Velchin, Eugene Breaking Stalin's Nose, 151 p. Henry Holt and Company, 2011. $15.99 Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Violence: G, Mature Content: G. This is a 2012 Newbery Honor. 10-year old Sasha Zaichik can hardly wait to join "The Pioneers" and show that he is a true and loyal Communist like his Father. He even writes a letter to Stalin, thanking him for the opportunity and promises to be useful. On the night before the ceremony, Sasha's father is arrested and Sasha finds himself alone and out in the cold. Can he still be a loyal communist with a Father in prison? There are spies everywhere, even at school. No one can be trusted if they find out his secret. Is Sasha brave enough to denounce his father?
This book, written and illustrated by a former resident of the Soviet Union catches the reader immediately in the frenetic and fearful world of communist Russia. Sasha's perfect world falls completely apart in less than 24 hours. This quick read will be easily understood by upper elementary students, while older readers will be drawn in by the message, the writing, the illustrations and the ride. I couldn't put it down. EL/MS/HS - ESSENTIAL. Lisa, Reading Teacher
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