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Winter War (2008)

by William Durbin(Favorite Author)

3.77 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1299175457 (ISBN13: 9781299175457)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Wendy Lamb Books

review 1: Marko is a Finnish boy living through the Winter War between Russia and Finland. Marko is recruited into the army as a messenger because he is an excellent skier. Delivering messages in war is a dangerous job. Everyday Marko learns more about the horrors of war. He watches as people are injured and killed. He also learns secrets about his new friend. Independence is always worth fighting for is the message in this book. The Finnish people fought for their independence and did not give up even when the odds were against them. The author wants to tell us that freedom is something worth fighting for no matter what the cost.This book has educated me about the war between Russia and Finland. I was surprised at how the Finnish people did give up fighting even though they didn't ... morehave help from any other country. Even though they were so close to losing, they kept fighting and they got what the wanted in the end.
review 2: Gr 5-9-In 1939 Finland, Marko serves proudly as a sky watcher, a junior member of the Civil Guard. On November 30, when Russian bombers attack his village, his best friend is killed, and his younger sister and brother must evacuate to Sweden. A chance encounter with a former teacher, now an army lieutenant, propels Marko, who still limps as a result of a bout with polio, to the front lines. His familiarity with the area around Savolahti and his orienteering skills make him an ideal clandestine messenger, carrying information back and forth between the small companies of soldiers hidden in the hills. The Winter War, a little-known campaign of World War II, comes to life as Marko relates his experiences during the bone-chilling months of 1939 and 1940. Durbin's graphic depictions of the realities of war are not for the faint of heart, and he does not soften his message regarding the lack of support that America and the world showed Finland during this time. More than a war story, though, this is a tale of resilience and self-discovery: Marko finds unsuspected reservoirs of strength within himself. The endings for him and his friends are a little too pat, but an afterword and sources for further study will satisfy readers who want to learn more. An engaging novel for adventure lovers and fans of historical fiction alike.-Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. less

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