Kalinka has nowhere to run. Orphaned. Friendless. Cold. Hunted. Alone by herself, lost in the boundless expanse of the snowy Ukrainian Steppe. More dangerous still than the frosty, bitter, and hostile world around her is the yellow star of David embroidered on the coat. when out on the plains she finds horses unlike those she has ever seen before- as though from another time- feral, wily, and clever, the Przewalski's horses have endured the unfriendliness their wild world has thrown at them since the time of the ancient cave paintings- but the unspeakable horrors of WWII are unlike any they have ever faced. As they come to trust Kalinka, the rare horses and their girl are forced to flee from their home- with Nazis in pursuit, intent on their extermination.
The Winter Horses
By Philip Kerr
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 7 - 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
From Philip Kerr, the New York Times bestselling author of the Bernie Gunther novels, comes a breathtaking journey of survival in the dark days of WWII in Ukraine, a country that remains tumultuous today. This inspiring tale captures the power of the human spirit and is perfect for fans of The Book Thief, Milkweed, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
It will soon be another cold winter in the Ukraine. But it's 1941, and things are different this year. Max, the devoted caretaker of an animal preserve, must learn to live with the Nazis who have overtaken this precious land. He must also learn to keep secrets—for there is a girl, Kalinka, who is hiding in the park.
Kalinka has lost her home, her family, her belongings—everything but her life. Still, she has gained one small, precious gift: a relationship with the rare wild and wily Przewalski's horses that wander the preserve. Aside from Max, these endangered animals are her only friends—until a Nazi campaign of extermination nearly wipes them out for good.
Now Kalinka must set out on a treacherous journey across the frozen forest to save the only two surviving horses—and herself.