The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh — Historical Fiction Middle Grade Book

GENRE: Historical Fiction

AGES: 8-12

CONSIDERATIONS: Heavy subject matter

Themes: Family secrets and stories; Hardship and survival; Friendship and loyalty; How the past shapes the present

DIVERSITY AND REPRESENTATION: The Lost Year introduces students to Ukrainian voices and history, perspectives that are often missing from children’s literature. By reading this story, students learn how events like the Holodomor shaped families and communities, building empathy and global awareness.

SUMMARY:

The Lost Year, by Katherine Marsh a historical fiction middle grade book that alternates timelines between 2020 (during the COVID lockdown) and the early 1930s, focusing on the Holodomor —the devastating famine in Soviet Ukraine that was largely suppressed from history.

The protagonist, Matthew, is a thirteen-year old boy whose father is working overseas. He lives with his mother and his great-grandmother (GG). As a way to get him off of his video games, his mother tasks him with sorting through GG’s boxes. Matthew discovers old photographs and papers that lead him to uncover her hidden past and a family secret tied to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in historical timelines, we meet Mila (living in Kyiv) and Helen (living in Brooklyn), cousins who are separated due to political pressure and famine. Their stories intertwine with Matthew’s as the full truth is revealed.

MY THOUGHTS:

I went into this book knowing very little about Ukrainian history, but it drew me in from the very first page. Once I started reading, it was hard to put the book down. The characters were well developed, showing both strengths and flaws, which made them feel real and relatable.

At first, I thought the subject matter might be too heavy for 8–12 year olds. But after some reflection, I realized that middle grade readers are often ready for challenging topics when they are handled with care. The Lost Year balances the difficult history of the Holodomor with compassion and honesty, making it accessible without overwhelming young readers. It gives them a way to learn about a part of history that is often overlooked, while also connecting it to themes they understand—family, truth, resilience, and survival.

In the end, I found this book both powerful and important. It not only taught me something new, but also made me reflect on the importance of listening to voices from different cultures and histories. I would strongly recommend it for upper elementary and middle school classrooms.

IN THE CLASSROOM:

• Dual timelines activity: Ask students to track Matthew’s 2020 experiences alongside Mila’s or Helen’s 1930s experiences. Then, discuss how the past influences the present.

• Character study: Students can analyze GG, Mila, or Matthew—what are their strengths, flaws, and turning points?

• Family Story Project: Encourage students to interview a family member about a personal or historical event and share what they learned.

Why The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh is important for Diversity and Inclusion:

The Lost Year is a meaningful contribution to inclusive historical fiction. By centering Ukrainian voices and highlighting the Holodomor—a genocide many students never learn about—Marsh expands the range of global histories represented in children’s literature.

The book honors Ukrainian culture, identity, and resilience, offering representation to students whose families may have similar histories. It also builds empathy and global awareness for readers who may be encountering this chapter of history for the first time.