River of Ice (Cover-To-Cover Novels: World War II)
#8 in Cover-to-cover books Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
As Stalin's purges and arrests increase, Sasha and his mother plan to leave Russia to join his father and older sister who have emigrated to Riga, Latvia. Published in 2001 by Perfection Learning as a softcover edition.
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'River of Ice' demonstrate resilience during difficult times?
What impact does the setting of World War II have on the story and the characters' decisions?
Can you identify a character you admire in the book? What qualities do they possess that you respect?
How do the characters' experiences in the book compare and contrast with what we know about real-world history during World War II?
What lessons can we learn about courage and friendship from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book to set a reflective tone. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and characters without fear of judgment. Draw parallels between the historical context of the book and current events to make the discussion more relatable. Acknowledge challenging themes and provide a comforting space to explore these concepts. Highlight the moral lessons and positive traits within the characters to instill similar values in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'River of Ice' faces numerous challenges during the World War II setting, showing resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing difficult situations with courage, applicable when dealing with personal challenges or standing up for what they believe in.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate to overcome obstacles, highlighting how working together can achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of cooperation and teamwork in school projects or in sports.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story explores the impacts of war on individuals from different backgrounds, encouraging readers to understand and empathize with others' experiences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate and understand peers who might come from diverse backgrounds or have different experiences.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: ‘River of Ice’ provides insights into the World War II era, educating children about significant historical events and their effects.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children appreciate history and its impact on the present, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.