In post WWII Russia, one boy dares to save an entire race of outlawed dogs -- the German shepherd!World War II has just ended when thirteen-year-ol...
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reviews
Sep 13, 2011
Sarah
rated it: 
In 1945 Russia, dogs are rare--because of the war, many died from starvation or in battle. This is why 13-year-old Mikhail is shocked to one day find an injured man with a German Shepherd in the woods near his home.
Mikhail's family did all they could for the man, but he dies, leaving behind his dog whose name, they learned, is Zasha. Zasha is such a good dog that they decide to keep her, although it will be dangerous for them because some might view them as traitors for having a Germ More...
Mikhail's family did all they could for the man, but he dies, leaving behind his dog whose name, they learned, is Zasha. Zasha is such a good dog that they decide to keep her, although it will be dangerous for them because some might view them as traitors for having a Germ More...
Mar 26, 2011
Chris
rated it: 
Great read for grades 4–6. While the reading level is relatively simply, the story is fascinating and told me something about the aftermath of WWII that I didn't know. Not only did many of Russia's dog die during the war, anti-German sentiment after the war led to the killing of dogs associated with Germany, such as the German shephard. When young Mikhail comes across a dying man and his beautiful German shephard, Zasha, he and and his family decide to hide the dog. Thieves come looking for the
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Mar 09, 2011
Margo
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I love a good dog story, and was delighted to find a terrific dog heroine (and no, she doesn't die at the end!) in this new historical fiction perfect for middle schoolers by debut children's novelist Randi Barrow.
Set in Russia at the end of World War II, this page-turner opens as thirteen-year old Mikhail finds a dying soldier and his beautiful German shepherd in the forest near his house. When the soldier doesn't make it, the family is faced with a dilemma--what to do with his dog, Z More...
Set in Russia at the end of World War II, this page-turner opens as thirteen-year old Mikhail finds a dying soldier and his beautiful German shepherd in the forest near his house. When the soldier doesn't make it, the family is faced with a dilemma--what to do with his dog, Z More...
Jun 25, 2011
Maureen
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So far, this book is so simply rendered as to be almost placeless. However, it does relate, in simple language, a story of Russia in the aftermath of WWII and it features a dog. Therefore, it may appeal to reluctant Intermediate readers who might otherwise avoid historical fiction. I find the plot too contrived, but, then again, I am not ten. I hope that the second half of the book develops some depth.
Alas, some action, but stalled in the shallows. When the boys (13 and 15) have More...
Alas, some action, but stalled in the shallows. When the boys (13 and 15) have More...
Apr 03, 2011
Jeremiah
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This is an adventure book called Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow. It is 229 pages. The story was about a boy who finds a dying man with a dog named Zasha; she is a German shepherd, and they are forbidden in Russia. The boy's name is Mikhail; he has a brother named Nikolai and a sister named Rina. Together they try to find a way to save Zasha from the dogcatchers, thieves, and hunters. Katia is the daughter of a journalist, who has always wanted a dog. Katia is investigating the rumors from the dog
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Dec 21, 2011
Megan
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I gave Saving Zasha 4 stars because I really liked it. It was an amazing historical fiction book. I liked when Mikhail found a wounded man that got badly hurt for keeping a German dog. I liked that because Mikhail and his family were very nice because they helped a stranger who was hurt. Later on the man dies and Mikhail has to hide the man’s German shepherd. What I didn’t really like was that the army would shoot any German dog including German shepherds. I also liked this book because I liked
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May 19, 2011
Hal
rated it:
You'll Fall in Love with Zasha and Mikhail ! !
I found this book to be: exceptionally well-written, poignant, & charming.
Great for: upper elementary, middle school.
This engaging, moving, thrilling story is set in a rural part of northern Russia, at the end of World War II. I found it so easy to relate to the characters, especially Mikhail and his older brother, Nikolai. Their family is changed forever by the discovery of Zasha, a beautiful, intelligent Ger More...
I found this book to be: exceptionally well-written, poignant, & charming.
Great for: upper elementary, middle school.
This engaging, moving, thrilling story is set in a rural part of northern Russia, at the end of World War II. I found it so easy to relate to the characters, especially Mikhail and his older brother, Nikolai. Their family is changed forever by the discovery of Zasha, a beautiful, intelligent Ger More...
Jan 17, 2012
Elizabeth
rated it: 
this is a YA book that takes place in russia following WWII. dogs have been killed off during the war and any dog of German descent is killed on sight.
young mikhail comes across a dying man in the woods near his farm. he takes him home to nurse him and finds the man is accompanied by a beautiful german shepherd - zasha. the man dies and zasha is taken in by mikhail's family. in their father's long absence in the war, zasha gives the family something to distract them.
dog More...
young mikhail comes across a dying man in the woods near his farm. he takes him home to nurse him and finds the man is accompanied by a beautiful german shepherd - zasha. the man dies and zasha is taken in by mikhail's family. in their father's long absence in the war, zasha gives the family something to distract them.
dog More...
