What do you think?
Rate this book
Zasha #0
Finding Zasha
Randi Barrow is back with another gripping heroic World War II story about a boy and his best friend, a German shepherd!
In 1941, the Germans began the long, bloody siege on Leningrad. During the chaos, twelve-year-old Ivan is sent to live with relatives when his mother's job is moved to the mountains. But it is a long and dangerous journey to get out of Leningrad. After settling into a new town it falls under Nazi occupation and Ivan is picked by Axel Recht, an especially heinous soldier, to come work for the Nazis. One of Ivan's more pleasant tasks is to train Alex's dogs. Yet Ivan is determined to use his position to undermine the Nazis and rescue the dogs. But Ivan underestimates Axel's attachment to Zasha and Thor, and soon finds himself being hunted by a ruthless soldier who will stop at nothing to get his dogs back. As World War II rages around them, Ivan must find a way to hide from Axel, protect Zasha and Thor, avoid the constant barrage of deadly bombings, and survive in the devastating conditions of a city cut off from the world.
In 1941, the Germans began the long, bloody siege on Leningrad. During the chaos, twelve-year-old Ivan is sent to live with relatives when his mother's job is moved to the mountains. But it is a long and dangerous journey to get out of Leningrad. After settling into a new town it falls under Nazi occupation and Ivan is picked by Axel Recht, an especially heinous soldier, to come work for the Nazis. One of Ivan's more pleasant tasks is to train Alex's dogs. Yet Ivan is determined to use his position to undermine the Nazis and rescue the dogs. But Ivan underestimates Axel's attachment to Zasha and Thor, and soon finds himself being hunted by a ruthless soldier who will stop at nothing to get his dogs back. As World War II rages around them, Ivan must find a way to hide from Axel, protect Zasha and Thor, avoid the constant barrage of deadly bombings, and survive in the devastating conditions of a city cut off from the world.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2012
109 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Randi Barrow
6 books44 followersI started my working life as an adoption attorney. After twenty years I was able to begin writing full time. My first two books were historical fiction for middle grade kids. I've expanded into adult fiction with Chasing the Beatles. It was great fun to write, and I'm thrilled with the response I'm getting from readers. My love of music, and the Beatles in particular, helped inspire this book. And it hasn't hurt to be married to Arthur Barrow, a musician and composer, who has brought so much music into my life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
September 12, 2023
5 stars. Boy, was this ever an intense ride!!
Even as a bit of a WWI & WWII geek, I do not know much of the Russian involvement in those wars. This book really opened my eyes to the immense sacrifice and hardship the Russians went through just like the other occupied European countries.
To start off, the writing style of this book is good. While modern, it captures Ivan, his surroundings, and other characters very well. But it was emphatically the characters that sucked me into the story.
Ivan is a sweet boy, between 12 and 13. Although he believes he is hardened by what he’s seen in the war, he has a heart of golden butter and an intense love for people and animals, even when he’s barely known them. He grew a lot over the course of the book, but his tender nature never changed, and I loved that. His mother was a hard-working and lovely lady, and they had a beautiful relationship.
Polina was a great side character. Although she had some of the “strong female character” tropes, she was still feminine at the bottom, and I enjoyed that. Petr was gruff, but you couldn’t help loving him. Vladimir, Auntie, & Galina were all epic sidekicks, as well as Yeshka and Josef.
And then there was Axel. Utterly terrifying because you know he will not flinch from any cruelty. The kind of character you are thankful to see dead. A man still dangerous and frightening when lying with broken limbs in a forest hollow. A creature still cruel to even the dogs he somehow loves.
The plot of this book is well done and very lifelike. The gruelling struggle to survive, tempered with love of life & family; the bitter refusal to let go of the only people you know; the fight between what is right and what is wise, and the sinking knowledge that you cannot choose the easier, but unthinkable route; the heart-pounding attempt at escape, without knowing what will happen; the relief of peace and shelter; the sudden horrifying realization that evil stalks once more… It was epically done. The theme was very understated, yet it was a clear case of “choose love and choose right, and never let go no matter what.”
Overall, this was a high-stakes, enjoyable, unique WWII novel that I very much enjoyed, and it is a perfect prequel for Saving Zasha. While the end made me a little sad, it was realistic, and set the scene very well for the next book. <3
Content: perhaps some language; mentions of drinking; mentions of reliving oneself; violence; a man is brutally whipped; veiled hints at perhaps a girl being at risk at the hands of enemy soldiers.
A Favourite Quote: I knew music was important for telling our stories and keeping our history alive.
Even as a bit of a WWI & WWII geek, I do not know much of the Russian involvement in those wars. This book really opened my eyes to the immense sacrifice and hardship the Russians went through just like the other occupied European countries.
To start off, the writing style of this book is good. While modern, it captures Ivan, his surroundings, and other characters very well. But it was emphatically the characters that sucked me into the story.
Ivan is a sweet boy, between 12 and 13. Although he believes he is hardened by what he’s seen in the war, he has a heart of golden butter and an intense love for people and animals, even when he’s barely known them. He grew a lot over the course of the book, but his tender nature never changed, and I loved that. His mother was a hard-working and lovely lady, and they had a beautiful relationship.
Polina was a great side character. Although she had some of the “strong female character” tropes, she was still feminine at the bottom, and I enjoyed that. Petr was gruff, but you couldn’t help loving him. Vladimir, Auntie, & Galina were all epic sidekicks, as well as Yeshka and Josef.
And then there was Axel. Utterly terrifying because you know he will not flinch from any cruelty. The kind of character you are thankful to see dead. A man still dangerous and frightening when lying with broken limbs in a forest hollow. A creature still cruel to even the dogs he somehow loves.
The plot of this book is well done and very lifelike. The gruelling struggle to survive, tempered with love of life & family; the bitter refusal to let go of the only people you know; the fight between what is right and what is wise, and the sinking knowledge that you cannot choose the easier, but unthinkable route; the heart-pounding attempt at escape, without knowing what will happen; the relief of peace and shelter; the sudden horrifying realization that evil stalks once more… It was epically done. The theme was very understated, yet it was a clear case of “choose love and choose right, and never let go no matter what.”
Overall, this was a high-stakes, enjoyable, unique WWII novel that I very much enjoyed, and it is a perfect prequel for Saving Zasha. While the end made me a little sad, it was realistic, and set the scene very well for the next book. <3
Content: perhaps some language; mentions of drinking; mentions of reliving oneself; violence; a man is brutally whipped; veiled hints at perhaps a girl being at risk at the hands of enemy soldiers.
A Favourite Quote: I knew music was important for telling our stories and keeping our history alive.
March 4, 2013
Of course, after reading Saving Zasha, we all wondered where she really came from and who was the German soldier she was with. Well, Randi Barrow has written a prequel that pretty much answers those two questions.
Finding Zasha begins with the September 1941 Siege of Leningrad. When German soldiers surround the city and cut off all supply lines, life becomes more difficult for everyone living in Leningrad, including Ivan, 12, and his mother, a factory worker. There is never enough food or heat and people are dying of starvation all over the city.
When her apartment is hit by a bomb, an elderly neighbor, called Auntie by everyone, moves in with them and begins to teach Ivan how to survive under siege, lesson she learned in WWI. As winter comes on, and the blockade holds, the three survive on the cans of beans Auntie had hidden away. Then one day, Ivan's mother announces that her job is moving to the Ural Mountains for safety and she must go with it - but without Ivan.
It is decided that Ivan will go live with his Uncle Boris and Auntie will live with her sister-in-law, Galina, as soon as the ice road across the frozen miles long Lake Ladoga can hold the weight of transport trucks and they can leave Leningrad. In January, the ice is finally thick enough and Ivan and Auntie set out on their journey. When no one meets them on the other side of the lake, they are fortunate enough to be offered a ride by a friendly sleigh owner.
