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48 pages 1 hour read

Eugene Yelchin

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Eugene YelchinFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Eugene Yelchin

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Soviet Union • 1950s

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

670L

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Super Short Summary

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin follows 10-year-old Sasha Zaichik in Soviet Union-era Moscow, as his dreams of becoming a Young Pioneer are shattered when State Security officers arrest his father. Over a tumultuous day at school, Sasha faces challenges that force him to grapple with his beliefs and loyalty to Stalin. While exploring themes of disillusionment and broken identities, the novel contains depictions of violent repression and antisemitism.

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

10,308 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Eugene Yelchin's Breaking Stalin's Nose offers a powerful, approachable narrative on the impact of Stalinist Russia on a young boy. Praised for its historical insight and emotional depth, the book effectively conveys fear and hope. However, some critics believe the plot resolution is too abrupt for younger readers. Overall, it's a compelling introduction to a complex period.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Breaking Stalin's Nose?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction with themes of courage and resilience, particularly those who enjoyed Number the Stars by Lois Lowry or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, will find Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin compelling. This book is ideal for middle-grade readers interested in Soviet history and personal narratives.

4.2

10,308 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Soviet Union • 1950s

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

670L

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