Mar 20, 2011
Laura
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This is a YA fiction based on the era right after the war between Germany and Russia. The book was a very quick read and was a super story. It just kept moving from page 1. It was a about a family whose father/husband had not returned from war. Left alone to survive and faith that he would return. One of the boys finds a man who has great wound and is dying. He also has a dog. All dogs have been killed, especially German shepherds.. (because of the name)...The boy takes the man and the dog home.
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Jun 10, 2011
Hannah
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This book is absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend it to older audiences (teens, young adults). This book is about one of the last german shepherds and Mikhail(Michael)'s family finds a dog and a wounded soldier. The soldier passes and the dog is left after the family to care for. The father is away at war and they haven't heard from him for 2-3 years. This book is absolutely thrilling. Adventure, courage, love, etc. The dog is being pursued by many people but family always is there to hel
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May 21, 2011
This book... Saving Zasha souds like a good book. I just got it at the Anderson public library. I read the first page and and its mustirious because it says something like. "everything was ok untill the man in the
YELLOW truck came." and if you've read Tuck Everlasting then you would know that yellow means a warning.
So i doun't know about you but to me it sounds interesting and if you want to try and get I would suggest to look at any book store or the Anderson libray.
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YELLOW truck came." and if you've read Tuck Everlasting then you would know that yellow means a warning.
So i doun't know about you but to me it sounds interesting and if you want to try and get I would suggest to look at any book store or the Anderson libray.
More...
Jan 05, 2012
Shelley
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World War II is over but bitter memories still linger in Russia as well as many other parts of the world. Part of that bitterness has driven people to eliminate anything German, including German Shepherds. When a young boy finds and injured man and his German Shepherd, he takes them home and his mother tries to save the man, but she cannot. Fear of being prosecuted, they hide the dog and she becomes a member of their family. But she must also be hidden from anyone who might turn them in, and
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Dec 02, 2011
“Mikhail! Someone’s coming!”My brother Nikola shouted running into the barn “is she here?” This book is about a boy who finds a man and his German dog in the woods behind his house. Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow is a very heart-warming story.
I loved the book so much that I don’t have a favourite part. I think everyone will enjoy it. This book is full of adventure! Boys and girls will like this book because it has war and animals. (If you read it) I hope you like it. (10/10)
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I loved the book so much that I don’t have a favourite part. I think everyone will enjoy it. This book is full of adventure! Boys and girls will like this book because it has war and animals. (If you read it) I hope you like it. (10/10)
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Aug 01, 2011
Kendra
rated it:
Set in Russia shortly after the end of World War II, Mikhail adopts the dog of an injured man who died on his family's farm. He and his brother and sister protect Zasha from potential dog thieves, a nosy girl from town, and an army man who is working on breeding a new Russian dog.
SAVING ZASHA is perfect for those that love animal stories. I can see how some will enjoy reading about how a boy finds and cares for a dog in a time when dogs were scarce. For me, everything tied up a bit too More...
SAVING ZASHA is perfect for those that love animal stories. I can see how some will enjoy reading about how a boy finds and cares for a dog in a time when dogs were scarce. For me, everything tied up a bit too More...
Mar 17, 2011
Started off strong with the death of a stranger leaving behind his beautiful but supposedly illegal German Shepherd dog: Zasha. It is post war Russia and everything German is despised and eliminated. Mikhail and his family decide to keep and hide the beautiful dog which presents quite a problem with so many snooping people in their small village. Suspenseful story was spoiled for me with an ending that felt rushed and tacked on. Based on true events. If you like a dog story you should enjoy this
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Sep 29, 2011
NewFranklin
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I thought Saving Zasha was a great book.
Mikial was riding on his horse one day when suddenly this guy walks out of the woods with a dog. The man will soon die. Later that night he dies. Mikial doesn't know what to do with this dog Zasha. He doesn't want his mom to tell the police so they can train and kill them in the war. Will Mikial help save the last dog? Will the army find Zasha? Read Saving Zasha to find out!
Mikial was riding on his horse one day when suddenly this guy walks out of the woods with a dog. The man will soon die. Later that night he dies. Mikial doesn't know what to do with this dog Zasha. He doesn't want his mom to tell the police so they can train and kill them in the war. Will Mikial help save the last dog? Will the army find Zasha? Read Saving Zasha to find out!
Dec 21, 2011
I really enjoyed this book!! In post WWII Russia, one boy dares to save an entire race of outlawed dogs -- the German shepherd!
World War II has just ended when thirteen-year-old Mikhail finds a dying man and his German shepherd, Zasha, in the woods. It's dangerous -- some say traitorous -- to own a German dog after Germany attacked Russia, so Mikhail must keep Zasha a secret to keep her alive.
World War II has just ended when thirteen-year-old Mikhail finds a dying man and his German shepherd, Zasha, in the woods. It's dangerous -- some say traitorous -- to own a German dog after Germany attacked Russia, so Mikhail must keep Zasha a secret to keep her alive.
Jan 15, 2011
Karen
rated it:
I am considering this book for 4th grade book club- reading it before I decide.
This book will be good for a book club. There is some brief discussion of how dogs were used during WWII, but nothing graphic. The story is very hopeful and has two very positive things happen at the end of the book. The book has history, dogs, and family themes that will appeal to many different readers.
This book will be good for a book club. There is some brief discussion of how dogs were used during WWII, but nothing graphic. The story is very hopeful and has two very positive things happen at the end of the book. The book has history, dogs, and family themes that will appeal to many different readers.
Jan 30, 2012
Janie
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Kelsey had to read this for school and she absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down. She really wanted me to read it to, so I did. It is a great story about a boy and his family just as the WW II ends in Russia. It shows how the war affected them and their country and it's about how they come to have and love a German Shepherd in a time when everything German is suspect.
Apr 17, 2011
Genie
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This is one of the best dog stories I have read in a long time. I didn't feel drowned in unrelated details as the story progress. I liked the characters and it had a great ending (a feel good ending). Why can't there be more dog stories like this one. I also learned a lot about what happened to dogs during WWII. I like learning history this way.
Aug 28, 2011
Christopher
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In post-WWII Russia, a young boy finds a dying man and his German sheperd, an illegal dog in Russia at the time! Now he must try to hide his new dog, Zasha, from the Russian army and a nosy reporter wannabe girl, while also dealing with the fact that his father has not returned from war. If your a dog lover, Saving Zasha is a great read.
Dec 20, 2011
Candace
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Barrow has written a terrific children's fiction book about war torn Russia following WWII. The story centers round 13-year-old Mikhail and a German shepherd named Zasha. Mikhail must keep Zasha a secret to keep her alive. Follow Mikhail's inspiring journey and hardships as he struggles to save his best friend.
Aug 14, 2011
Marilyn
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Even though this book is intended for 4th grade readers, I picked it up just because of the historical aspect of all dogs of German breed being killed by the Russians after WWII. It was interesting--plus the author added a note at the end about the program to restore dogs to Russians after the war.
Oct 07, 2011
Lovesmukiwa
rated it:
This was an extremely quick read. This is the story of a Russian boy who finds a man and a dog after the war. The man dies in the care of his mother but the dog is kept by the family and hidden from those who seek out dogs to destroy them.
It was a very simple story but I enjoyed it.
It was a very simple story but I enjoyed it.
Sep 13, 2011
Faith 11-12
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Russia has just finished a war with Germany and everyone dislikes the Germans, even the German Shepherds.
Reasons I like this book-
Reason 1- Zasha is a German Shepherd, my favorite breed of dog.
Reason 2- The story takes place in the country.
Reason 3- Zasha is very intelligent.
Reasons I like this book-
Reason 1- Zasha is a German Shepherd, my favorite breed of dog.
Reason 2- The story takes place in the country.
Reason 3- Zasha is very intelligent.
Feb 12, 2011
Karen
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 22, 2012
Sheryl
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This is a GREAT heartwarming story. I listened to the audio edition and and laughed and cried. Roger Mueller was fantastic for the reading. His voice portrayed each character beautifully, even the children. If yoou love dogs and all animals in general, you will enjoy the story.
Aug 21, 2011
Mary
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What wonderful historical fiction! I knew nothing of what happened to dogs or how they were used during World War II, or that Russia wanted to create a new breed following the war. Well worth the read--it leaves you wanting to explore the topic even more.
Jun 25, 2011
Kristy
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I really enjoyed this story of a Russian family (post WWII) who saves a German shepherd, putting themselves at risk from government, police, dog thieves & nosy neighbors. It's aimed at the age 9-13 crowd, so the plot gets wrapped up in a nice, neat package, with a happy ending for everyone, except the dog thieves.
Nov 12, 2010
Ed
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At the end of World War II, it is considered traitorous to own a German Shephard in the Soviet Union, but 13-year-old Mikhail is determined to save his. A great "boy and his dog" story with an intriguing background and setting.
