A boy risks everything in post-WWII Russia to save and hide a forbidden dog. Saving Zasha is an excellent historical fiction book. World War II has just ended and Mikhail, a boy growing up in Russia, finds a beautiful German Shepherd dog along with his owner, who dies from his war injuries. Mikhail begs his mom, and she agrees that he can keep the dog, but it has to be hidden, and then the adventure begins. I think our students will really enjoy this adventure and learn something in the process.
Review by Angela Pratt, Hillsdale Elementary School Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Saving Zasha
Written by Randi Barrow
Scholastic
240 p.
Release Date: January 1, 2011
ISBN: 9780545206327