At last, they arrive at Galina's home and Ivan settles in there for a few days before going on to Uncle Boris. He meets Polina, a girl about his age, who seems to know every nook and cranny of the area. It turns out that Polina, along with Galina and now Auntie, are working as partisans under the leadership of Petr, and along with other villagers. This is right up Ivan's alley and he too joins the partisans, staying at Galina's instead of traveling on to Uncle Boris.
Not long after this, the Germans arrive. Ivan has been playing his concertina for Auntie and Galina's pleasure and as the Germans roll in, their commander, Major Axel Recht, comes to the door to listen to Ivan play. With him are two German Shepard puppies. And when Commander Recht leaves, he takes Ivan with him.
Now, basically imprisoned in the makeshift Nazi headquarters, it is Ivan's hope to discover useful information he pass on the the partisans. Luckily, the cruel animal trainer who is to teach the puppies to hate and kill Russians, gets news that his son has been injured in fighting, and leaves immediately to be by his side. Ivan convinces the commander that he has experience training dogs and can do the job. And of course, Ivan begins to plot how he can get the puppies, Zasha and Thor, away from Recht's cruelty. This won't be easy - Recht is a sadistic, vengeful man, who loves his whip. And when he forces Ivan to watch a German soldier being whipped for a minor breach, the full extent of his cruelty becomes apparent.
But Ivan's plan of escape may happen sooner that he expects when Recht and his soldiers must leave the village soon to go help in the fighting at Tikhvin where things are not going well for the Germans. Can Ivan succeed in escaping Recht with both of his prized puppies?
This is a nice historical fiction work about Russia in WW2, an area not frequently explored in novels, though lately some really excellent works have been published. Another book depicting the terrible conditions in Russia during the war and how they impacted the ordinary Russians that people this story is always welcome. And certainly all the historical facts in this novel were spot on - the siege of Leningrad, the ice road over Lake Ladoga, the fighting at Tikhvin, a battle that helped turn the tide for the starving people in Leningrad. Be sure to read the Barrow's information and timeline about these things at the end of the book.
But Finding Zasha left me with very mixed feelings. I actually enjoyed the first part of it quite a bit, but I felt that the story was sometimes forced in order to create a history for Zasha. And I thought that the second half and the ending were rushed in order to get to the end of the war and the point at which Saving Zasha could begin. Although the story is filled with adventure and danger, I didn't find myself holding my breath at the places where that should have happened.
Sadly, I didn't care much for Ivan, either. Rather than strong and brave, I found him to be too headstrong, impulsive and public to be a partisan. And the other partisans accepting him as one struck me as took simplistic. He was basically an unknown to them and had proved himself trustworthy yet.
Yet, at the end of the day, I would recommend reading Finding Zasha. It is still a well written novel, and there is much to cull from this book for fans of Zasha and/or Randi Barrow. And I hear there is a third Zasha book on the horizon.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was an E-ARC from Net Galley
Finding Zasha begins with the September 1941 Siege of Leningrad. When German soldiers surround the city and cut off all supply lines, life becomes more difficult for everyone living in Leningrad, including Ivan, 12, and his mother, a factory worker. There is never enough food or heat and people are dying of starvation all over the city.
When her apartment is hit by a bomb, an elderly neighbor, called Auntie by everyone, moves in with them and begins to teach Ivan how to survive under siege, lesson she learned in WWI. As winter comes on, and the blockade holds, the three survive on the cans of beans Auntie had hidden away. Then one day, Ivan's mother announces that her job is moving to the Ural Mountains for safety and she must go with it - but without Ivan.
It is decided that Ivan will go live with his Uncle Boris and Auntie will live with her sister-in-law, Galina, as soon as the ice road across the frozen miles long Lake Ladoga can hold the weight of transport trucks and they can leave Leningrad. In January, the ice is finally thick enough and Ivan and Auntie set out on their journey. When no one meets them on the other side of the lake, they are fortunate enough to be offered a ride by a friendly sleigh owner.
At last, they arrive at Galina's home and Ivan settles in there for a few days before going on to Uncle Boris. He meets Polina, a girl about his age, who seems to know every nook and cranny of the area. It turns out that Polina, along with Galina and now Auntie, are working as partisans under the leadership of Petr, and along with other villagers. This is right up Ivan's alley and he too joins the partisans, staying at Galina's instead of traveling on to Uncle Boris.
Not long after this, the Germans arrive. Ivan has been playing his concertina for Auntie and Galina's pleasure and as the Germans roll in, their commander, Major Axel Recht, comes to the door to listen to Ivan play. With him are two German Shepard puppies. And when Commander Recht leaves, he takes Ivan with him.
Now, basically imprisoned in the makeshift Nazi headquarters, it is Ivan's hope to discover useful information he pass on the the partisans. Luckily, the cruel animal trainer who is to teach the puppies to hate and kill Russians, gets news that his son has been injured in fighting, and leaves immediately to be by his side. Ivan convinces the commander that he has experience training dogs and can do the job. And of course, Ivan begins to plot how he can get the puppies, Zasha and Thor, away from Recht's cruelty. This won't be easy - Recht is a sadistic, vengeful man, who loves his whip. And when he forces Ivan to watch a German soldier being whipped for a minor breach, the full extent of his cruelty becomes apparent.
But Ivan's plan of escape may happen sooner that he expects when Recht and his soldiers must leave the village soon to go help in the fighting at Tikhvin where things are not going well for the Germans. Can Ivan succeed in escaping Recht with both of his prized puppies?
This is a nice historical fiction work about Russia in WW2, an area not frequently explored in novels, though lately some really excellent works have been published. Another book depicting the terrible conditions in Russia during the war and how they impacted the ordinary Russians that people this story is always welcome. And certainly all the historical facts in this novel were spot on - the siege of Leningrad, the ice road over Lake Ladoga, the fighting at Tikhvin, a battle that helped turn the tide for the starving people in Leningrad. Be sure to read the Barrow's information and timeline about these things at the end of the book.
But Finding Zasha left me with very mixed feelings. I actually enjoyed the first part of it quite a bit, but I felt that the story was sometimes forced in order to create a history for Zasha. And I thought that the second half and the ending were rushed in order to get to the end of the war and the point at which Saving Zasha could begin. Although the story is filled with adventure and danger, I didn't find myself holding my breath at the places where that should have happened.
Sadly, I didn't care much for Ivan, either. Rather than strong and brave, I found him to be too headstrong, impulsive and public to be a partisan. And the other partisans accepting him as one struck me as took simplistic. He was basically an unknown to them and had proved himself trustworthy yet.
Yet, at the end of the day, I would recommend reading Finding Zasha. It is still a well written novel, and there is much to cull from this book for fans of Zasha and/or Randi Barrow. And I hear there is a third Zasha book on the horizon.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was an E-ARC from Net Galley
March 20, 2024
This is the best book ever!🥰
October 27, 2013
Spoilers are in the questions at the bottom.
Barrow, Randi. (2013). Finding Zasha. New York: Scholastic Inc. [Historical Fiction: Interest Level 5-7, Reading Level 6]
In this four part prequel to Saving Zasha, 12-year-old Ivan’s world changed the day Leningrad, his home, was seized by the Germans during WWII in 1941. During these horrible times, Ivan was sent to live with his relative, Uncle Boris, when his mom had to work in a factory outside of the city. After the dangerous journey he had to take across a frozen lake, Ivan decided to stay with his grandmother-like neighbor, Auntie Vera, who had escaped Leningrad with him. Ivan is soon involved with the partisan movement (citizens of Russia secretly fighting the Germans) in the town where Auntie is staying. Shortly after, the Germans were there too. That’s when Ivan met two precious German Shepherd puppies, Zasha and Thor. Through a series of events, Ivan will try everything he can to make sure the puppies escape the horrible and abusive life of a war dog.
