Randi Barrow

This is a powerful book about a boy who wants to do what he can for his people. Ivan has to grow up quickly, but he faces each challenge with bravery. The characters in the story are all well-developed, and I can easily picture them. This book deals with World War II and the effects that it had on the residents of Russia. Reading about Ivan’s drive to get his homeland back and the courageous acts he takes part in to help others makes this a great book for anyone in fifth and older. The details of the time period come alive and you have a better understanding of how difficult life was for everyone, even kids. I learned a lot about WWII and I loved seeing the characters work together toward a common goal. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we work together! At the end of the book, the author includes notes about her research. I liked reading the notes because it helped me to see what was real and what was made up. This story touched my heart. I look forward to reading the second book in this series, as I have heard Saving Zasha is even more action-packed! Take a journey back in time with Ivan. You will want to help others, and you will also be thankful for all that you have! .
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So far, this book is so simply rendered as to be almost placeless. However, it does relate, in simple language, a story of Russia in the aftermath of WWII and it features a dog. Therefore, it may appeal to reluctant Intermediate readers who might otherwise avoid historical fiction. I find the plot too contrived, but, then again, I am not ten. I hope that the second half of the book develops some depth.

Alas, some action, but stalled in the shallows. When the boys (13 and 15) have to defend their dog & home from theives with guns, the writer assures us that their "father had made sure we were expert marksmen, training us from the time we were five or six years old." However, it mystifies this reader how these "expert marksmen" on the next page "hadn't fired these rifles in a long time, maybe even a year" (p. 182). This slim volume is riddled with lots of these sorts of sloppy conveniences. Perhaps, though, the intended audience will bear it better, this thin in SPCA-approved holier-than-bow-wow dog story.… (mehr)