This week, check out these books discussing the importance of relationships in all aspects!

Between the Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

“Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth?

That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch.”

Imagine having your life taken away when you are just fifteen-years-old. Lina Vilkas was detached from her father one night after Soviet officers forced themselves into her house, leaving her alone with her mother and her younger brother. Unwillingly forced across eastern Europe to eventually go and work at a concentration camp all the way in the coldest parts of Siberia. With not much choice, they are all fighting for their lives in some of the worst conditions known to mankind.

Despite being miles away from her normal life, Lina feels at peace by doing what she did best – drawing. Drawing allowed her to feel free again and at the same time, it allowed her to hope. Hope that her father will be found. Hope to be free. Hope to survive the traumatic events under Stalin’s rule.

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

“Don’t you want to be alive before you die?”

What happens when a German boy and a blind French girl meet in France as it is occupied?

All they both want is to survive to the destruction caused by World War II.

Marie-Laurie has been living in Paris since she was born. Her father worked at the Museum of Natural History and they spent almost all their time together. When she turns twelve, Paris is seized by the Nazis, Marie-Laurie and her father are forced to travel to Saint-Malo. Saint-Malo is where her great-uncle resides along the sea. As if their journey isn’t strenuous enough, they possess the most treasured and threatening jewel the museum has to offer.

Meet Werner Pfennig, an orphan who grew up in a small mining town in Germany. With his younger sister by his side, they both enjoyed news and stories that made their way to them through an indecent radio. As time passes, Werner becomes adept at building and when the time comes repairing radios. By the virtue of his talent, Werner is drafted to pinpoint the resistance.  As he works his way through different parts of France, his paths cross with Marie-Laurie.

Go find these book at the KIS Secondary Library right away!