My thoughts:
At first, I wasn’t sure how happy I would be with reading Finding Zasha because even as a child, I didn’t like stories written about animals. I looked on many sites and saw that the ratings for the book were actually really good so I decided to go ahead and dive in. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book, dogs and all. I really haven’t read much on the role that Russia played in the war nor how the war was so devastating to them. I found that Finding Zasha was sort of unique in this way. I was trying to find books related to this one because many of the children/young adult books written in the setting of WWII usually deal with the holocaust. This book was unique because other than the first book, Saving Zasha, there were really no other children’s books about Russia and WWII. I think Finding Zasha would be great to have the students read before/during a social studies unit on WWII.
*Spoiler Alert*
Just for some of the teacher's out there who are fruitlessly searching for something even slightly resembling a teacher's guide, this is for you:
Pre-reading:
1. Study the cover of Finding Zasha closely. What do you notice about it? (Ex: There is a man in uniform. There are two puppies. The buildings are on fire in the background.) Based on the image and the title, what are your theories on the plot of this story?
2. Imagine that you suddenly had to leave your home to go live with a relative. Who would you make time to say goodbye to? If you had to pack light, what are the few belongings you take with you? Why is it important that you take these? What purpose do they serve?
3. Turn to page 337 in the back of the book. Read “Russia and World War II.” Pay close attention to the information as you may see a lot of these events mentioned or actually take place during the story.
Additional questions for students who have read Saving Zasha:
1. Who is Zasha?
2. What happened in Saving Zasha?
Post-reading:
1. Finding Zasha was split into four parts: Leningrad, Zasha and Thor, Escape, and Revenge. How does each title reflect what happens in that part of the story? Give examples from the text. (Leningrad talks about how the siege affected the people and why Ivan had to leave.)
2. Ivan becomes a partisan in the town Vilnov. What is a partisan? Who are some of the other partisans mentioned in the book? Do you believe the partisans played a big role in ending the war (at least for Russia). Why or why not? Support your answer with the text.
3. At the end of the book, Axel Retch is taken away as a POW (prisoner of war). Do you think there is a chance he could escape? Why or why not? Support answer by referencing the text. (Yes, because he spoke perfect Russian, he might be able to trick someone into thinking he actually is Russian, not German.)
4.(If they have not read Saving Zasha) At the end of the book, Petr and Zasha are missing. After his best efforts for finding them proves fruitless, Ivan decides to move on and accepts the fact that his friend and his dog may be dead. If Petr and Zasha are still alive, what do you think happened to them. Why might Petr refrain from contacting Ivan to tell him they are alive and well? Support answer with text.
5. Many of the characters in Finding Zasha contributed to Russia by helping fight its enemies or rebuild its cities and towns. (Becoming a partisan, working in a factory that made tanks, growing food, etc.) Now imagine that it was your town and country that was at war. What contribution do you think you would be able to make to help your country win the war, or after the war ended how would help your town rebuild?
I hope this helps since this is a relatively new book and there aren't many resources for it yet.
Barrow, Randi. (2013). Finding Zasha. New York: Scholastic Inc. [Historical Fiction: Interest Level 5-7, Reading Level 6]
In this four part prequel to Saving Zasha, 12-year-old Ivan’s world changed the day Leningrad, his home, was seized by the Germans during WWII in 1941. During these horrible times, Ivan was sent to live with his relative, Uncle Boris, when his mom had to work in a factory outside of the city. After the dangerous journey he had to take across a frozen lake, Ivan decided to stay with his grandmother-like neighbor, Auntie Vera, who had escaped Leningrad with him. Ivan is soon involved with the partisan movement (citizens of Russia secretly fighting the Germans) in the town where Auntie is staying. Shortly after, the Germans were there too. That’s when Ivan met two precious German Shepherd puppies, Zasha and Thor. Through a series of events, Ivan will try everything he can to make sure the puppies escape the horrible and abusive life of a war dog.
My thoughts:
At first, I wasn’t sure how happy I would be with reading Finding Zasha because even as a child, I didn’t like stories written about animals. I looked on many sites and saw that the ratings for the book were actually really good so I decided to go ahead and dive in. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this book, dogs and all. I really haven’t read much on the role that Russia played in the war nor how the war was so devastating to them. I found that Finding Zasha was sort of unique in this way. I was trying to find books related to this one because many of the children/young adult books written in the setting of WWII usually deal with the holocaust. This book was unique because other than the first book, Saving Zasha, there were really no other children’s books about Russia and WWII. I think Finding Zasha would be great to have the students read before/during a social studies unit on WWII.
*Spoiler Alert*
Just for some of the teacher's out there who are fruitlessly searching for something even slightly resembling a teacher's guide, this is for you:
Pre-reading:
1. Study the cover of Finding Zasha closely. What do you notice about it? (Ex: There is a man in uniform. There are two puppies. The buildings are on fire in the background.) Based on the image and the title, what are your theories on the plot of this story?
2. Imagine that you suddenly had to leave your home to go live with a relative. Who would you make time to say goodbye to? If you had to pack light, what are the few belongings you take with you? Why is it important that you take these? What purpose do they serve?
3. Turn to page 337 in the back of the book. Read “Russia and World War II.” Pay close attention to the information as you may see a lot of these events mentioned or actually take place during the story.
Additional questions for students who have read Saving Zasha:
1. Who is Zasha?
2. What happened in Saving Zasha?
Post-reading:
1. Finding Zasha was split into four parts: Leningrad, Zasha and Thor, Escape, and Revenge. How does each title reflect what happens in that part of the story? Give examples from the text. (Leningrad talks about how the siege affected the people and why Ivan had to leave.)
2. Ivan becomes a partisan in the town Vilnov. What is a partisan? Who are some of the other partisans mentioned in the book? Do you believe the partisans played a big role in ending the war (at least for Russia). Why or why not? Support your answer with the text.
3. At the end of the book, Axel Retch is taken away as a POW (prisoner of war). Do you think there is a chance he could escape? Why or why not? Support answer by referencing the text. (Yes, because he spoke perfect Russian, he might be able to trick someone into thinking he actually is Russian, not German.)
4.(If they have not read Saving Zasha) At the end of the book, Petr and Zasha are missing. After his best efforts for finding them proves fruitless, Ivan decides to move on and accepts the fact that his friend and his dog may be dead. If Petr and Zasha are still alive, what do you think happened to them. Why might Petr refrain from contacting Ivan to tell him they are alive and well? Support answer with text.
5. Many of the characters in Finding Zasha contributed to Russia by helping fight its enemies or rebuild its cities and towns. (Becoming a partisan, working in a factory that made tanks, growing food, etc.) Now imagine that it was your town and country that was at war. What contribution do you think you would be able to make to help your country win the war, or after the war ended how would help your town rebuild?
I hope this helps since this is a relatively new book and there aren't many resources for it yet.
February 10, 2022
Great sequel/prequel to Saving Zasha. My only minor quibble is that here, the dog doesn't appear until a good third of the way into the book (130 pages!), so if a reader picked this up looking only for a dog story, they might be tempted to put it down after only a chapter. But then they would miss reading a really good historical novel set during the siege of Leningrad, that has plenty of action and excellent historical detail. The main character, Ivan, must leave his mother behind when her factory job moves outside the city, and journey many miles to find safety from German bombs. But Ivan ends up in a village where the Nazis arrive and take over! He joins the Partisan resistance, and works "undercover" in the German commandant's HQ where he has to train the puppy Zasha and her fellow pup Thor while trying to glean intel that will help the Partisans fight back. Great story that leads up to and explains the events at the start of Saving Zashan but that stands on its own as a WWII Russia story. Great middle grade/middle school book.
August 11, 2018
A really good historical fiction book recommended to me by my 4th grade granddaughter. Dog and boy story in the backdrop of WWII between Russia and Germany.
August 3, 2013
It's hard to tell if you should read this one first or not. It's a prequel to Saving Zasha, although Zasha also gets saved in this one. Troublesome dog, but worth it.
The story takes place during WWII in Russia. It is a unique perspective of the war as the cities were essentially frozen by the war and the weather--cities left to fend for themselves for the creature comforts of warmth and food as nothing can get past the front lines and nobody is allowed to leave. Ivan,the main character, and his friend are forced to leave Leningrad when his mother is sent to work in a factory. The trip is arduous and dangerous and they arrive to find their new village home is being taken over by Nazis.
