Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

Reviewed by Lori

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Title: Breaking Stalin's Nose

Author: Eugene Yelchin

Perma-Bound Cat#: 56148

Description: 10-year-old Sasha is painfully disillusioned about life in Stalinist Russia when his father -- the best Communist he knows -- is arrested.

Rubric Rating: Level 4: Love it


Why I Read It: The trim size of this book was smaller than normal and a quick flip through the book made it look like a quick read.


Lori's Notes: A fantastic and fast-paced read taking place over just two days.  10-year-old Sasha's story begins with his letter to Stalin extolling the ruler's leadership. However, when his father is arrested (because his neighbour wants their larger apartment) Sasha sees communism as something entirely different.  The treatment of the children, once ostracized by the communist regime, is awful and their treatment by teachers and other students disgraceful.  A heart-wrenching story made more powerful through the use of graphite illustrations throughout the text.

Recommended Readers: Although it looks like it would be for a younger audience I would recommend for readers grade 7 and up.

Favourite Passages:
"The banner shoots out of my hands and its pointy metal tip knocks Stalin's plaster nose clean off his face." Page 73
"I should be arrested.  Son of a hero and a Communist, I have become an enemy of the people, a wrecker.  I have damaged our precious Soviet property.  No, more than that.  I have defaced a sacred statue of Stalin.  Not on purpose, or course; it was an accident - I lost hold of the banner.  It could have happened to anyone.  But who's going to believe me? Nobody saw how it happened." Page 75

Themes: Fathers and Sons, Childhood, Innocence Lost, Discrimination, Fear Tyranny, First-Person Narrative.  Survival.  Disillusionment, Communism.

Cross-Genre Links: 
Movie: White Nights (1985)
Wikipedia Article: Stalinism
Wikipedia Article: Pussy Riot
Music: 99 Luftballoons by Nena
Music: Revolution by The Beatles

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics:

  • What do you think happens to Sasha?  
  • Why is Sasha's father arrested?  What do we find out about Sasha's Mother.
  • Why do you think all of Sasha's classmates and teacher would turn against him?  Do you think this is fair?  How would you treat Sasha?
  • Would you be able to share an apartment with only one bathroom and one kitchen with 48 other people? What sort of conflicts would arise?
  • Would you lie about someone else to keep yourself out of trouble? 




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