Tormented by Fear

Taking place in a span of only two days, this story is a quick read about Sasha who has been waiting his whole life to be a Young Pioneer.  On the eve of the ceremony when he officially receives his red scarf, displaying allegience to Stalin's Communist ideals, his world is turned upside down and inside out.  What he always believed to be true, may not be true.  Who he trusted before, may not be someone he can trust now.  Striking illustrations reinforce the tension and fears of all Russian people during Stalin's regime, and in the author's note, we find out much beyond Stalin's time.  This book was named a Newbery Honor Book.  I read it because it was recognized by the American Library Association and am glad I did.