The German officer in charge inspects the town with his two German shepherd puppies, killers-in-training to hunt down the enemy. Ivan decides how he can fight the Nazis in his own small way. I loved this aspect of the story-one person making a difference in the world! Ivan wants to train the puppies to NOT kill, but to be just regular dogs.
Personally, I think the hero of the book was the little old lady neighbor. She hides money and food in hollowed out places in her apartment and furniture, shares her last bit of food with her neighbors, and risks her life to take Ivan across the country on an ice road to her sister-in-law's house. That's chutzpah!
Mostly, I found the story to be kind of slow and boring and parts of it a bit cliche.
The story takes place during WWII in Russia. It is a unique perspective of the war as the cities were essentially frozen by the war and the weather--cities left to fend for themselves for the creature comforts of warmth and food as nothing can get past the front lines and nobody is allowed to leave. Ivan,the main character, and his friend are forced to leave Leningrad when his mother is sent to work in a factory. The trip is arduous and dangerous and they arrive to find their new village home is being taken over by Nazis.
The German officer in charge inspects the town with his two German shepherd puppies, killers-in-training to hunt down the enemy. Ivan decides how he can fight the Nazis in his own small way. I loved this aspect of the story-one person making a difference in the world! Ivan wants to train the puppies to NOT kill, but to be just regular dogs.
Personally, I think the hero of the book was the little old lady neighbor. She hides money and food in hollowed out places in her apartment and furniture, shares her last bit of food with her neighbors, and risks her life to take Ivan across the country on an ice road to her sister-in-law's house. That's chutzpah!
Mostly, I found the story to be kind of slow and boring and parts of it a bit cliche.
June 26, 2013
This is a powerful book about a boy who wants to do what he can for his people. Ivan has to grow up quickly, but he faces each challenge with bravery. The characters in the story are all well-developed, and I can easily picture them. This book deals with World War II and the effects that it had on the residents of Russia. Reading about Ivan’s drive to get his homeland back and the courageous acts he takes part in to help others makes this a great book for anyone in fifth and older. The details of the time period come alive and you have a better understanding of how difficult life was for everyone, even kids. I learned a lot about WWII and I loved seeing the characters work together toward a common goal. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we work together! At the end of the book, the author includes notes about her research. I liked reading the notes because it helped me to see what was real and what was made up. This story touched my heart. I look forward to reading the second book in this series, as I have heard Saving Zasha is even more action-packed! Take a journey back in time with Ivan. You will want to help others, and you will also be thankful for all that you have! .
November 6, 2016
This book is a touching story about World War II. A boy fights for him life and for lives of others to save a dog's life, and risking his own life for it. This book is one of my most favorite books. Although it is historical fiction, it still was very touching. The beginning of the book grabs your attention by (Spoiler) showing 3 boys playing around, but that is only mentioned after, but the way it's written it seems real. It is very action-filled and shows the story of World War II in a fictional story. It goes through the thoughts of the main character and his family and friends and how he tries to survive. The story has parts that have you on the edge of your seat, anxious to see what happened next. I think what I love most about this story is its action and how it makes you anxious to see what happens next.
February 1, 2013
What a wonderful gem "Finding Zasha" turned out to be. I was drawn to the book, because my German Shepherd's name is "Sasha" and the story sounded interesting. The story is about a 12 year old boy who lives with his mother in 1941 Lenigrad when the Nazis begin to occupy the city. The boy evacuates with his "Auntie" while his mother is sent to work in the factories being moved to the mountains. The boy arrives at a small village, where he encounters an evil Nazi colonel who has two German Shepherd puppies named Thor and Zasha. While living in the village, he joins the partisans, the underground rebels fighting the Nazis. The story is beautifully told. I believe this is a prequel to the book "Saving Zasha" so that will be next.
March 6, 2016
I really enjoyed Saving Zasha, but this prequel was a bit of a disappointment. First of all--the dogs played a very small role, and while I appreciate good war fiction (which is why I'm giving this 3 stars instead of 2), I really sat down to read this expecting to get the story of Zasha's background. Really what we get is the story of Ivan, a Russian boy forced to play music for a vicious German officer. Zasha and the other puppy, Thor, are more of a side story. And even more disappointing is the fact that the story ends without giving us any information as to the journey Petr and Zasha make leading up to Saving Zasha, which is what I was really looking forward to. So not only did Ivan not get closure at the end of this one, but neither did I. Bummer.
July 16, 2013
After escaping to the countryside from the German raid on Leningrad on September 8, 1941 Ivan joins a resistance group. When he is ordered to play his concertina at Nazi headquarters he takes the opportunity to fight back by smuggling out two German Shepherd puppies, in training to hunt Russians. Ivan must escape and hide the dogs from the brutal Major Recht. He is later forced to decide between aiding the resistance, saving himself and one puppy named Thor, or going after the lost puppy, the titular Zasha, and risk losing everything he'd worked so hard for.
"Finding Zasha" effectively puts history into perspective with an adventurous story for upper elementary and middle grade readers.
"Finding Zasha" effectively puts history into perspective with an adventurous story for upper elementary and middle grade readers.
July 17, 2013
Ivan escapes the siege of Leningrad to find himself torn from his new home in the country and forced to play the concertina for a cruel German Major. When Ivan realizes that the 2 puppies he has been taking care of for the Major will be used to hunt and kill Russians, he knows that he must escape and take the dogs with him. Plenty of action and suspense, very realistic characters and a story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked reading a WWII story from a Russian perspective.
January 4, 2016
I liked this book but it was alittle boring at the beginning and it really only
Got good close to the end and it took him so long to make his move
Got good close to the end and it took him so long to make his move
Read
February 17, 2020The book has you wondering about dilemma and animal treatment. The dogs have to be saved so that they don't have to be abused by their previous owner. As the title says, Zasha, one of the dogs, goes missing one day. The dilemma of going to find Zasha or staying safe with one dog is the tricky part in this book. The situation of a dilemma is something we all encounter everyday. Should I go to his house? Should I do my work now or later? Should I buy this brand for it's cheaper or that brand for it's better? It ties everyday situations to a major problem in this world: animal abuse. The dogs needed to be saved from their terrible previous owner. Taking them and hiding them in safety and comfort is one way to save them. This book brings people to acknowledge what animals have to go through, so we all can step up and fight to treat all animals, big or small, with kindness and fairness. That is why Finding Zasha by Randi Barrow is a great book to check out.
March 29, 2021
Finding Zasha by Randi Barrow is truly an amazing and thrilling book. It tells a story of a young boy in Russia during WWII. Ivan watches firsthand the brutality of the Germans during the war. He is determined to protect two war dogs and save them from their terrible fate. The story greatly describes the journey Ivan has, and all the struggles he witnesses and experiences. It's unlike any other fictional WWII story I've ever read. Before this book, I personally had never known this side of the war. This book teaches about brutality and pain, as well as hope and determination. I recommend this book to anyone who has interest in WWII historical fiction.
January 31, 2024
This book makes you feel the horror and sadness through World War II. Ivan is a very strong kid, like in the beginning he was as old as me. I love that Ivan would do anything to help in the war, even being with Nazis to spy on them. He was a hero to save, Zasha and Thor. this book leaves me a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait until Saving Zasha comes for me to read. For this book, I would say you should read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
March 23, 2018This book was ok. It wasnt my favorite but it wasnt bad. I really thought it described very well how the lives of the people who lived during this time was. I wish it was a more action packed book with other cool stuff but it was good.
April 7, 2019
Finding Zasha is another book circulating the events of WWII except for one big reason, it stands apart from other books. I read a lot of books about people’s experience with the Holocaust, but this book follows the perspective of a Russian during the war. That and the fact that there are dogs on the cover of the book made me read this one.
