Under a Red Sky: Memoir of a Childhood in Russia by Haya Leah Molnar

Molnar, Haya Leah, Under a Red Sky: Memoir of a Childhood in Russia. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2010. Language: PG (6 swears, no “f”s), Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

In post-war Bucharest, Eva Zimmerman is the only child growing up in a Jewish, opinionate, eccentric family of adults. In an anti-Semitic community, problems begin to arise for her family. As things grow increasingly difficult for her family, Eva watches as her family grows less mobile, hides knives to protect themselves and keeps secrets that could mean the difference between life and death.

Struggling to come to terms with her Jewish identity, Eva turns to comic books and novels to escape and longs to be free to form her own opinions. Will Eva and her family be able to find a place to call home? Will Eva discover who she is despite the peer pressures around her?

An endearing historical self-discovery novel. The characters’ personalities hit close to home and are memorable. The story is well-told and touching. Readers who like historical fiction, memoirs, and
self-discovery stories will enjoy reading this book. EL(4-6), MS. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.