SAVING ZASHA

by Randi Barrow

This is an adorable book, based on true events, for kids 9–13 years old. Told from a child’s perspective, it tells about the plight of dogs in Russia during and after World War II. The story also “tackles some of life’s hardest lessons about war, hate, forgiveness, hope, love, and man’s best friend.” Readers will be rooting for the beautiful German Shepherd, Zasha, whom Mikhail desperately tries to save, while his not-so-good, sneaky friend Katia just as desperately tries to find and, Mikhail thinks, destroy.

Reviewed by Nancy Allen