Risked

Just as Jonah and his sister, Katherine, are finally enjoying a break from time traveling and dealing with normal middle school problems, they're snatched by their enemies and transported back to Russia in 1918, the day before the Romanov family is to be executed. Chris Sorensen's serious narration contrasts well with the youthful rescue attempts of the children. He captures the suspense and ever changing action, which ranges from lively and energetic to quiet and covert. His repertoire features unique voices, flawless Russian-accented English, authentic screams, and furtive whispers as well as appropriately contemptuous and belligerent voices for the siblings' kidnappers. The steadily increasing tension will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. M.F.T. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

February 1, 2014

Gr 5-8-Jonah and his sister Katherine are time travelers who seem to have finally gotten a chance to stay in one place for a little while. Jonah decides to take the opportunity to research his background and see what he can find out his true identity. In the process, he comes across information about the Romanov children, and barely has time to wonder if he is actually Alexei Romanov before he, Katherine, and their friend Chip are sent back in time to 1918 to the very house where the Romanov family are hiding after the Russian Revolution. Will Jonah and Katherine be able to change the course of history and save them? Chris Sorensen's pace and emotion help to bring the story to life for his audience, and he easily conveys the excitement in certain parts of the story. Haddix discusses her research into the actual Romanov family and how she created characters based on real people in the author's note at the end of the work (S & S, 2013). This gem will intrigue and captivate historical fiction fans or any readers who love adventure, excitement, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.-Katy Charles, Virgil Elementary School, Cortland, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.