Title: Sing Freedom!
Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Major Themes: Estonia, Soviet Union, Singing, Communism
Synopsis: Even though Estonia was under the repressive rule of the Soviet Union, the people still banded together in song.
I have found picture books to be a wonderful way to learn about history. I often peruse lists of picture books to find new ones to read to my children. One of the ones I came across not long ago was Sing Freedom! I have never seen a book set in Estonia, as far as I can remember, so the setting alone attracted my attention. I also liked the idea of a nonviolent revolution.
Publisher’s description:
Sing Freedom! captures the essence of this successful nonviolent revolution in a format highly accessible to children. The conflict that eventually won the Estonians their freedom could have had a very violent outcome. This story tells the history of the oppression of the Estonian people and how they gained their freedom through non-violent means.
My thoughts:
I was impressed by the way songs united the people of a country and helped them keep their identity even though they were living under a repressive regime. Sing Freedom! portrays life under communist rule, helping children to feel the fear the people of Estonia lived with. I really enjoyed this glimpse into a little-known country!
One of my children was especially interested in the illustrator’s note at the end of the book, telling how he created the pictures. My son had been wondering how this type of pictures were made, and his questions were answered by that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
No warnings!
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9, 8 – 12
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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