As I said, the book follows Ivan, a 12-year-old Russian kid who is forced to leave his hometown of Leningrad to escape the German siege. Now, separated from his mother, he is forced to figure out how to survive on his own. He takes shelter with some newly acquaintanced friends and eventually becomes a partisan. Partisans were civilians who fought in the war secretly. They might cut off food supplies, intercept mail between German officers, or blow up roads/train tracks to prevent the Germans from advancing. They weren’t on the front lines, however. Ivan then moves into a new house with a friend of his Aunt’s: Miss Galina. While here, the Germans invade. The commanding officer, Major Axel Recht, takes Ivan back to his headquarters where he now has to play his concertina (accordion-like instrument) for Axel whenever he says to. Here he finds the two dogs: Zasha and Thor. He falls in love with these dogs and makes a silent promise to steal them away from the monsters he thought the Germans were. After a week of being there, he is forced to escape with the dogs while being chased by a furious Major Recht. Now with everything he has ever wanted, he goes up north through the harsh winter to his great uncle’s cabin. Still, a partisan, Ivan sets up a headquarters here for any other partisan to come by and rest. And there are a lot. Unfortunately, circumstances occur so that Ivan has to escape with whatever he can (Can’t spoil).
This was a very good book to read. I often read a lot at once instead of a little bit each day because it was a little more enjoyable to read that way. I thought the book did a great job with timing. It felt like the whole thing was over the course of a few days, but was actually a couple of years. Characterization of Ivan and other partisans introduced was very good. Every action was exactly expected by its character because of how well we were introduced to each person. I also thought that they did a great job telling the story of WWII from a semi-forgotten perspective. No one ever thinks about the Russians point of view when they think of the second world war.
There was a clear decline in the story close to the end. It almost seemed like it was forcing itself to wrap up certain storylines and continue enough to lead into the sequel. I didn’t like how in the very beginning, they didn’t include the mother in their plan to leave. Even though it was explained that she was required to go with the factory Eastward, I thought that considering where Ivan went, the mother could’ve gone too.
As I said, the book follows Ivan, a 12-year-old Russian kid who is forced to leave his hometown of Leningrad to escape the German siege. Now, separated from his mother, he is forced to figure out how to survive on his own. He takes shelter with some newly acquaintanced friends and eventually becomes a partisan. Partisans were civilians who fought in the war secretly. They might cut off food supplies, intercept mail between German officers, or blow up roads/train tracks to prevent the Germans from advancing. They weren’t on the front lines, however. Ivan then moves into a new house with a friend of his Aunt’s: Miss Galina. While here, the Germans invade. The commanding officer, Major Axel Recht, takes Ivan back to his headquarters where he now has to play his concertina (accordion-like instrument) for Axel whenever he says to. Here he finds the two dogs: Zasha and Thor. He falls in love with these dogs and makes a silent promise to steal them away from the monsters he thought the Germans were. After a week of being there, he is forced to escape with the dogs while being chased by a furious Major Recht. Now with everything he has ever wanted, he goes up north through the harsh winter to his great uncle’s cabin. Still, a partisan, Ivan sets up a headquarters here for any other partisan to come by and rest. And there are a lot. Unfortunately, circumstances occur so that Ivan has to escape with whatever he can (Can’t spoil).
This was a very good book to read. I often read a lot at once instead of a little bit each day because it was a little more enjoyable to read that way. I thought the book did a great job with timing. It felt like the whole thing was over the course of a few days, but was actually a couple of years. Characterization of Ivan and other partisans introduced was very good. Every action was exactly expected by its character because of how well we were introduced to each person. I also thought that they did a great job telling the story of WWII from a semi-forgotten perspective. No one ever thinks about the Russians point of view when they think of the second world war.
There was a clear decline in the story close to the end. It almost seemed like it was forcing itself to wrap up certain storylines and continue enough to lead into the sequel. I didn’t like how in the very beginning, they didn’t include the mother in their plan to leave. Even though it was explained that she was required to go with the factory Eastward, I thought that considering where Ivan went, the mother could’ve gone too.
September 19, 2019
This book was a very good book very entertaining very action filled and a lot of exciting moments.
July 26, 2015
"If we lose our humanity during the fight, then we have lost everything."
Ivan and his mother live in Leningrad. With his father gone and his mother working 11 hours a day in a factory, Ivan and his friends Alik and Misha enjoy their sense of freedom. "Life had never been more exciting than it was since the war began three months ago." After all, school had been suspended. How lucky was that?
But everything changes on September 8, 1941. The war suddenly becomes very real with a lack of food and other supplies, due to the German army surrounding the city, and the daily bombings from the German air force. Ivan and his friends do their part for the war effort, being fire watchers and working on "address removal." And Ivan tries to infuse beauty into his world with his concertina, playing with bravado and joy. "... I knew music was important for telling our stories and keeping our histories alive."
When his mother's factory gets transferred to the Ural Mountains, she must leave Ivan behind. She tells Ivan that he must go and live with his great Uncle Boris until the war is over ... an uncle he barely remembers. Luckily, Ivan has "Auntie" Vera. She is the elderly woman who lives in the apartment above them. She has lived through the revolution of 1919, when the Tsar was deposed, and food and supplies were scarce. She knows how to survive. "You accept the truth of your situation. Immediately. If you don't, you can't take the actions you need to survive."
Auntie accompanies Ivan as far as her sister-in-law's house in Vilnov. The journey is harrowing enough, crossing a frozen lake in a blizzard and being harassed by German planes, but when they arrive in Vilnov, things get worse. The German army is near, which makes travel to Ivan's uncle's house dangerous. It is dangerous to stay, too, but Galina takes Ivan into her household, as well. It is here that he meets Polina and becomes a member of the partisans.
Ironically, it is Ivan's musical ability that introduces him to Major Axel Recht. "In my wildest dreams, I never imagined the man I would actually meet, the man whose face was seared in my brain, the man who would haunt me for the rest of my life." He is the commander of the Nazi troops that are occupying Vilnov and he overhears Ivan playing his concertina. With him are two German shepherd puppies, Zasha and Boris. Recht insists that Ivan come to headquarters with him to entertain and Ivan sees it as his opportunity to help the partisans get information.
So begins Ivan's education in the study of a cruel man. Axel Recht is brutal and sadistic, with little compassion for anyone, including the puppies. As Ivan quickly becomes instrumental in the care of the animals as well as the entertainment for headquarters, he begins to realize that he can't let this monster get his hands on the innocent puppies. When word comes that the Germans may be pulling out of Vilnov, it becomes Ivan's obsession to rescue the puppies, even though the partisans will not approve of the plan. "People, even partisans, do what they think is right in a war, not always what they're told to do."
Another compelling read. I love the character of Auntie Vera, a tiny, elderly woman with the heart of a lion. Students who have read the first book, Saving Zasha, will enjoy this back story. I'm wondering if a third book will tell us of Thor's life after the war? It seems like it could go that way. The author's information at the end is interesting because we don't hear a lot about the Russian front of World War II.
Ivan and his mother live in Leningrad. With his father gone and his mother working 11 hours a day in a factory, Ivan and his friends Alik and Misha enjoy their sense of freedom. "Life had never been more exciting than it was since the war began three months ago." After all, school had been suspended. How lucky was that?
But everything changes on September 8, 1941. The war suddenly becomes very real with a lack of food and other supplies, due to the German army surrounding the city, and the daily bombings from the German air force. Ivan and his friends do their part for the war effort, being fire watchers and working on "address removal." And Ivan tries to infuse beauty into his world with his concertina, playing with bravado and joy. "... I knew music was important for telling our stories and keeping our histories alive."
When his mother's factory gets transferred to the Ural Mountains, she must leave Ivan behind. She tells Ivan that he must go and live with his great Uncle Boris until the war is over ... an uncle he barely remembers. Luckily, Ivan has "Auntie" Vera. She is the elderly woman who lives in the apartment above them. She has lived through the revolution of 1919, when the Tsar was deposed, and food and supplies were scarce. She knows how to survive. "You accept the truth of your situation. Immediately. If you don't, you can't take the actions you need to survive."
