Among the Red Stars
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4.0 • 4 Ratings
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- $4.99
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
A suspenseful historical YA debut inspired by the true story of an all-female bomber unit in Russia during World War II.
World War II has erupted in Valka’s homeland of Russia, and Valka is determined to help the effort. She’s a pilot—and a good one—so she eagerly joins an all-female bomber regiment.
Flying has always meant freedom and exhilaration for Valka, but dropping bombs on German targets is something else entirely. The raids are dangerous, but as Valka watches her fellow pilots putting everything on the line in the face of treachery, she learns the true meaning of bravery.
As the war intensifies, though, and those around her fall, Valka must decide how much she is willing to risk to defend the skies she once called home.
Inspired by the true story of a famous all-female Russian bomber regiment, Gwen C. Katz weaves a tale of strength and sacrifice, of learning to fight for yourself, and of the perils of a world at war.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Valka, a young Russian aviator, joins the war effort from the air while her childhood friend Pasha fights on the front lines in this intimate portrayal of the personal toll of WWII. Told largely through letters exchanged between the friends (and inspired by a real group of fearless airwomen, designated the Night Witches by their enemies), Katz's debut novel extols the troops' bravery without sugarcoating the atrocities of war. Through Valka's eyes, she examines the sexism women faced attempting to break into the field, fears of being labeled a traitor to the socialist experiment, the inextricable ways war changes a person, and the sacrifices and impossible choices that are inextricably tied to combat. Valka's journey takes her from a scrappy, idealistic pilot to a battle-worn veteran, but she never loses her humanity. Although her correspondence with Pasha serves as an excellent device to overlay their experiences and ignite a love story from a safe distance, their detailed recountings of various conversations wind up an awkward way for them to share information with each other. Ages 13 up.
