Gr 5-9-In 1939 Finland, Marko serves proudly as a sky watcher, a junior member of the Civil Guard. On November 30, when Russian bombers attack his village, his best friend is killed, and his younger sister and brother must evacuate to Sweden. A chance encounter with a former teacher, now an army lieutenant, propels Marko, who still limps as a result of a bout with polio, to the front lines. His familiarity with the area around Savolahti and his orienteering skills make him an ideal clandestine messenger, carrying information back and forth between the small companies of soldiers hidden in the hills. The Winter War, a little-known campaign of World War II, comes to life as Marko relates his experiences during the bone-chilling months of 1939 and 1940. Durbin's graphic depictions of the realities of war are not for the faint of heart, and he does not soften his message regarding the lack of support that America and the world showed Finland during this time. More than a war story, though, this is a tale of resilience and self-discovery: Marko finds unsuspected reservoirs of strength within himself. The endings for him and his friends are a little too pat, but an afterword and sources for further study will satisfy readers who want to learn more. An engaging novel for adventure lovers and fans of historical fiction alike.-Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
( )

This is a good one for the crossover group~ tweens to teens, boys and girls. ( )

A historical novel about the 1939 Soviet invasion of Finland. After witnessing his best friend's death by Soviet fire, and despite a leg crippled by polio, Marko volunteers to help in the fight. He works as a messenger on the front lines, skiing from camp to camp. Their only hope is that the Russians, who outnumber them, won't be able to survive the harsh winter. ( )