Yelchin, Eugene. The Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2021.
There aren’t many memoirs for middle grade readers about growing up in the Cold War era Soviet Union. There are even fewer that make you laugh. From being grossed out by the bandage on Lenin’s mummy to wearing Baryshnikov’s Levis, Yelchin’s comic timing is spot on. That’s not to say life in the Soviet Union was easy. Even at age 6 Yelchin felt the tension and the fear and understood that you didn’t criticize the government, especially in front of the KGB informant that shared their common kitchen. And he understood his parents’ worry that he wouldn’t have athletic (he does not have it) or artistic talent (it turns out he does have it), the paths to an easier life.
Although this is not a graphic novel, the illustrations and page design of The Genius Under the Table are a big part of the story. On the other hand, the audio offers the story in the author’s own voice. It is too hard to choose, so maybe reading the print version while listening to the audio is ideal. Whatever the format, The Genius Under the Table offers real insight into living under a communist regime, the joy of family, and the pressures of growing up. Put it at the top of the list for elementary and middle school libraries.
Dewey: 947.085 Interest Level: Grade 4 and up
Awards and Reviews: Booklist starred; Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books starred; Horn Book Magazine starred; Kirkus Reviews starred; Publishers Weekly starred; School Library Connection; School Library Journal starred; Sydney Taylor Book Honor
Older Readers Might Like: A Time of Fear: America in the Era of Red Scares and Cold War by Albert Marrin.
Fiction Pairing: Cloud and Wallfish by Anne Nesbitt
On the Web: Check out the Wende Museum of the Cold War website at https://www.wendemuseum.org/.
Look at more of Yelchin’s artwork and books at https://www.eugeneyelchin.com/books#/the-genius-under-the-table/, along with a recording of Yelchin talking about the book.