Starred Review Open Fire

  • Interest Level: Grade 6 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 7

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.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-5415-7289-8
$14.24
978-1-5415-9063-2
$23.99
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Interest Level Grade 6 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 7
Genre Young Adult
Copyright 2020
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Lab ®
Language English
Number of Pages 264
Publication Date 2020-03-03
Text Type Fiction—Historical
BISACS YAF024100, YAF022000, YAF058270
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.5 x 8.25
Lexile 740
ATOS Reading Level 5.3
Accelerated Reader® Points 10.0
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, and Teaching Guides

Awards

  • North Star YA Award Shortlist, Short-listed, 2021
  • Notable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2021
  • SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist, Long-listed, 2020

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

Starred Review Foreword Reviews

“[A] lively, passionate novel set in a pressurized time, in which a strong-minded girl displays inspiring commitment.”—starred, Foreword Reviews