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Cum I-am Spart Nasul Lui Stalin (2013)

by Eugene Yelchin(Favorite Author)
3.79 of 5 Votes: 1
languge
English
publisher
Grupul Editorial RAO
review 1: The Soviet Union is a place where communism reigns, and in this story a young boy named Sasha Zaichik longs to follow in his dad’s footsteps to become one of the prestigious Young Soviet Pioneers for his nation (Yelchin, 2011). Sasha’s father is declared an enemy of the people though and Sasha is left alone and confused regarding communism (Yelchin, 2011). One day at school, Sasha breaks off the nose of a Stalin statue, and is thereby also susceptible to being jailed or even killed (Yelchin, 2011). This book is formatted with an interesting point of view, since it comes from a youthful boy who was once eager to join the communists, and who is now questioning the system altogether (Yelchin, 2011). The plot is amazing to read, though the ending leaves the reader wanting ... moremore, since it is fairly inconclusive (Yelchin, 2011). The genre of this story is a children's chapter book, and a theme that persists within the story is growth as well as family. In the classroom this book would do well to teach students about oppression throughout history. Students could write a reflection after reading this book, and then students could chose another book to read by themselves off of a pre-made list of similar books. Once the new books have been read, the students could create a reflection for that book as well. Then, everyone could come together and compare and discuss the books together. Yelchin, E. (2011). Breaking Stalin's nose. New York: Henry Holt.
review 2: This is a story about Sasha Zaichik a ten year old boy living in the Soviet Union. He is about to be accepted into the Young Soviet Pioneers until everything falls apart. His dad is arrested for being a enemy, Sasha throws a snowball and smacks a kid in the face and breaks the kids glasses, and the worst part was when he broke the statues nose of Joseph Stalin. Since his dad is in jail he is all alone he didn't want to be a pioneer and goes to the prison to visit his dad, in hopes to be reunited and have their life together. This is a very depressing book because the little boy gets into trouble and is all alone. The style is good writing and very detailed in the scenes. The detail paints a sad picture of what life was like back in the 1950's in other parts of the world. The historical aspect of the book was good. There was facts that were in the story that were interesting to learn. The plot is strong and hold together well. This book had a lot of violence and I though even though that is what was going on at the time, the detail could have been less graphic. The story does not jump around, but stays in the time the author makes. There are many charters in the book. They are mostly the soldiers of the war and the boy and his father. I think there could have been fewer charters to keep the story from being so long. I did not have any favorite quotes for this book but this quote “ When I get in to the room, dad is sitting on the floor, holding his ear. The officers leather belt creaks as he turns to look at me, his eyes bloodshot (5.16)” was heartbreaking because the boy knew what was going on and he could not help his father. Overall this was a good book not one I will read again and hope to forget in time with how sad it was. Yelchin, E. (2011). Breaking Stalin's nose. New York: Henry Holt. less
Reviews (see all)
brey
I love how Yelchin unveiled the layers--and horrors--of what Stalin's Soviet Union really was.
Brandi
One of the best kids' books I've read all year. Definitely eye opening.
jay
You just need to read this book. Powerful.
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