Ice on Fire (Portrait of the Soviet Union)
Sture Stiernlof
Ice on Fire (Portrait of the Soviet Union)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Sture Stiernlof
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What if you had to escape across a frozen wilderness in the middle of winter just to be free? Imagine skiing through snowy forests while dodging danger at every turn, with wolves howling nearby and guards on your trail. Could you find the courage to survive and reunite with someone you love?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction novel follows Lena, a young violinist from the Soviet Union, as she attempts a daring escape to freedom during the Cold War. The story involves themes of bravery, harsh environments, and the challenges of political oppression, with some intense scenes of danger and survival. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it offers a thrilling narrative with historical context, though parents should be aware of mature themes including peril and escape attempts.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780817229283
- Pages
- 339
- Publisher
- New Generation Publishing
- Published
- March 1989
- Type
- Fiction