Words on Fire is a historical fiction novel set during Russian occupation of Lithuania, centered on a twelve-year-old girl's dangerous resistance activities. While the book deals with war, occupation, and real historical violence, the focus remains on Audra's courage, relationships, and the power of literacy rather than graphic depictions. The emotional weight of loss and fear is present but age-appropriate for mature middle-grade readers who enjoy historical fiction with stakes.
In 1893 twelve-year-old Audra lives on a farm in Lithuania, and tries to avoid the Cossack soldiers who enforce the Russian decrees that ban Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language; but when the soldiers invade the farm Audra is the only one who escapes and, unsure of what has happened to her parents...In 1893 twelve-year-old Audra lives on a farm in Lithuania, and tries to avoid the Cossack soldiers who enforce the Russian decrees that ban Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language; but when the soldiers invade the farm Audra is the only one who escapes and, unsure of what has happened to her parents, she embarks on a dangerous journey, carrying the smuggled Lithuanian books that fuel the growing resistance movement, unsure of who to trust, but risking her life and freedom for her country.
