Grades 8 and up--
Although Between Shades of Gray is a narrative capturing the horrors of WWII, it is unlike any other period novel I've ever read. This is the tale of the Baltics under the reign of Stalin, specifically tracing the journey of 15-year-old Lina and her family as they are deported from their home country (Lithuania) and dragged through Siberia into the frozen tundra if the Arctic Circle.
Intended audience: High school students interested in WWII history.
Audience to whom it may appeal: People of all ages, those interested in art, persevering through life's most unbearable struggles, family and history.
Strengths: The novels two biggest doorways are its story--wanting to know the fate of its characters-- and the characters themselves. Sepetys names few characters, Lina's family and three or four others, while the others are given nicknames such as “the bald man” and “the grouchy woman” which allows the reader to truly experience the events of the novel through Lina's eyes.
Weaknesses: The graphic descriptions of the conditions and violence they experience is quite intense and might be a turn-off for some readers. The ending is also quite abrupt and unexpected which might leave readers whose main doorway was characters a bit disappointed.
Special considerations: Prior knowledge of WWII history is critical to a full understanding of the context. Some Russian is used, but most often defined in context.
VERDICT: Due to the graphic nature and violence of the subject matter, this book best fits in a high school media center where students might be better able to contextualize the events of the novel. High school is also often the time during which WII is taught at length in history classes. This book will engage and likely elicit a visceral reaction from thoughtful readers. It is an important book to have on the shelf, not only for its unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history, but for the beauty and strength of its characters.
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