Fall of the Soviet Union

Children's Literature - Judy Silverman

Harvey's terrific book documents the history of Communism in the Soviet Union, and makes it easy to understand why Communism was so successful for so long, and why its fall in 1991 was almost inevitable. Also, we share the world's amazement that resistance to the hard-liners' attempted takeover of the government was successful and bloodless. Not for very young children, but by the time a child is interested in the subject this is a perfect introduction. Part of the "Cornerstones of Freedom" series.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-An enormous amount of complex history is broken down into a highly readable text enhanced by full-color and black-and-white photographs of Russian life past and present. Harvey begins with the revolution in 1917 and briefly traces events through the fall of the former Soviet Union, ending with Gorbachev's resignation on December 25, 1991. With a focus on Russia, the largest country in the new 15 Commonwealth of Independent States, the problems of establishing democracy and a free-market economy are outlined. The frightening aspect of nuclear weapons still in the other countries where tensions are high is mentioned. A welcome addition to the series and to libraries trying to keep abreast of current events.-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA