Yelchin, E. (2011). Breaking Stalin's nose. New York, NY: Henry Holt. NewberryThis book gives American children a unique perspective of how other children lived in Stalin-ruled Soviet Russia. Sasha Zaichik is excited to be a Young Pioneer which is the first step in becoming a great Communist. Sasha is excited that his dad will be the one inducting him until the night before when his dad is arrested and taken from him. Sasha knows that Stalin will bring his dad back and punish those who arrested him. The book takes Sasha on a path to see what is wrong was wrong with Communist Russia. This book takes a great perspective and gives children who were not alive for the cold war or McCarthyism and better understanding. I would use this book in a classroom for a discussion about perspectives and maybe even tattling. Grades 2-5. ( Spoiler Alert) Sasha a ten-year-old boy, lives with his father in a home with two other families. His father is a secret officer for the prison in which he sends the enemies to jail. Sasha writes a letter to Stalin explaining how he wants to become a pioneer for him and how much he loves and believes in Communism. Later in the night, Sasha’s dad is taken out of their home and thrown into prison for being the enemy of Stalin for reasons that are unknown. Sasha, who is left on the streets, barely makes it to school the next day for his induction into the pioneers, which he has the opportunity to hold the flag for. When sent to get the precious flag, Sasha somehow manages to tear off the nose of the Stalin statue, which is considered a huge crime in Russia. Little did he know Vovka, his use-to-be friend sees him and threatens to tell on him. An assembly is then held to find out who did the crime and another little boy confesses. After the assembly and a fight between Vovka, Sasha and their teacher, Vovka and Sasha find themselves in the principles office where they are exposed for being sons of the enemies. Almost being sent to the orphanage, Sasha is given the chance by the senior lieutenant to stay and become one of Stalin’s secret pioneers after he read his letter. Agreeing, Sasha takes the flag during the assembly like he was originally supposed to and ends up deciding that he does not want to be a pioneer anymore. He proceeds to run away to the prison where his father is and the story ends with him in line with a mom like figure to see his father and hopefully free him. This story creates an exceptional theme of loved ones and doing the right thing while Sasha is caught in between family problems with his dad and also deciding if he should say that he was the one that actually broke stalins nose. I think this would be a great way for students to take account for their actions and say something that they have done wrong that they would like to fix. They could write on a piece of paper saying what they have done wrong and how they are going to fix it and put it in a box which will never be opened. I think this would be good to have as an activity that lets students clear their conscience. Because this story had many quality themes and makes you laugh, I would recommend it to readers in 3-8 grade. Yelchin, E. (2011) Breaking Stalin’s Nose. New York City, NY: Henry and Holt Co.
What do You think about Breaking Stalin's Nose (2011)?
It was a good quickread that makes you wonder if you are really standing up for what you believe.
—nguha
Learned some about Russian history while reading this story.
—prso
