At one stop, Lina finds her father in another train bound for a prison, however, she is determined to send messages to him through her drawings and art. Thus, her art and her mothers knowledge of Russian help them survive one work camp before they are shipped to the Arctic Circle, where they are expected to survive the winter and 180 days of darkness without sound housing and food rations.
This is an incredible story about survival and family. I enjoyed the different setting and historical background that framed the struggles of WWII that many readers are familiar with. I was not aware of the history of the Baltic states and how these people suffered under Stalin, so I was completely intrigued.
Challenge: The historical background about the Baltic states and Stalin may take some pre-teaching if students are not aware that work camps were not just for the Jews.
Curriculum Connection & Themes:
This could easily be connected with other stories about WWII and the Holocaust (e.g., The Book Thief or The Diary of Anne Frank). Interview with the author about the historical influence.
This novel could be used to explore characterization of both the main characters as well as minor characters who are described and named by their looks and personalities. Reading Guide and Questions
- Characterization
- Survival
- Hope
- Sadness
- Oppression
Lexile: 490L
Reading Level: 6th
Interest Level: middle school +
Controversial Scenes/Content: War, starvation, death, and concentration camps are not easy or pretty topics. There is violence, however, nothing is over the top or too graphic.
Rating: 4.5/5
Awards:2012 William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist;
YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults 2012;
ALA Notable Children 's Book 2012.