Auntie accompanies Ivan as far as her sister-in-law's house in Vilnov. The journey is harrowing enough, crossing a frozen lake in a blizzard and being harassed by German planes, but when they arrive in Vilnov, things get worse. The German army is near, which makes travel to Ivan's uncle's house dangerous. It is dangerous to stay, too, but Galina takes Ivan into her household, as well. It is here that he meets Polina and becomes a member of the partisans.
Ironically, it is Ivan's musical ability that introduces him to Major Axel Recht. "In my wildest dreams, I never imagined the man I would actually meet, the man whose face was seared in my brain, the man who would haunt me for the rest of my life." He is the commander of the Nazi troops that are occupying Vilnov and he overhears Ivan playing his concertina. With him are two German shepherd puppies, Zasha and Boris. Recht insists that Ivan come to headquarters with him to entertain and Ivan sees it as his opportunity to help the partisans get information.
So begins Ivan's education in the study of a cruel man. Axel Recht is brutal and sadistic, with little compassion for anyone, including the puppies. As Ivan quickly becomes instrumental in the care of the animals as well as the entertainment for headquarters, he begins to realize that he can't let this monster get his hands on the innocent puppies. When word comes that the Germans may be pulling out of Vilnov, it becomes Ivan's obsession to rescue the puppies, even though the partisans will not approve of the plan. "People, even partisans, do what they think is right in a war, not always what they're told to do."
Another compelling read. I love the character of Auntie Vera, a tiny, elderly woman with the heart of a lion. Students who have read the first book, Saving Zasha, will enjoy this back story. I'm wondering if a third book will tell us of Thor's life after the war? It seems like it could go that way. The author's information at the end is interesting because we don't hear a lot about the Russian front of World War II.
December 18, 2020
This book shows World War Two through the eyes of a brave boy in Russia. Brave Ivan and his auntie flee from Leningrad but gets stuck in the later-German-Occupied village of Vilnov, where he meets Major Axel Recht who has two dogs with him. There, the story unfolds and Ivan's life soon becomes in danger. This book is very good and audiences of all ages would definitely be shocked by the amount of bravery Ivan shows.
May 5, 2013
Author Randi Barrow's debut novel, Saving Zasha, was one of my favorite historical fiction titles of 2011, and was recognized with many honors. Not only was it terrific historical fiction, it was a great dog story, one that could appeal equally to both boys and girls. I was therefore excited to read her newest novel, Finding Zasha, a prequel to Saving Zasha.
Set in the middle of World War II Russia, Finding Zasha is another page-turner, filled with adventure, danger, and yes, adorable German shepherd puppies being raised by the Nazis for nefarious purposes. As the novel opens, we meet our hero, twelve-year old Ivan, who lives in Leningrad with his mother and loves to play his concertina. When Leningrad is besieged by the Germans and its citizenry begin to starve, Ivan's mother sends him on a dangerous journey across a frozen lake to stay with an uncle in the countryside. But as the Germans march across Russia, this seemingly safe town, too, is occupied by the Germans, and Ivan is determined to help the war effort by joining the Partisans, who work secretly to undermine the Nazis however possible.
When a Nazi officer, the sadistic Major Recht, discovers Ivan's musical talents, he brings him to stay in the German camp, a valuable opportunity for Ivan to discover information which he can feed to the partisans. At Nazi headquarters, Ivan also befriends two adorable German shepherd puppies, Thor and Zasha. The Nazi commander plans to train the puppies to hunt Russians, and then breed them to create a corps of Russian-hating dogs. Ivan can't imagine a worse fate for the innocent puppies, and dreams of somehow rescuing the prized dogs from their Nazi handlers.
When a turn of events in the war provides an opportunity for Ivan and the puppies to escape the Nazi's clutches, he's separated from Zasha, and is torn between trying to rescue her and possibly put the partisans in danger or saving himself and the other puppy Thor. And he lives with the knowledge that the vindictive Recht will stop at nothing to get his prized dogs back. Will he ever find safety for himself and the dogs?
Once again, Randi Barrow has penned an outstanding title with appeal for boys and girls alike, a "historical thriller" (a phrase I borrow from author Laurie Halse Anderson) that will especially capture the imagination of animal lovers, students interested in history and World War II, and anyone who enjoys a good adventure novel. I had a hard time putting the book down, as I followed Ivan's nail-biting story of the hardships of life in Leningrad during the Nazi siege, his harrowing journey out of Leningrad, his life with the partisans and under the nose of the Nazis, and his eventual escape. This book can be read with or without having read its companion novel, Saving Zasha, although undoubtedly those who have read one of the books will be eager to read the other.
The author includes a helpful afterword on Russia and World War II, which gives some historical context to the story, particularly to Hitler's campaign against Russia, the siege of Leningrad, during which one and a half million civilians starved, and the role of the partisans in Russia's war effort.
Set in the middle of World War II Russia, Finding Zasha is another page-turner, filled with adventure, danger, and yes, adorable German shepherd puppies being raised by the Nazis for nefarious purposes. As the novel opens, we meet our hero, twelve-year old Ivan, who lives in Leningrad with his mother and loves to play his concertina. When Leningrad is besieged by the Germans and its citizenry begin to starve, Ivan's mother sends him on a dangerous journey across a frozen lake to stay with an uncle in the countryside. But as the Germans march across Russia, this seemingly safe town, too, is occupied by the Germans, and Ivan is determined to help the war effort by joining the Partisans, who work secretly to undermine the Nazis however possible.
When a Nazi officer, the sadistic Major Recht, discovers Ivan's musical talents, he brings him to stay in the German camp, a valuable opportunity for Ivan to discover information which he can feed to the partisans. At Nazi headquarters, Ivan also befriends two adorable German shepherd puppies, Thor and Zasha. The Nazi commander plans to train the puppies to hunt Russians, and then breed them to create a corps of Russian-hating dogs. Ivan can't imagine a worse fate for the innocent puppies, and dreams of somehow rescuing the prized dogs from their Nazi handlers.
When a turn of events in the war provides an opportunity for Ivan and the puppies to escape the Nazi's clutches, he's separated from Zasha, and is torn between trying to rescue her and possibly put the partisans in danger or saving himself and the other puppy Thor. And he lives with the knowledge that the vindictive Recht will stop at nothing to get his prized dogs back. Will he ever find safety for himself and the dogs?
Once again, Randi Barrow has penned an outstanding title with appeal for boys and girls alike, a "historical thriller" (a phrase I borrow from author Laurie Halse Anderson) that will especially capture the imagination of animal lovers, students interested in history and World War II, and anyone who enjoys a good adventure novel. I had a hard time putting the book down, as I followed Ivan's nail-biting story of the hardships of life in Leningrad during the Nazi siege, his harrowing journey out of Leningrad, his life with the partisans and under the nose of the Nazis, and his eventual escape. This book can be read with or without having read its companion novel, Saving Zasha, although undoubtedly those who have read one of the books will be eager to read the other.
The author includes a helpful afterword on Russia and World War II, which gives some historical context to the story, particularly to Hitler's campaign against Russia, the siege of Leningrad, during which one and a half million civilians starved, and the role of the partisans in Russia's war effort.
