It's Romania in 1989, and Cristian is living in a world oppressed by a communist dictator. Despite the danger, Cristian and many others look for every scrap of information they can find about the outside world. They listen to Radio Free Europe and watch bootleg copies of American movies in secret. But even so, Cristian finds it difficult to believe that world is real.
Even possessing a scrap of an American magazine can be dangerous with neighbors informing against each other to the secret police. Owning even a small amount of foreign currency is a crime, and Cristian is alarmed when he finds an American dollar tucked into the envelope with the stamp given to him by a friend.
That dollar is the beginning of a dangerous game when the secret police use its existence to blackmail him into becoming a spy for the government. Becoming an informer is the antithesis of what Cristian wants to be, but he really has no choice. And they promise medicine for his sick grandfather. Now that he is caught up in this world, he becomes suspicious of everyone. Who told the secret police about the money in the first place? Are there ever really any secrets when the government can see into your most private hiding place?
Maybe, he thinks, he can become a double agent. He can spy for the government while also trying to find a way to get the truth about life in Romania to the outside world. When the opportunity to act comes, will he have the courage of his convictions? Or will he continue to live in oppression?
Ruta Sepetys's niche is bringing to light the stories of the oppressed and awakening compassion in the hearts of her readers. This is a powerful story of struggle and hope in a dark time. Like her other works, this is a story everyone should read and reflect on the dangers of oppressive governments and the impact they have on regular citizens. Highly recommended for grades 7 and up.
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