This Sonlight Core 7 novel has been given the "best Sonlight book ever" designation by my kids. The Endless Steppe is author Esther Hautzig's narrative of the 5 years she spent in Siberia as a Polish-Jewish exile during WWII. Hautzig is a master storyteller. At age 10 she and her parents went from a completely normal life in Vilna, Poland, surrounded by dozens of family members, to being outcast in a barracks in Siberia. The five years spent in exile are filled with the daily struggle of finding food, clothing, and shelter. This was one of the books, too, that spanned the ages of my kids. While written for a young adult, the novel was appropriate for my 4th-grader, as well, and even my kindergartener listened in now and then. And a warning for those moved to tears by Sonlight books: get your tissues out for the last few chapters.
Comments
Friday, May 11, 2007 - All those Sonlight books do that to me!
Posted by QueenoftheHill
I was finishing every book with voice shaking, and sometimes, even full bawling breakdowns! It was embarrassing, even though my audience was only 6 and 9 years old at the time. I thought maybe it was just because I was pregnant and hormonal. When the company called to get my feedback on the curriculum (because I was new to Sonlight), I complained that people seemed to die in practically every book and it was truly bringing me down. The lady on the other end of the line said, "Well, it IS history and all those people ARE dead now..."
No truer words were ever spoken! ;-)
Friday, May 11, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by StillHisGirl
LOVE this book!! We recently got to go to the holocaust museum in DC and met a survivor who wrote a book. (I blogged about it last week.) I am reading his book now and am really enjoying it. Too much for kids, but good for me.
I also just left a big ole comment on your are homeschoolers difficult post. I think last night, my hubby would have said that this particular homeschooling wife of his is DEFINITELY difficult! :)
Friday, May 11, 2007 - :)
Posted by CarpeBanana
I cry no matter what I read aloud to my kids... pathetic...
Thanks for visiting my blog... wish I could send you some lilacs.
I love the sign at the bottom of your blog about a small world. :)
Saturday, May 12, 2007 - Endless Step
Posted by Anonymous
I remember this book. Loved it as a girl!
Monica - books are our friends
http://monicabrand.net
Saturday, May 19, 2007 - The Endless Steppe
Posted by Chris bookarama
Oh, I loved this one as a kid. I still have it somewhere. I never knew anyone else who had read it. I thought it was my hidden treasure.
