Breaking Stalin's Nose

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Bibliography

Yelchin, Eugene.  Breaking Stalin’s Nose.  New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2011.  9780805092165

Summary

Sasha Zaichik is a loyal communist, dedicated to Joseph Stalin.  Sasha longs to be just like his father, an honored and awarded member of the USSR’s State Security.  Sasha has an unwavering belief in communist ideals and sees that everything around him aligns with the perfect world Stalin is working so hard to create.  He lives with forty-eight people in a communal apartment with one small kitchen and one toilet, which helps develop community and assists them in taking care of each other.  When his father comes home, the neighbors fall quiet, not due to the fear their faces show but because of respect for him as a good communist. 

In the middle of the night, State Security officers come, tear apart the room Sasha shares with his father and take his father away.  As the neighbors move into the now unoccupied room, Sasha is left reeling.  Certain that a mistake has been made, he goes through the night and the next day with as much normalcy as possible, however every passing event turns his world more upside-down.

Analysis

From the title and standard American perspective, Breaking Stalin’s Nose would appear to be a typical book opposed to the ideals of communism and the beliefs of the USSR during the early twentieth century.  These assumptions and background make the first chapter an amazing hook.  The book begins with a letter to Stalin, praising him and the state he has created.  Without a hint of sarcasm or mischief, the letter speaks of the unfortunate American children and how blessed the writer is to have been born under such a strong, wise leader.  This conflict against traditional American ideals continues throughout the book, driving the reader forward, wondering if Sasha will continue in his firm belief or if his faith in Stalin will be broken.

In his first novel, Zaichik has created an intriguing story that is supplemented by his black and white, cartoonish illustrations.  For younger readers, the illustrations will serve to assist in picturing the world described, however the story stands strong on its own.  

Awards and Reviews

*2012 Newbery

"Mr.  Yelchin has compressed into two days of events an entire epoch, giving young readers a glimpse of the precariousness of life in a capricious yet ever-watchful totalitarian state."  -Wall Street Journal

"Through Sasha's fresh and optimistic voice, Yelchin powerfully renders an atmosphere of fear that forces false confessions, even among schoolchildren, and encourage neighbors and family members to betray one another without evidence.  Readers will quickly pick up on the dichotomy between Sasha's ardent beliefs and the reality of life under Stalinism, and be glad for his ultimate disillusion, even as they worry for his future."  -Publisher's Weekly

"Yelchin's debut novel does a superb job of depicting the tyranny of the group, whether residents of a communal apartment, kids on the playground, students in the classroom or government officials.  It's the readiness of the group to create outsiders--bad ones, "unreliables,""wreckers"--by instilling fear in everyone that chills.  Not many books for such a young audience address the Stalinist era, when, between 1923 and 1953, leaving a legacy of fear for future generations."  --Kirkus Reviews

Connections

To begin reading, watch the first chapter read by “Sasha” himself.

Explore the Breaking Stalin’s Nose website. 

Research Stalin and Communism to gain a deeper understanding of Sasha's experiences.

Sasha starts the book by writing a letter to Stalin.  After having read the book, students can write another letter from Sasha to Stalin taking into account all the events from the book.  What does Sasha have to say to Stalin now?

What would a world be like living in tight quarters with people you didn't know if you could trust?  Imagine you live in a shared apartment.  Write a letter to a friend explaining the ups and downs of this living situation while trying to persuade him to live in a room of your shared apartment.

Macmillan discussion guide

Bomb: The Race to Build --and Steal-- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

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Bibliography

Sheinkin, Steve. (2012): Read by Roy Samuelson. Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon [CD]. New York: Roaring Book Press/Listening Library.  978-0-8041-2218-4

Summary

The Second World War is in full swing.  The Allied Powers are making progress in their fight against the Nazis, slowly containing their movement and power on the ground.  The Americans and Brits work hand-in-hand with the USSR, fighting a common enemy while never putting full trust in the each other.  Despite the progress that has been made, there is a serious concern among American leadership.  It is known that the Germans have discovered a new energy source that could potentially be harnessed to create a weapon of mass destruction.  In supposed secret, the American, Soviet and German governments all begin separate projects to develop this technology, knowing that whoever can harness its power first will win the war. 

The race is on.  Who will discover the secrets of the atom bomb first?

Analysis

The atom bomb was arguably the most advanced scientific development of the twentieth century.  It took thousands of people years to perfect its destructive powers.  At the same time that it was being developed in America, a complicated web of Soviet spies were attempting to discover the secrets of this technology while German scientists also worked to solve the atomic puzzle. 

Sheinkin has managed to weave all these stories into one book.  Combining historical fact with dialog, this does not feel like the nonfiction that it is.  Jumping from viewpoint to viewpoint, Steinkin tells the story of American scientists and Soviet spies, then jumps to the viewpoint of the President or army rangers deep in enemy territory.  This constant change of voice keeps the reader engaged and makes the book feel like a story rather than a textbook.  Never staying with one story line for long, each section leaves the reader wondering what will happen next.

While all these story lines keep the book interesting, they also make the book complicated to follow.  There are many people involved in making the bomb that matching names to storylines becomes a challenge midway through the book.  While the book is recommended for grades 5-9, I would personally suggest the upper range of these grades due to the complexity of the story.

The 6 CD, unabridged audio version of the book is straightforward and simplistic.  Samuelson reads aloud, clearly and at a steady pace.  There is no background music, sound effects or character voice.  However, the simplicity is appreciated and appropriate.  Any added gimmicks would feel out of place with the seriousness of the subject matter.

Awards and Reviews

*Newbery Honor Book

*Robery F. Sibery Award

*National Book Awards – Finalist

“It’s a true spy thriller, ranging from the football stadium at the University of Chicago to the mountains of Norway, from the deserts of New Mexico to laboratories in East Tennessee, and all along the way spies in the United States were feeding sensitive information to the KGB… It takes a lot of work to make a complicated subject clear and exciting, and from his prodigious research and storytelling skill, Sheinkin has created a nonfiction story young people will want to read.

A superb tale of an era and an effort that forever changed our world.” –Kirkus Review

“This superb and exciting work of nonfiction would be a fine tonic for any jaded adolescent who thinks history is “boring.” It’s also an excellent primer for adult readers who may have forgotten, or never learned, the remarkable story of how nuclear weaponry was first imagined, invented and deployed—and of how an international arms race began well before there was such a thing as an atomic bomb.” –TheWall Street Journal

Connections

Research the major events of World War Two.  Create a dual timeline showing key moments in the making of the atomic bomb side by side with major world events.

Research one of the scientists, politicians or spies from Bomb.  Write a diary from their viewpoint.  Tell about their struggles and thoughts during the production of the atomic bomb.  Include doubts, certainties and personal feelings that can be supported but not necessarily proven by the official documentation of their work.

School Library Journal interviews Steve Sheinkin

Steve Sheinkin introduces the book

Complete research on the short and long term effects of the bomb.  Stage a debate arguing the merits and faults of the bomb.  Should any country have this power? 

Teaching Guide from Steven Sheinkin

Sheinkin’s Website