Finding Zasha by Randi Barrow-ADVISABLE

Barrow, Randi, Finding Zasha. Scholastic Press, 2013. Pgs. 352. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

Twelve-year-old, Ivan lives in Leningrad. It’s 1941 and the Russians are attacking. When things look like they won’t be able to survive much longer, Ivan’s mother is sent away to a factory. Ivan and Auntie must cross the icy road to find safety. Soon Ivan joins the Partisians (the Russian Reisistance); and also becomes the new pet of the German army. Ivan starts plotting to save Zasha and Thor (the German Commander’s two dogs), whose owner plans on beating the dogs into becoming bloodhounds. Will Ivan succeed in saving the dogs?

The effects of war become muted towards the end, but the scenes throughout the series are suspenseful and do a good job of holding the readers’ interest. The main character is likable and makes the reader want to see him succeed. Readers who like historical fiction, dogs, and war stories might enjoy reading this book.


EL, MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.