Between Shades Of Gray (Shortlisted For Waterstones Children

Description: This story is based on the experiences of the author's family who lived in Lithuania during Soviet rule. The book itself is an fantastic example of how to engage young people with history. It tells a huge story by focuses down on one individual who has lived it and follows that story through that one person's experiences and really makes you empathise with what they are going through. The story follows the main character Lina from the day her family is rounded up by the soviet and follows them as they are deported from labour camp to labour and gives a realistic and graphic account of the horrors inflicted on these people. The descriptions of life and the conditions people were forced to live with day to day are truly horrendous and really make you think about the value of life.

A startling realistic account of life under soviet rule. One of the best books I have read this year and certainly one I will be recommending frequently to ensure the suffering of the people the book is written about is never forgotten. A brave and powerful debut.