini by Emily Arnold McCully*

In this sequel to Mirette on High Wire, Mirette and Bellini travel to many cities to perform on the wire.  In Russia, Mirette's skills are put to test when she has to rescue Bellini from prison.
*Highly recommend.
Even though the main character is a female, my boys love these books.  We own all three.
Check out the third book, Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls.

The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore

Hazel lives with her parents in small town in Vermont.  She is considered an outcast by her classmates . . . her high intelligence and her parents' occupation -caretakers for the town cemetery-count against her in their eyes.  She is always looking for a mystery and finds several that fall in this seemingly sleepy town.  She also learns the value of friendship and to not to jump to conclusions. I liked how the story takes place during the Cold War and how it reveals how people were reacting to it.  Not many children's books are written about this time in history (as far as I know).

Lots of points to discuss: . . .the author does not elaborate on some items-they are mentioned and may require explanation to younger readers-
*Communism
*Cold War (a brief history overview is included in the "author's note")
*out of wedlock birth
*divorce
*seance (Hazel and her friend Samuel stubble upon one in the cemetery-not much is said about it but it is mentioned)
*a statement that Communists perform satanic rituals/worship the devil.
*Unions  (a bit about them are also included in the "author's note"

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin*

Award-winning- Newbery Honor Medal
Sasha's father is a dedicated communist and Sasha anticipates joining the Soviet Young Pioneers.  Then his father is arrested and Sasha is forced to evaluate his beliefs and make a choice.
Mr. Yelchin writes from personal experience.
Every American child should read this book to fully appreciate one's freedom.
Strategies: predicting, inferring, synthesizing, asking questions
*Highly recommend.
DRA: 40
Guided reading: S