World Famous Comics: The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia
The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia
By: Esther Hautzig Publisher: HarperTrophy Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: HarperTrophy Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 256 Publication Date: June 30, 1995 Reading Level: Young Adult Release Date: May 12, 1995
In June 1942, the Rudomin family is arrested by the Russians. They are "capitalists -- enemies of the people." Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia. For five years, Ester and her family live in exile, weeding potato fields and working in the mines, struggling for enough food and clothing to stay alive. Only the strength of family sustains them and gives them hope for the future.
endless steppe terrific book, just the reality type show we need instead of bimbos and druggies. this touches on the real things of life.
HORROR HAS MANY FACES An amazing and brave book, worthy of greater publicity. For many years during and just after WWII it was politically incorrect (to say the least) to indicate that Hitler was not the only monster in the 20th century. At the time when the USSR was still more or less our ally it was indeed a brave act for Ms. Hautzig to point out that the dealings of the Soviets were just as dark as those of the Nazis. By recent estimates at least 60 million people died during the Stalinist dictatorial rule, but it is seldom that one sees a memorial dedicated to these victims. Many Americans cannot believe even today, that these horrors actually happened. While I was teaching in a US Department of Defense School in Germany, my class read the Diary of Anne Frank. We even traveled to Amsterdam, and visited the home, where she and her family were hiding. It was a never to be forgotten, poignant experience; my students were deeply touched. During this time I happened to come across Esther Hautzig's The Endless Steppe, and made it a point that my class read that too, in order to see the parallel. Stalin's monstrosities do not diminish those of Hitler, or Mao, but a cultured person has a need to perceive all events in balance, without the distortions or exclusions dictated by a current political posture.
Child in the steppes Hautzig wrote a wonderful novel, placing you in the heart & mind of a young girl. Tragic story on many levels. Definitely recommend it to upper elementary or jr. high students.
Love this book! I, too, read this book in elementary school and while it took me forever to find it, I'm so glad I did. Esther is a young girl when her family is taken from Poland to the Siberian Steppe during WWII. The story chronicles one of loss, love, and the strength of family in times of need. You also get to take part in Esther's growth from a child to a young woman in the face of adversity. A definite must-read for anyone, young person or adult.
Excellent book! The story of a young girl and her family's trials of living in Siberia during WWII. It is an excellent book to include with a unit study of the Holocaust. The author weaves the truth along with some humor. Excellent!
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