BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE
Bibliography:
Yelchin, Eugene. Breaking Stalin's Nose. New York: Henry Holt and Co. 2011. ISBN:978-0805092165
Plot Summary:
Yelchin brings the reader into the world the Soviet Union in the 1950's. In the beginning we learn of a little boy named Sasha Zaichik who is an aspiring member of the Young Soviet Pioneers. Sasha praises the work of the communist. It isn't until his beloved father who works for the "secret police" is sent to jail that the picture perfect world of communism comes crumbling down for the young boy. Sasha is sent to live with his aunt, but she is fearful of his presence and does not want to put her family at risk; therefore, kicking the young boy out and onto the streets. Sasha meets a nice woman and his love for his dear country slowly fades away.
Critical Analysis:
Yelchin wrote a cast of characters that are interesting, captivating, and raw. The main character Sasha Zaichik is a naive boy whom buys into the love of communism without a second thought. While he truly loves the idea of communism and its focus on the "we" instead of the capitalistic "I", he is also sensitive to the kids at school who are constantly being bullied by those who appear more fortunate; and in one scene he feels bad for hurting a boy he hits with a snowball. So, not all is lost on this naive character, yet his love for Communism and simply believing anything his is told does make him a bit unrelatable for a young adult reader. However, throughout the novel he transforms from a simplistic young boy into a young adult whom understands that the world can be wrong and harmful. Despite the fact that Sasha worships his father, his dad is seen as the antagonist of the novel because he is opposite the innocent young son. Sasha's father is cruel and almost emotionless for most of the novel. He even turns in his own wife (Sasha's mother) and ultimately she is killed. Yelchin creates a scary yet captivating character to play the role of soviet father.
The setting of BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE is brought to life through the detailed descriptions of the communal apartments that Sasha and his father live in. The setting is essential in telling the story of Sasha because of these cramped living conditions, created to make it easy for people to spy on others, Sasha's father is arrested which changes Sasha's life forever. While some of the thoughts that the novel creates can be painful, the information is appropriate for a young adult reader.
BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE is one of the most powerful and interesting coming of age novels I've read for young adults. The novel offers an untold perspective of a confusing time for children in the world. While Sasha is naive and innocent he is adaptable and curious. His innocence is truly refreshing, so when he has his slow realization to what is happening in his country, the authentic understanding that the world may not be as pleasant for everyone as it was for him is raw.
Finally, Yelchin's experience with the Soviet Union in his childhood lead him to create this authentic balance of fact and fiction.
Review Excerpts:
• 2012 Newbery Honor Book (American Library Association)
• 2012 Junior Library Guild Selection
• 2012 Distinguished Work of Historical Fiction Award (Children's Literature Council of Southern California)
• 2012 Women’s National Book Association’s Judy Lopez Memorial Award
• 2013 KS William Allen White Award
• The Best Children’s Books of 2011 by the Horn Book Magazine
• The Best Children’s Books of 2011 by Washington Post
• 2012 Capitol Choices Book, Noteworthy Books for Children
Connections:
Use this book in conjunction with the videos avaliable on http://www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com/
Use this book to create alternate or extending endings
Read other Eugene Yelchin books:
Summer 2011 DOG PARADE Harcourt
Summer 2011 THE NEXT DOOR BEAR Harper
Winter 2011 WON TON, A CAT TALE TOLD IN HAIKU Henry Holt
Fall 2010 THE ROOSTER PRINCE OF BRESLOV Clarion Books
Spring 2010 SEVEN HUNGRY BABIES Simon and Schuster
Fall 2009 HEART OF A SNOWMAN HarperCollins
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