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The author of Between Shades of Gray returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating-yet unknown-tragedies.

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... More

The author of Between Shades of Gray returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war's most devastating-yet unknown-tragedies.

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 Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, Russian torpedoes strike the massive ship. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.


Told in alternating points of view, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff--the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.
Praise for BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY:

A New York Times Notable Book of 2011
A Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book of 2011
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2011
The iTunes 2011 Rewind Best Teen Novel
The #1 Book on the Spring 2011 IndieNext List
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2011
A Booklist Best Book of 2011
A Kirkus Best Book of 2011
2012 IRA Children's and Young Adults Book Award for Young Adult Fiction
2012 Indies Choice Young Adult Book of the Year
A Carnegie Medal Finalist
A William C. Morris Finalist
A New York Times Bestseller
An International Bestseller
Named to 21 State Award lists

"Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both."--The Washington Post

* "A harrowing page-turner."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "A gripping story."--School Library Journal, starred review

* "Bitterly sad, fluidly written...Sepetys' flowing prose gently carries readers."--Kirkus, starred review

* "Beautifully written and deeply felt...an important book that deserves the widest possible readership."--Booklist, starred review

"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." --Laurie Halse Anderson, bestselling author of Speak and Wintergirls

"In terrifying detail, Ruta Sepetys re-creates World War II coming of age all too timely today. Between Shades of Gray is a document long overdue." --Richard Peck, Newbery Award-winning author of A Year Down Yonder

"Between Shades of Gray 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." --Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Newbery Honor-winning author of Hitler Youth

For OUT OF THE EASY:

New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice
A Carnegie Medal Finalist
Spring 2013 Kids' Indie Next List Top Ten Pick
A Bookspan Book Club's Top 13 New Books of 2013
Amazon Book of the Month, February 2013 - Spotlight Pick
Named to 11 "Best of" lists, including Newsday, Kirkus, Amazon, Goodreads, and Buzzfeed
Named to 6 State Award lists


"Street-smart, literary and compassionate... Atmospheric and assured."--The Wall Street Journal

"A satisfying novel, bringing to life the midcentury French Quarter...Sepetys writes with rawness and palpable emotional unease."--New York Times Book Review (Editor's Choice)

"A haunting peek at the life of a teenage girl in 1950s New Orleans."--Entertainment Weekly

* "With a rich and realistic setting, a compelling and entertaining first-person narration, a colorful cast of memorable characters and an intriguing storyline, this is a surefire winner. Immensely satisfying."--Kirkus, starred review

* "[A]nother taut and charged historical novel... Sepetys has also built a stellar cast. Readers will find Josie irresistible from the get-go and will devour the sultry mix of mystery, historical detail, and romance."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "A Dickensian array of characters; the mystique, ambience, and language of the French Quarter; a suspenseful, action-packed story. With dramatic and contextual flair, Sepetys introduces teens to another memorable heroine."--School Library Jounral, starred review

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