December 18, 2017
"Finding Zasha" is a historical fiction book set during World War II. In the beginning, Ivan, a twelve year old boy, is playing war with his neighbors. Although the Germans had bombed their little town of Leningrad a few times, Ivan felt pretty safe from the war. His school got destroyed in a bombing so he spends his time helping with then war and playing. All of a sudden, the Germans surround their town and start dropping bombs. Ivan, his mother, his friends, and a lady from there apartment run to a closet and wait for the sound of planes to go away. Ivan goes to then roof to help look for fires and notices the storage for the cities food is burning. He gets a ride to the storage
in a wagon and tries to keep the fire from spreading. The fire finally get out out but almost all of the food is gone. Ivan heads back home where his mother is frantic that he was out after curfew. The lady from there apartment has Ivan come up to her home to check out the damage. There's s huge hole in the ceiling so she will be staying with Ivan and his mother. In her apartment the lady, Auntie, shows Ivan a hidden gun, cans of food, firewood and a key. She told him not to tell anyone, even his mother. She says that it's his responsibility to watch after his mom. Auntie had lived through a different war and prepared for another one. The cities remaining food is rationed and people are starving. Thieves try to steal ration cards. Ivan's mother tells him that she has to leave for work and he can't come. He and Auntie will take a dangerous trip across a lake to go stay with his uncle. After they cross the lake, they get a ride in a horse wagon to a friend of Aunties. On the way they give some partisans a ride and food. Once they get there, Ivan tries to convince Aunties friend to let him stay. He doesn't know his uncle very well but she is worried that the Germans will come invade her town. She finally agrees. Ivan joins a partisan group and makes it inside Nazi headquarters by playing his concertina for a cruel officer. There Ivan learns about their plans and reports back to the partisans. Ivan learns that the Nazi are leaving so he rescues a partisan friend from where he was locked up and stole two dogs. The Nazi officer saw them running away and shot at them but missed. Ivan goes to his uncles house where a friend of his uncle is staying. They use the house as a place to farm and house partisans. After the war the Nazi officer comes back and tries to steal the dogs back. Ivan wakes up unconscious and one of the dogs, a partisan, and the officer are gone. They search and find the officer, who they turn into soldiers. But can't find the partisan and dog. Ivan gives up and decides, to head back home. This book was similar to other books about partisans because of the actions the partisans took. I didn't how the book left some things without an answer. It introduced the theme of bravery because Ivan had to keep pushing what he thought he could do and work through his fear.
in a wagon and tries to keep the fire from spreading. The fire finally get out out but almost all of the food is gone. Ivan heads back home where his mother is frantic that he was out after curfew. The lady from there apartment has Ivan come up to her home to check out the damage. There's s huge hole in the ceiling so she will be staying with Ivan and his mother. In her apartment the lady, Auntie, shows Ivan a hidden gun, cans of food, firewood and a key. She told him not to tell anyone, even his mother. She says that it's his responsibility to watch after his mom. Auntie had lived through a different war and prepared for another one. The cities remaining food is rationed and people are starving. Thieves try to steal ration cards. Ivan's mother tells him that she has to leave for work and he can't come. He and Auntie will take a dangerous trip across a lake to go stay with his uncle. After they cross the lake, they get a ride in a horse wagon to a friend of Aunties. On the way they give some partisans a ride and food. Once they get there, Ivan tries to convince Aunties friend to let him stay. He doesn't know his uncle very well but she is worried that the Germans will come invade her town. She finally agrees. Ivan joins a partisan group and makes it inside Nazi headquarters by playing his concertina for a cruel officer. There Ivan learns about their plans and reports back to the partisans. Ivan learns that the Nazi are leaving so he rescues a partisan friend from where he was locked up and stole two dogs. The Nazi officer saw them running away and shot at them but missed. Ivan goes to his uncles house where a friend of his uncle is staying. They use the house as a place to farm and house partisans. After the war the Nazi officer comes back and tries to steal the dogs back. Ivan wakes up unconscious and one of the dogs, a partisan, and the officer are gone. They search and find the officer, who they turn into soldiers. But can't find the partisan and dog. Ivan gives up and decides, to head back home. This book was similar to other books about partisans because of the actions the partisans took. I didn't how the book left some things without an answer. It introduced the theme of bravery because Ivan had to keep pushing what he thought he could do and work through his fear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2014
Ivan is a 12 year old boy living in Leningrad when the Germans start bombing the city during WWII. Soon the city is cut off and supplies are running out. People are starving and freezing every day. Ivan lives with his mother in an apartment building in the city. Their upstairs neighbor Auntie Vera moves in with them when her apartment is damaged during a bombing. Auntie starts teaching Ivan all about how to survive during wartime, lessons she learned during WWI. Soon Auntie and Ivan are going to leave the city. Ivan's mother works in a factory that is being moved to the Ural Mountains. Auntie and Ivan are going to take the ice road over the lake and out of Leningrad. They end up with Auntie's sister-in-law in Vilnov. Soon they have joined the partisans, the people fighting against the Germans throughout Russia. Ivan catches the attention of Major Axel Recht because he plays the concertina so well. Ivan is moved into the Nazi headquarters and also starts taking care of Recht's two German Shepherd puppies Zasha and Thor. Ivan is completely attached to the puppies and wants to save them from Recht. When the time comes to leave Vilnov, Ivan and the partisans take the puppies with them. They escape to Uncle Boris's cabin in the woods where they spend the rest of the war.
I didn't realize this was a prequel to another book until I was finished reading it. I guess the sequel takes up the story of Zasha and what happens to her after she is taken at the end of this book. I found the historical aspects of this story interesting. The Russian side of WWII is not one we in the west hear about a lot so a different perspective was nice. However, I didn't find Ivan that great of a character. He was fine except for the role he had to play. I didn't believe he could be a partisan; he just wasn't sneaky or calm enough. He acted on his emotions too much and put the mission in danger several times. I also found it a little far fetched that this group would welcome him in so quickly and completely. I enjoyed his attachment to the dogs but also thought that was a bit over the top as well. The first part of the book was all excitement and adventure, but the back half really slowed down as the final years of the war passed. Some kids will stick this one out but it is not for everyone.
I didn't realize this was a prequel to another book until I was finished reading it. I guess the sequel takes up the story of Zasha and what happens to her after she is taken at the end of this book. I found the historical aspects of this story interesting. The Russian side of WWII is not one we in the west hear about a lot so a different perspective was nice. However, I didn't find Ivan that great of a character. He was fine except for the role he had to play. I didn't believe he could be a partisan; he just wasn't sneaky or calm enough. He acted on his emotions too much and put the mission in danger several times. I also found it a little far fetched that this group would welcome him in so quickly and completely. I enjoyed his attachment to the dogs but also thought that was a bit over the top as well. The first part of the book was all excitement and adventure, but the back half really slowed down as the final years of the war passed. Some kids will stick this one out but it is not for everyone.
September 5, 2014
I read Finding Zasha by Randi borrow. I enjoyed this book because the author writes it like you are living in that time. The time in this book is 1941 at the time of world war two with the German war and Hitler. The town a boy named Ivan and his mother and aunt live in is called Leningrad and the town is under attack and Ivan and his aunt have to leave and they might never see Ivan's mother again because his mother's factory has to be moved to a place where the army cannot get to and Ivan cannot stay with her. Ivan doesn't go where his mother tells him to go. His uncle Boris. He instead goes wherever his aunt goes.
Ivan, whose town is being bombarded by the German army, flees to a nearby tow with his aunt to escape It but the Germans invade the town. He asked one of the German leaders, Alex, if he can join just because he sees the dogs, Zasha and Thor that Alex has with him. Alex is a man with a passion to destroy all of Leningrad and the town Ivan and his aunt fled to. Ivan tells Alex he can sing and play an instrument. Alex accepts the invitation to let Ivan stay with him and whenever Alex wants Ivan to do something, Ivan does it because a terrible consequence might happen to him. He asks the leader if he can train his dog and take care of them until they are ready for the army and then tries to steal the dogs without Alex knowing. Will he get the dogs out of the danger of Leader Alex?
I recommend this book to people who love animals and like to learn about history because this is both of those things combined together. It is a great series of events and the author makes you want to read the whole book in a day. This book is a breath taking experience and gives you an impression of what was happening in 1941. I also recommend this if you have a passion to make animals good animals instead of bad ones because Ivan tries to save the dogs Zasha and Thor and make them into pets instead of human hunters. That is why I think you should read this book. The author makes you think about what you are reading and makes you think what is happening without telling you.
