BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE

Sasha Zaichik idolizes his father, a Communist hero, and Stalin. He’s been waiting to join the Young Pioneers for most of his life. But the night before the ceremony, his father is arrested, and everything Sasha believes in is put to the test. Mark Turetsky infuses naïve optimism and youthfulness into the voice of Sasha, the unreliable narrator. As Sasha becomes aware of inconsistencies and unsettling situations in his cherished Communist state, Turetsky narrates with a tone of confusion and then slow realization that dramatizes Sasha’s growing maturity. A chilling author’s note connects Yelchin’s own experience in Soviet Russia to the story. Kids will want to listen to this Newbery Honor title while following along, so they don’t miss the pencil illustrations by the author. E.A.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2012]