Stories for Young People: Leo Tolstoy
Gr. 8-11. Though simply told and dramatically illustrated in folklore style, the five stories in this large-size collection in the Stories for Young People series are not for young children but for older students and adults to read and discuss. Tolstoy scholar Orwin points out in her excellent introduction and biography and in her notes with each story that Tolstoy uses the clear, concrete style of Russian folktales to make readers think about how they should live their own lives. The messages are not simple; the devils and imps in the narratives stand for bad impulses. The longest story ("How Much Land Does a Man Need?") dramatizes Tolstoy's changing views about private property, while the first one ("God Sees the Truth, but Waits") is a heartbreaking drama of revenge and sorrow. From his own experience, Tolstoy also writes about the horror and allure of battle and about his opposition to organized government and religion. Lots to talk about here, and Orwin's pastel pictures in shades of orange and green show the elemental conflict.Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved