Between Shades of Gray Book Review

Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Publisher: Philomel
Publication Date: March 22, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0399254123

344 pp.

Reading copy purchased at SCBWI conference

I've read several really awesome books this year because of the Debut Author Challenge, but none have affected me as deeply as Between Shades of Gray.

Lina is a fifteen year old art student in Lithuania during the outbreak of World War II. One night, she's rounded up along with her mother and younger brother and sent to a work camp in Russia. It's a harrowing story full of hardship and tragedy, but there is also kindness, hope, and even romance.

Ruta Sepetys created a story inspired by her own family history and shined a light on a dark corner of our shared human history. It is a powerful read and, believe me, you will need some Kleenex handy.

I would recommend Between Shades of Gray to readers who enjoyed Witness by Karen Hesse or Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Bonus Video: Ruta Sepetys shares how she researched the novel