Days of Terror

by Barbara Smucker

Days of peace turn to days of terror for a young boy caught in the tensions of revolutionary times. Set in 1917 and the years following, Days of Terror tells the story of ten-year-old Peter Neufeld and his family. Sickened by the horrors of anarchy, famine and the Russian revolution, the Neufelds decide to join the mass exodus of Mennonites to North America. But will they survive the journey?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Adventure, Childrens, Middle Grade, School, Canada

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Anna Zehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I read this book to my third and fourth grade students, one student said he wished the book wouldn't stop yet, but would go on. Another student asked me to reread the final sentence. Then a student asked me to reread the first sentence of the book. The juxtaposition of the first and last sentence brought sighs of approval and satisfaction.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I didn't want to put it down even after I was done reading it. :)

[David Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book. Makes Mennonite history come alive, and it really highlights the gentle roots of the culture.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well told historical novel about the Russian Mennonites who immigrated to Canada in the 1920s. They had previously immigrated to Russia from Germany at the invitation of the Tsar, who knew they would provide food through their farming. Because they spoke German and were perceived to be wealthy by the Russian people after the Revolution, they were mistreated and lived in poverty, until the Canadian Mennonites were able to get them into Canada. The churches had been shut down and that was the final straw for many, as their faith was central to their life. Narrated by Peter, the second oldest son, the story draws you into his world (an artist) as all this happens around him and to his family. The relationship with his grandfather is lovely, and there is much to admire about the Mennonite sense of family and community.

[Cindee Ketches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written! I only wish the story could’ve gone on longer & tell about the family’s experiences setting up in Manitoba

[Gloria]

It is an interesting book.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written, highly informative children’s book about the migration of Mennonite refugees from Russia in the 1920s, of which my great-grandparents were a part. We still have their samovar that they carried such a long way.

[Brynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. This is the first book I've read about Mennonites.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Sara Pantea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it !

[Rhonda Gingerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good reminder of all that our ancestors suffered/endured so that their descendants can enjoy religious freedom today.

[Sarah Nisly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my 3rd+4th history class while we were learning about the Bolshevik Revolution and they loved it

[Worthreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a well-written and factual re-telling of the Russian Revolution and its effects on the Mennonite communities. At times the story read like a history textbook, and it was difficult to connect with the characters. However, it is full of important information about the Mennonite hardships and the emigration to Canada, and would be useful as part of a historical fiction unit in an intermediate classroom.

[Lindsy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for a class novel study. It was especially relevant with the demographics of my class this year. The kids really enjoyed the historical aspect of the book, as well as the generally fast-paced approach of the story. This is a novel to keep on the list!

[Cws]

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[Dinah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's book and with some rough patches in the writing, but overall good and compelling. I was constantly struck by the number of family and personal names familiar to me from family genealogy.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good companion-piece to "Fiddler On the Roof" when studying the Russian Revolution with middle-schoolers. Otherwise, I wouldn't choose to read it a second time.

[Luis]

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[Peggy House · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely important book, especially for our kids to read. We are in such great danger of having history repeat itself.

[Bob Large · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story brings to life the plight of Mennonites in Russia during early 1900's and their subsequent immigration to Canada and US.

[Leash.Yo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book and I couldn't put it down when I could read it. I hope that lots of others read the book too.