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...
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