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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Powerful!! I cried several times. I also learned a lot about the Ukranian famine (Holodomor). Also, unfortunately, a timely novel with the recent invasion of the Ukraine by Russia.
This would be a good fictional introduction to the Holodomor for middle grades readers, but it's not the best YA/middle grades fiction book on the subject I've read. I would have appreciated more detail and depth in the historical sections of the book. I get why the twist was in there but I don't think it was necessary and added a soap opera-y element that detracted from the power of both Mila & Nadiya's experiences. And I'm not sure how I feel with it being tied into the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic through Matthew's experiences.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A story about a great grandson dealing with the COVID epidemic while getting to know his great grandmother's tragic history during the Ukrainian famine.
At first, I thought this was just a book about a kid's perspective during COVID, which made it hard to get into. As the story continues, the boy gets to know his great grandma, who lived under Stalin's rule along with experiencing (second hand) the Holodomor. I felt so idiotic that I've never heard of this before. I obviously knew Stalin was pure evil, but what this book discusses is so heartbreaking and awful. This specific experience should be better known and talked about....How these people suffered under such an awful dictator, I can't imagine what they went through. He presented himself as a man of the people, but, in reality, he was a murderer. Why aren't we talking about what happened and how this is still relative?!
The story also touches upon the death of a parent/relative and captures some of the rawness and pain that will always be there.
This book has so many themes and messages that really make you think and reflect. I loved how it showed the importance of family and especially the importance of our elder family members who have seen some things and can share their unique experiences. The fact that the author was inspired by her own family just adds authenticity to this whole book.
Overall, a fantastic book about connecting to your past, even though it might be painful, but it allows you to reach your peace.
At first, I thought this was just a book about a kid's perspective during COVID, which made it hard to get into. As the story continues, the boy gets to know his great grandma, who lived under Stalin's rule along with experiencing (second hand) the Holodomor. I felt so idiotic that I've never heard of this before. I obviously knew Stalin was pure evil, but what this book discusses is so heartbreaking and awful. This specific experience should be better known and talked about....How these people suffered under such an awful dictator, I can't imagine what they went through. He presented himself as a man of the people, but, in reality, he was a murderer. Why aren't we talking about what happened and how this is still relative?!
The story also touches upon the death of a parent/relative and captures some of the rawness and pain that will always be there.
This book has so many themes and messages that really make you think and reflect. I loved how it showed the importance of family and especially the importance of our elder family members who have seen some things and can share their unique experiences. The fact that the author was inspired by her own family just adds authenticity to this whole book.
Overall, a fantastic book about connecting to your past, even though it might be painful, but it allows you to reach your peace.