Oldendick+Review4

APA Citation: Sepetys, R. (2011). //Between shades of gray //. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

ISBN # 014242059X

Morris Award

A family is taken from their Lithuanian home by Russian soldiers and placed on a train for a very long ride. The family is kept together but made to live in huts of others in Siberia. The work, torment and lose during this time makes the family pull closer together even with the families they have traveled with. A relationship builds between Lina and Andrius. This relationship helps save Lina's family on many occasions. The treatment of the Lithuanians' mirrors the treatment of Jews.

This story rocked my world. I had no knowledge of the events that took place in Lithuanian. The phrase, "Being shipped to Siberia" has a complete new meaning to me. I found the story to be real and this would come from the fact events were taken from survivors real stories. This story has things that parallel Night by Eile Wiesel. This would be a great compare and contrast.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Connection: Key Ideas and Details

Grade 8 #2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text

Promotional Ideas:

First Question: What is your life worth? Answer for Jonas Vilkas- A pocket watch

Now you have 15 minutes to pack into a suitcase anything that you need to take and you are responsible for carrying your own bag. What would you take?

Students will keep this list to answer the later question.

Now that we are half way through the book which items on your list would be beneficial in the journey of LIna's family?

Finally now that we have finished the book- What are the items that helped Jonas, Lina and Elena on their journey? Did you have these items? Would you consider taking them now? explain.