<b>The author of <i>Between Shades of Gray </i>returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.</b><br><br>In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the <i>Wilhelm Gustloff</i>. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.<br><br>Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.<br><p>Told in alternating points of view, and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning<i>All the Light We Cannot See</i>, Erik Larson's critically acclaimed #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestseller<i>Dead Wake</i>, and Elizabeth Wein's Printz Honor Book <i>Code Name Verity</i>, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the<i>Wilhelm Gustloff--</i>the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in<i>Between Shades of Gray</i>, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.</p><b><br>Praise for BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY:</b><br><br>A <i>New York Times </i>Notable Book of 2011<br>A <i>Wall Street Journal </i>Best Children’s Book of 2011<br>A <i>Publishers Weekly </i>Best Book of 2011<br>The iTunes 2011 Rewind Best Teen Novel<br>A <i>School Library Journal </i>Best Book of 2011<br>A <i>Booklist </i>Best Book of 2011<br>A <i>Kirkus </i>Best Book of 2011<br>2012 Indies Choice Young Adult Book of the Year<br>A Carnegie Medal Finalist<br>A William C. Morris Finalist<br>A <i>New York Times </i>Bestseller<br>An International Bestseller<br><br>“Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both.”<b>--<i>The Washington Post</i></b><br><br>* “A harrowing page-turner.”<b>--<i>Publishers Weekly</i>, starred review</b><br><br>* “A gripping story.”<b>--<i>School Library Journal</i>, starred review</b><br><br>* “Bitterly sad, fluidly written…Sepetys' flowing prose gently carries readers.”<b>--<i>Kirkus</i>, starred review</b><br><br>* &quot;Beautifully written and deeply felt…an important book that deserves the widest possible readership.”<b>--<i>Booklist</i>, starred review</b><br><br>“Stalin deported and murdered millions, but he could not destroy the seeds of memory, compassion, and art that they left behind. From those seeds, Ruta Septeys has crafted a brilliant story of love and survival that will keep their memory alive for generations to come.” <b>--Laurie Halse Anderson, bestselling author of <i>Speak </i>and <i>Wintergirls</i></b><br><br>“In terrifying detail, Ruta Sepetys re-creates World War II coming of age all too timely today.<i>Between Shades of Gray</i> is a document long overdue.” <b>--Richard Peck, Newbery Award–winning author of<i>A Year Down Yonder</i></b><br><br>“<i>Between Shades of Gray</i> is a story of astonishing force. I feel grateful for a writer like Ruta Sepetys who bravely tells the hard story of what happens to the innocent when world leaders and their minions choose hate and oppression. Beautiful and unforgettable.”<b>--Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Newbery Honor–winning author of <i>Hitler Youth </i></b>