Interesting look at the history of Russia and Ukraine as well as the background of both presidents. This book is well-written and really helps the reader understand the driving forces behind the Russo-Ukraine War.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

A much needed easy to read history lesson for young readers and adults alike about why there is such a fierce rivalry and long running war between Ukraine and Russia. The author obviously did a lot of research into the historical roots of both Putin and Zelenskyy. I learned a lot and feel better informed about current events.

This is a hard book to rate. As an adult, I appreciated the thorough information, but I can’t see kids getting into it.

Thompson begins with the early 20th century history of Czar Nicholas in Russia. He explains how his unpopularity led to the rise of Lenin and communism and eventually to Stalin in World War 2. His details clearly explain the repetition of cruel Russian governments being overthrown by revolutionaries, only to be replaced by one just as bad. The author repeatedly uses the saying “I fled from a wolf, but ran into a bear” to show that the situation for the Russian laborer never improved when governments changed. It’s a fascinating read for people who grew up under benevolent governments. Side note: Vladimir Putin’s grandfather was a personal chef to all three of the previously mentioned dictators.

The book does eventually get around to Putin and Zelensky. It talks about Putin growing up in the Cold War and, having seen the USSR fall from power in the 80s and 90s, wanting to return it to greatness. Zelensky, on the other hand, was a Ukrainian celebrity. His only advantage was that he wasn’t a corrupt politician. The book talks about how the NATO situation plays prominently in the current war. I was happy that the book stayed completely unbiased and just stated the facts.

Unfortunately, the book isn’t narrative enough for kids, which makes it a hard sell. Even I had to skip one of the chapters because I found it to be too boring.

This is a well-researched history of Russia and Ukraine, as the author takes us back and forth in time to discover how Putin came to power, as well as the strength of Ukraine in seeking independence and fighting back. This is listed as a children's non-fiction history book but I think it will appeal more to YA readers as there is a lot of dense information, unfamiliar names, and the complicated history of Russia pre- and post- Soviet Union. That said, I think now more than ever readers have to understand Eastern European history to make intelligent connections to current US events. This is a very reader-friendly book for adults, and I recommend all adults who are concerned about Putin's threat to not only Ukraine but democracy around the world.