Symphony for the City of the Dead Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad

This National Book Award winner by M.T. Anderson offers a brilliant and intense exploration of one of history's most devastating events, the Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944), through the lens of composer Dmitri Shostakovich and his iconic Seventh Symphony. It vividly portrays the extreme hardships faced by the city's inhabitants, including starvation, bombardment, and the psychological toll of war, while also highlighting the incredible power of art to inspire and unite. Parents should be aware of the graphic historical details, including widespread death, starvation, and references to cannibalism, making it suitable for mature young adult readers (ages 12-18) interested in history, music, and human resilience.