Gr 5 Up—The Newbery Honor-winning author delivers a heavily illustrated memoir about his family life in 1970s-era
Soviet Union and his first steps toward a career in art and writing. Despite a childhood filled with want and struggle,
the budding artist was never lacking in love and humor, which he depicts with charm and a little bit of bite in this
genius work.

This has been in my pile of to reads for a while and I kept putting it off due to the war in Ukraine -- with Russia in the news I just didn't want to revisit the Soviet era. This was a fantastic and important read! Simple enough for kids to understand, but with some grown-up themes.

For young readers who only learn about the Soviet Union in history class, Yelchin gives a funny, sobering, and accurate depiction of what life was like in late 1950s-early 1960s in the Soviet Union. Also, the description of Soviet state-sponsored anti-Semitism is a big focus in this book. Such views are evident today in Russia and in looking at this through the eyes of a boy -- it is terrifying and outrageous.

The Genius Under the Table is a wonderfully illustrated memoir for young readers, but make no mistake, this is a book for adults as well. ( )

This was a good read. I already liked Yelchin's other work The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge, so I had big expectations for the art work.. What I encountered had more of a Quentin Blake vibe but with an intriguing story, I'm hoping that Yelchin will write more about himself... I would like to know what happens next! ( )

Yelchin recounts his 1960s Leningrad childhood, when his entire family lived in a small room next to a KGB informer. Eugene finds comfort in drawing on the underside of Grandma’s table in this humorous, yet understated narrative that combines Soviet and Cold War history, droll black-and-white sketches, and a vivid depiction of life for Soviet Jews. (Sydney Taylor Middle Grade Honor) ( )

I enjoyed this book. It was well written and kept my interest. The illustrations were well done and it is appropriate for the age group. It's a good look at another culture from the past.

I would recommend it. ( )