Friday, April 13, 2012

Guest Post: Mrs. G - Secaucus School Librarian

Name: Mrs. G   Title & Author:  Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin
What was your impression of this book?:  Good
Would you recommend this book to a friend: Yes  


What was your favorite part?
The most interesting part for me happened when 10 year-old, Sasha, after a very trying day, physically and emotionally passes out and has a conversation with Stalin’s nose.

Who was your favorite character? Why?
By far, my favorite character was 10 year-old Sasha, but coming in for a strong second, his classmate, Vovka.

Write a small summary (without giving away the ending)
Ten-year-old Sasha Zaichik has done nothing but dream of becoming a Young Pioneer in Comrade Stalin young communist party. But after two very trying days, he discovers that maybe everything he knew about the Soviet government was all a bunch of lies. 

Additional feedback (optional)                                     
Breaking Stalin’s Nose caught my attention, I love titles; however, working as a school librarian I am confused as to what age group Eugene Yelchin is targeting? Sasha’s life changing experience had me glued to the book. It teaches communism, and Stalin’s cleansing in a nut shell. It is a very simple for 6th to 9th graders. If a 1st grader to 4th, came home with this book, as a parent I might be upset. First, I don’t think they would get the message, and second it was kind of scary. When I received this book for my collection it was cataloged as juvenile fiction, I cataloged it as YA. YA is more age appropriate. I also passed the book on to a 7th grade teacher who utilizes Youtube, among other contemporary approaches to teach communism. It is a good book with excellent illustrations.