Ivan, whose town is being bombarded by the German army, flees to a nearby tow with his aunt to escape It but the Germans invade the town. He asked one of the German leaders, Alex, if he can join just because he sees the dogs, Zasha and Thor that Alex has with him. Alex is a man with a passion to destroy all of Leningrad and the town Ivan and his aunt fled to. Ivan tells Alex he can sing and play an instrument. Alex accepts the invitation to let Ivan stay with him and whenever Alex wants Ivan to do something, Ivan does it because a terrible consequence might happen to him. He asks the leader if he can train his dog and take care of them until they are ready for the army and then tries to steal the dogs without Alex knowing. Will he get the dogs out of the danger of Leader Alex?
I recommend this book to people who love animals and like to learn about history because this is both of those things combined together. It is a great series of events and the author makes you want to read the whole book in a day. This book is a breath taking experience and gives you an impression of what was happening in 1941. I also recommend this if you have a passion to make animals good animals instead of bad ones because Ivan tries to save the dogs Zasha and Thor and make them into pets instead of human hunters. That is why I think you should read this book. The author makes you think about what you are reading and makes you think what is happening without telling you.
May 9, 2013
Barrow’s debut novel, “Saving Sasha” (2011), was a compelling historical fiction novel/dog story and won many honors. “Finding Zasha,” is the prequel to that book, and it delivers another exciting story set in the middle of World War II Russia.
Ivan lives in Leningrad with his mother. He loves music and has formed an ensemble in which he sings and plays the concertina. When the Germans lay siege to the city, Ivan’s mother sends the 12-year-old on a hazardous trek to stay with a relative in the countryside. Through a series of harrowing experiences and misadventures, Ivan ends up in another village, occupied by Germans. Major Recht, the commanding Nazi officer, hears Ivan play music, and brings Ivan to camp to provide entertainment for himself and the soldiers. Ivan uses the opportunity to assist the Partisans, who work secretly to undermine the Germans. When the opportunity arises, Ivan escapes the Nazi camp and rescues Recht’s likeable puppies from a brutal training program intended to transform them into killer attack animals to hunt down Russians.
Major Recht, already sadistic and vengeful, will stop at nothing to retrieve his prized dogs. Unaware that Sasha has gone missing, the German officer vindictively pursues Ivan for many years, even after the war has ended. The resulting story is a gripping animal story, historical novel, and adventure tale. Readers who have not done so, will want to read the companion volume, “Saving Sasha,” although “Finding Sasha,” stands on its own well.
Ivan lives in Leningrad with his mother. He loves music and has formed an ensemble in which he sings and plays the concertina. When the Germans lay siege to the city, Ivan’s mother sends the 12-year-old on a hazardous trek to stay with a relative in the countryside. Through a series of harrowing experiences and misadventures, Ivan ends up in another village, occupied by Germans. Major Recht, the commanding Nazi officer, hears Ivan play music, and brings Ivan to camp to provide entertainment for himself and the soldiers. Ivan uses the opportunity to assist the Partisans, who work secretly to undermine the Germans. When the opportunity arises, Ivan escapes the Nazi camp and rescues Recht’s likeable puppies from a brutal training program intended to transform them into killer attack animals to hunt down Russians.
Major Recht, already sadistic and vengeful, will stop at nothing to retrieve his prized dogs. Unaware that Sasha has gone missing, the German officer vindictively pursues Ivan for many years, even after the war has ended. The resulting story is a gripping animal story, historical novel, and adventure tale. Readers who have not done so, will want to read the companion volume, “Saving Sasha,” although “Finding Sasha,” stands on its own well.
November 21, 2014
Finding Zasha was about how a teenage boy, Ivan, had to leave his family and go to his uncles house due to the Germans bombing their home. On his journey he grew stronger both physically and mentally. He had to cross a frozen over lake and risk never seeing his family ever again. Instead of going straight to his uncles house, he went to his aunts friends house for a while. Him, his aunt, and her friend were hiding in their house and then Ivan asked if he could play his concertina. About an hour after he played, a German officer came into the house. Ivan was not under controlled by Axel, the head chief of the German soldiers and had to play for him at his army camp for entertainment. Ivan's dream was to escape and he has already been caught once, will Ivan escape from the head chief, Axel Recht? Or will he get whipped?
This book is the best historical fiction book I have ever read. It has great suspension and I can't get enough of this book. I couldn't put this book down, the author is a great writer, he does a great job of making reader keep reading. He also does a great job with incorporating non icy ion things into a great book.
I would recommend this book to everybody. Anybody could keep reading this series, in the beginning it is a little dull but throughout the book it gets better and better. The book ended on a cliffhanger so if you hate those, still read it. Everybody should read this and learn some determination and perseverance. If you love dogs, this is an even better book.
This book is the best historical fiction book I have ever read. It has great suspension and I can't get enough of this book. I couldn't put this book down, the author is a great writer, he does a great job of making reader keep reading. He also does a great job with incorporating non icy ion things into a great book.
I would recommend this book to everybody. Anybody could keep reading this series, in the beginning it is a little dull but throughout the book it gets better and better. The book ended on a cliffhanger so if you hate those, still read it. Everybody should read this and learn some determination and perseverance. If you love dogs, this is an even better book.
Read
November 28, 2015This is to saving Zasha the story of Ivan, who is living in an apartment in Leningrad with his mother. When the city got bombed, a neighbor comes to live with them, and Auntie, who has lived through the revolution, shows Ivan many tricks that he needs to survive. She has hoarded food under floorboards, has rubles stuffed into table legs, and does not care about burning her furniture and books for fuel when times get tough. When Ivan's mother's job in a factory gets moved to another city, Ivan and Auntie went to his Uncle Boris cabin. After a long journey, which had a lot walking of six miles over a frozen lake when the truck they are in breaks down as well as a run in with partisans, Ivan decides to stay with Auntie at her relative's house. Galina knows that danger is coming, but is glad of having Ivan's help. Most of the small neighborhood is gone no one is using it, with residents heading off to Moscow, but the remaining people are trying to fight the Nazis. When the local commander, Axel Recht, sees Ivan play the concertina, he asks Ivan to come live at the base. Ivan agrees because he can spy on the Germans there, and also because he is worried for two German shepherd puppies, Zasha and Thor. He wants to help them escape for their own safety, and also so that the partisans can use them instead of the Nazis. This of course, is fraught with danger, but Ivan manages to break free of the Nazis and live through the war without bringing himself to their attention. Axel Recht, is a horrible who wants revenge, and he is bound and determined to find Ivan and the dogs.
February 23, 2013
When the story opens, 12-year-old Ivan is living with his mother in an apartment in Leningrad as the famous siege of Leningrad begins. Ivan and his older neighbor (an "aunt") flee the city on a dangerous journey which involved crossing a iced-over river, catching a ride with a stranger, and showing up unannounced at a distant relative's house. Once they arrive in their new rural town, Ivan quickly makes friends with the local resistance fighters and joins them--none too soon, it turns out, because the Germans are moving in quickly. Ivan ends up getting chosen by the brutal commander of this particular German force--Axel--to play music for him and to train Axel's two adorable German Shepherd puppies.
I won't give away the rest of the book. Suffice it to say that Ivan forms a tremendous bond with his two canine charges, hatches a daring escape plan for them and him both (and other resistance fighters), endures another harrowing journey across unforgiving Russia, and... you'll just have to read it! Those who enjoyed the first Zasha book will enjoy this one. This one ends on a cliff hanger--which makes sense if you've read the first book, but which I had to do a little research about since I haven't read the first.
Zasha is a bit too long for my tastes and will challenge some early middle school students. Still it's a good fit for the middle grades age group and young adults will enjoy it, too.
I won't give away the rest of the book. Suffice it to say that Ivan forms a tremendous bond with his two canine charges, hatches a daring escape plan for them and him both (and other resistance fighters), endures another harrowing journey across unforgiving Russia, and... you'll just have to read it! Those who enjoyed the first Zasha book will enjoy this one. This one ends on a cliff hanger--which makes sense if you've read the first book, but which I had to do a little research about since I haven't read the first.
Zasha is a bit too long for my tastes and will challenge some early middle school students. Still it's a good fit for the middle grades age group and young adults will enjoy it, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews