Rating: 
Summary: An interesting book
Review: I first read this book as part of my 8th grade literature course. A LOT of people, in my English class and without, make the mistake that this is about the Jewish holocaust in Germany and that Esther's family was mistreated by Germans. Obviously that is false. Throughout the book references are given to Communism and how they were called capitalists and thus arested. It specifically states that the Russians came to arrest them and as the whole book takes place in Siberia I simply cannot imagine why anyone would mistake the book as one about the Holocaust brought about by the Nazis. Apart from that, the book did made me feel a bitsorry for Esther. How the mighty are fallen. I agree that she was quite spoilt(compared to the majority of Soviets), and there were tons of poverty-stricken Soviets out there, but was that an excuse to confiscate the family's property without a trial, all of a sudden, giving them only 5 minutes to pack? And did they actually use the building and goods to better the common man? No. It became the posh home of a high ranking Soviet official. This, along with another example in the book (the one where the rich girl gets the dress while Esther, who pleads to borrow it first, is scorned) illustrates the hypocrisy and failures of Soviet-era Communism. The book was a narrative one, where Esther described how the seasons passed, how they planted potatoes, her new school, how they survived, etc. At time it can get a bit monotonous, and I feel the author might have included some more of her own thoughts. Overall, however, the book pleased one and it was well worth the read. After this, I came into touch with the realities of the Soviet Union under Stalin, especially during the war. Before, the people who suffered were just numbers. Now, they are a bit more like real people, as a glimpse is obtained of the mind of a person who has undergone this hardship.
Rating: 
Summary: A great story and a strong female character.
Review: I first read this book during the sixth grade. It was key to my understanding of history and sparked the beginnings of my love to learn about other cultures. I re-read again-at 23-after a month long trip to Siberia's Lake Baikal. It was still fascinating. This book is perfect for young readers-illustrating the differences in culture, examining part of history, and showing us that there are "real" young females to look up to. I am very grateful to my sixth grade teacher, Nathan Cattell, for opening my mind to this piece of literature.
Rating:
Summary: A Relatively Unknown Part of the Holocaust Experience
Review: I first read this book when I chose it from the RIF program in 8th grade many years ago. It is still one of my favorite books. As a young Jewish girl living in Poland in 1939, Esther awakens one day to find her family being taken captive by the invading Russian Army. The deportation by the Russians of Esther's family's to Siberia is a blessing in disguise, though, as it allows them to remain mostly together as a family and ultimately saves their lives, while their other family and friends who were captured by the Germans, met the fate of most Polish Jews during WWII. Her experiences, while differing from those of most European Jews during WWII, are just as important to know about.
Rating:
Summary: A courageous story of survival wrapped in suspense.
Review: I first read this book when I was in 3rd grade. Now, 15 years later, I am reading it to my students in my classes. Ms Hautzig really helps the reader feel every emotion that she describes in the book. It's easy reading, and a good resource for those teachers or parents who would like to start talking with their kids about WWII.
Rating:
Summary: a childhood companion
Review: I first read this book when i was ten and have read it countless times since.I found comfort in the fact that although subject to such suffering and hardship,esther never let her courage and optimism falter.Also it made me realise that no matter where we are,of whatever culture we may come from,teenagers are really very much the same the world over(a fact reinforced by reading The Diary of Anne Frank)Her story is a true example of the glory of the human spirit.
Rating:
Summary: Touching Tale
Review: I first read this when I was a preteen back in the early 1970's and have always remembered this touching story - so now that I'm approaching 40, I'm purchasing it for my home library.
Rating:
Summary: This book was a wonderful book about a young girls' struggle
Review: I had to read this book in school in the 1970s. It was a wonderful book that I have never forgotten to this day. I'm surprised that schools today don't have young students reading it. It made me appreciate what I had then and what I have today. I recommend this book to anyone. My niece has to read a book for school and I recommended it to her. When she's done I'd like to read it again.
Rating:
Summary: A GREAT READ!!!
Review: I just read this book for a book report for school. I loved this book! What was really cool is that the book is a life story of the author!. You feel every emotion the author feels!!
Rating:
Summary: It really touched me!
Review: I read the Endless Steppe as a requirement for a seventh grade accelerated language arts class. I really love this book. It's one of the best I've ever read. I thought it was cool because Esther was just a little bit younger than me when the book started, and i had a fun time watching her grow up(you know what I mean by watching)
I give it four out of five stars!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous and beautiful!
Review: I read this book for a mother-daughter book group. I, being the daughter, was unsure about this book, that is, until I read the first page. I was bubbling with excitement when I discussed this book with the group, and then, low and behold! i was stunned when one of the group members said that she knew Esther Hautzig personally, and that we were going to meet her. Esther Hautzig herself is a wonderful person, and her story of her life in Siberia is the tops.
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