Open Fire
A dramatic page-turner that captures the devastating toll of war and the impact of women’s struggles and solidarity, through the lens of a little-known slice of history.
In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and food shortages on the home front are pushing people to the brink of revolution. Seventeen-year-old Katya is politically conflicted, but she wants Russia to win the war. Working at a munitions factory seems like the most she can do to serve her country—until the government begins recruiting an all-female army battalion. Inspired, Katya enlists. Training with other brave women, she finds camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose. But when the women’s battalion heads to the front, Katya has to confront the horrifying realities of war. Faced with heartbreak and disillusionment, she must reevaluate her commitment and decide where she stands.
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978-1-5415-7289-8
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$14.24 | |
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978-1-5415-9063-2
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$23.99 |
Author: Amber Lough
Amber Lough grew up traveling around the world as the daughter of a Naval Officer and a drama teacher. When she was ten, she dreamed of being Indiana Jones, so she poured over archaeology books and tried to learn as many languages as she could. As a teen, she took AFROTC classes in school and joined the rifle drill team, both of which continued into college despite the obvious nerd factor. In fact,
Amber never cared if people called her a nerd, because nerds are cool. For added effect, Amber double-majored in Russian and International Studies. After college, Amber became a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and continued on to Intelligence training. A few years later, she wound up an active participant in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she learned that war can be both terrifying and boring but is never truly enjoyable. Nor should it be. It was in Iraq where Amber realized life is too short to waste doing something she wasn’t passionate about.
Amber now lives in Germany with her astrophysicist husband and their two kids. They have two rambunctious cats, an allotment garden, too many Legos, and not enough books.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
Open Fire
A dramatic page-turner that captures the devastating toll of war and the impact of women’s struggles and solidarity, through the lens of a little-known slice of history. In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and… View available downloads →
Awards
- North Star YA Award Shortlist
- Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
- SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
“A compelling feminist snapshot of a country—and a girl—at a revolutionary crossroads.”—Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
“A lesser-explored time period is given a compelling and interesting narrative through well-developed characters. Give to readers who enjoy historical fiction and strong female characters.”—School Library Journal
Elizabeth Wein
“Katya is a heroine to ache for, and her story is a stunning, vibrant glimpse of a rare moment in women’s history.”—Elizabeth Wein, author of Code Name Verity, Rose Under Fire, and The Pearl Thief
Foreword Reviews
“[A] lively, passionate novel set in a pressurized time, in which a strong-minded girl displays inspiring commitment.”—starred, Foreword Reviews