{"product_id":"my-own-revolution-isbn-9780763653958","title":"My Own Revolution","description":"\u003cb\u003eIn 1960s Czechoslovakia, Patrik participates in and rebels against the communist regime, knowing that anyone could become an enemy in the blink of an eye.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFourteen-year-old Patrik rebels against the communist regime in small ways whenever he gets the chance: spray-painting slogans, listening to contraband Beatles records, even urinating on a statue of Lenin under cover of night. But anti-Party sentiment is risky, and when party interference cuts a little too close to home, Patrik and his family find themselves faced with a decision — and a grave secret — that will change everything. As the moments tick toward too late, Patrik takes his family’s fate in hand, risking everything for a chance at freedom. Examining the psychological toll of living under an authoritarian regime, Carolyn Marsden allows readers to experience both Patrik’s persistent worry and his hope for better things.Inspired by a true story, this easily accessible novel should appeal to teens who, like Patrik, are keen observers of the chaos that surrounds them.\u003cbr\u003e—Kirkus\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe overall story is excellent, conveying feelings of dread, suspicion, despair, and frustration experienced by citizens in Communist Eastern Europe. The relationships among Patrik and his friends and family are realistic and genuine. This novel will open some eyes about how difficult and unfair life was in the Eastern Bloc.\u003ci\u003e–\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—School Library Journal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarsden palpably depicts the paranoia of the time and the stress Patrik’s family is under; there’s an unremitting tension to the second half of the story as they make plans to flee the country. It’s an entirely believable portrait of a boy whose daily life is divided between normal teenage concerns—like winning the girl of his dreams and improving his photography skills—and worries about his very uncertain future.\u003cbr\u003e—Publishers Weekly\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarsden’s carefully researched and engrossing story will be of obvious classroom use but will also appeal to thoughtful independent readers.\u003cbr\u003e—Booklist\u003cb\u003eCarolyn Marsden\u003c\/b\u003e is the acclaimed author of \u003ci\u003eThe Gold-Threaded Dress\u003c\/i\u003e and its sequel, \u003ci\u003eThe Quail Club\u003c\/i\u003e, as well as\u003ci\u003e Silk Umbrellas\u003c\/i\u003e,\u003ci\u003e Moon Runner\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWhen Heaven Fell\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Buddha’s Diamonds\u003c\/i\u003e (with Thâ`y Pháp Niêm),\u003ci\u003e The Jade Dragon\u003c\/i\u003e (with Virginia Shin-Mui Loh),\u003ci\u003e Sahwira\u003c\/i\u003e (with Philip Matzigkeit), \u003ci\u003eTake Me with You\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eStarfields\u003c\/i\u003e.","brand":"Candlewick","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46300143288549,"sku":"NP9780763653958","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780763653958.jpg?v=1742918881","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/my-own-revolution-isbn-9780763653958","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}