Between Shades of Gray

Sepetys, Ruta. Between Shades of Gray. New York: Penguin Group, 2011. Print. ISBN 978-0-14-242059-1. Paperback. $8.99 USD.

Available Formats: Paperback, hardcover, library binding hardcover, eBook, audio CD, unabridged MP3 and iTunes. 

Annotation: Under the orders of Joseph Stalin, Soviet NKVD officers rip fifteen year old Lina Vilkas and her family from their home in Lithuania during World War II. They are sent on a harrowing journey to Siberia, where they are forced to work hard labor. Between Shades of Gray is a story of hope, courage, strength and love in a time of despair.

Book Review:

On June 14, 1941 Lina Vilkas, an artistically gifted fifteen year old girl, is ripped from her home in Lithuania by Soviet NKVD officers. Lina and her family have committed no crime, but are considered to be anti-Soviets under the occupation of iron-fisted Joseph Stalin. Unbeknownst to Lina, she will be sent on a harrowing journey to Siberia where she will be sentenced to hard labor along with her mother and brother. In the midst of the sudden brutality inflicted on her life, Lina is determined to discover why these atrocities are being forced on her family. Even more, Lina is on a quest to find her father, Kostas, who never returned home from work one evening. Told through the first person perspective, Lina displays astounding bravery and hope in a time of despair. Throughout her journey, Lina is faced with decisions and situations that would be difficult for most adults to withstand. Will Lina find her father and reunite her family? Will she ever see Lithuania again? These answers are revealed in this historical, heartrending novel. 

Between Shades of Gray would be an excellent addition to a young adult collection in a high school or public library. Although a work of fiction, it is an important piece of literature. The book outlines a critical moment in history that is rarely discussed in textbooks and classrooms. Even though most teenagers will find it difficult to relate to Lina's dire situation, they can certainly learn from her story, courage and strength. Additionally, the novel is easy to follow. The book opens at a pivotal, intense moment and keeps a fluid pace throughout. Furthermore, the flashbacks intermixed with the first person point of view add depth to the story and make it a real page turner. Powerful and heavy, this novel is a highly recommended for teenagers ages 14 through 18.

Awards and Honors:

YALSA Top 10 Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2012
ALA Notable Children's Book, 2012
Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth, 2011
Booklist Editors Choice, Books for Youth, Fiction, Older Reader, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books of 2011
Publisher's Weekly Best Teen Books of 2011
SLJ Best Books of 2011
New York Time's Notable Children's Books of 2011

(Image courtesy of BCLS)

Listen to Ruta Sepetys discuss her inspiration for the book in the video below!

 

Additional Author Information:

To learn more about the book, visit the author's website here!

Follow Ruta Sepetys on Twitter @RutaSepetys.