Readers' Favorite Review!

 Thank you to Tanya Kays at Readers' Favorite for the phenomenal review!

Lauren Ennis sets A Boy’s Best Comrade in 1930s Moscow during Stalin’s rule. A small puppy named Sasha starts out with Sofia and Mikhail, who adopt her during a New Year’s celebration that the government briefly permitted. But their happiness doesn’t last forever. The NKVD comes at night and takes the couple away, leaving Sasha all on her own. She deals with hunger and danger, including rats and other dogs, before eventually attaching herself to the Rostov family. This family includes Doctor Andrei, his wife, Tania, and their young son, Yuri. As Andrei reports a tuberculosis outbreak that officials refuse to admit exists, suspicion grows around them. A heartbreaking arrest shatters Yuri’s world, pushing him into cramped communal housing and later an orphanage. Through streets, metro tunnels, and constant danger, Sasha refuses to leave his side. In a city ruled by silence and informers, can a boy and his dog outrun a system determined to control them?

There are very few truly safe adults in A Boy’s Best Comrade, and Lauren Ennis does not soften the reality of the Stalinist terror, even though the story is told through Sasha's point of view. The officials are cold, neighbors are cautious, and even children are drawn into state loyalty through the Young Pioneers. Yet the novel is not only about cruelty. It is also about attachment, hunger, pride, and survival in cramped spaces such as the kommunalka kitchen or the echoing metro platforms. I was struck by how Sasha’s instincts (like protecting the people she cares about) expose the moral failures of the regime more clearly than any speech could. I also found myself thinking about Yuri’s brave endurance as a child. He is young, but he is not naïve. Ennis balances harsh history with moments of stubborn hope, allowing loyalty to stand as a simple act of resistance. It is a tough story, but one that earns its place on the shelf. Recommended.

5-Star Reviews!

 Thank you to the middle-grade readers and teachers at the Wishing Shelf Awards for the amazing feedback!

Billy Buttons

Author 19 books199 followers

April 4, 2026

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: A Boy's Best Comrade
Author: Lauren Ennis

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“I liked how it was from the POV of the dog. It was an interesting story, sad too, but with lots of suspense. I was rooting for the dog and the boy.” Boy, aged 12
“Highly original, well-written, and accessible to 9 – 13 year olds. The historical background is also interesting for young readers. Would be fab as a class reader.” Primary school teacher, aged 55
“Loved Sasha. It’s horrible how nasty governments can be. I think I’m glad I live in England. I listen to the news, and I don’t think Russia would be fun to live in now. They always seem to be at war with everybody. I liked the characters, and how brave they were.” Girl, aged 12 – with a little help from dad
“I really felt for the boy. The book made me wonder what it would be like to be alone with just a dog. I liked how I learned a little history too, but it’s never overwhelming.” Girl ,aged 13 – with a little help from her TA#
“Best book ever! Sad, exciting, interesting, suspense filled. I will read other books by this author.” Boy, aged 11 – with a little help from mum

To Sum It Up:
“A suspense-filled, historically based novel for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards

Classics: A Review of The Passion of the Christ By Lauren Ennis

 The word 'passion' comes from the Latin word meaning 'to suffer' or 'to endure'. Today the word is more closely associated with enthusiasm, love, and devotion. Perhaps no film better captures the duality of passion than the 2004 drama The Passion of the Christ. This bold and brutal portrayal of Christ's final day captures the full agony of Jesus' suffering and the awe-inspiring devotion to his fellow man that inspired it. Over twenty years after its release the film remains arguably the most bold and unforgettable portrayal of the crucifixion ever put to celluloid.

The story begins with Jesus' arrest and follows the biblical account of the crucifixion. While the film follows the familiar beats of the Bible, it intersperses a series of flashbacks which show the events leading up to the arrest. The film also utilizes scenes from the peripheral characters' perspectives, highlighting the political intrigues and personal failings that ultimately culminated in the execution of Christ. The Passion of the Christ sets itself apart from other biblical epics through its harrowing, unflinching portrayal of his ultimate sacrifice.

Over twenty years after its release the film continues to stand in sharp contrast to other religious films, and is all the more powerful for it. Much like historical films, religious films often fall into the trap of offering a sanitized, more audience friendly, version of the past. Through this softening of history these films attempt to highlight positive messages and ensure that viewers can relate to characters. While this approach may broaden a story's appeal, it also dilutes the reality that it is attempting to portray at best and leaves viewers misinformed at worst. At the time of its release The Passion of the Christ faced backlash for refusing to sanitize its difficult, graphic, subject matter. While the film's unflinching portrayal of the crucifixion makes for uncomfortable, visceral, viewing it serves the greater purpose of emphasizing the lengths to which Christ was willing to go to ensure that humanity's sins were forgiven. Even as it offers a harrowing portrayal of the crucifixion, the film still highlights the humanity of each of the characters. Through a series of flashbacks viewers are treated to intimate moments between both Jesus and his followers and him and his mother, which show the beating heart behind the divine being. Similarly, the film includes scenes which highlight the conflict of the characters Christ encounters throughout his passion as they wrestle with the questions of morality and faith that humanity continues to struggle with today. As a result, the film maintains an essential humanity without shying away from the full devastation of its subject matter. This Easter experience humanity at its most horrifying and inspiring in The Passion of the Christ.

The film transports viewers to the grit of first century Judea thanks to the work of its cast. Francesco De Vito portrays Peter's weakness and remorse as he goes from Christ's most ardent supporter to denying even knowing him. Luca Lionello aptly captures Judas' torment and regret following his fateful betrayal. Maia Morgenstern is a portrait of anguish and maternal love as the Virgin Mary. Monica Bellucci personifies devotion as sinner turned devout follower of Christ, Mary Magdalene. Rosalinda Celetano is positively skin crawling in her cold, calculated, depiction of an androgynous Satan. Hristo Naumov Shopov offers one of the film's most fascinating performances in his nuanced portrayal of Pilate's struggle between doing what is right and doing what is politically convenient. Even in the midst of stellar supporting performances the film belongs to Jim Caviezel as Jesus. Caviezel portrays Jesus' suffering with an agonized realism that is difficult to watch. Even as he offers an unflinching portrait of the savior's passion, however, he infuses Jesus with a warmth and humor that highlight his humanity. 

At once a brutal portrayal of humanity's worst and an inspiring call to rise to our best The Passion of the Christ is more than a movie, it's a cinematic experience. The film blends familiar biblical accounts with more personal depictions of historical figures to expert effect. The performances bring biblical figures to haunting, all too human, life. This Easter remember the reason for the season with The Passion of the Christ.

Latest Podcast Appearance!

 Hello Readers,

I'm so excited to share my latest podcast experience chatting with Beth Jordan on Indie Voices Uncovered!

Miss E.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0pIKhKKcUM&t=556s

Classics: A Review of Ponies By Lauren Ennis

"We're women. People only look at us if they want to have sex with us or marry us" embassy secretary Twila Hasbeck aptly notes. With that revelation begins a madcap adventure through the streets of 1970's Moscow where danger and secrets lurk around every corner. Blending dark comedy with Cold War spy drama to expert effect Ponies is one of the most original, exhilarating, and hilarious series on television today. For thriller that will have you gasping and laughing in equal get off to the races with Bea and Twila in Ponies.

The story begins in 1970's Moscow with Bea Grant and Twila Hasbeck working as secretaries at the American Embassy while their husbands are working operations for the CIA. Both women soon find their lives upended when their husbands are killed in a plane crash. As they learn about the unusual and mysterious circumstances surrounding the crash they become convinced that the tragedy was part of something more sinister. They then decide to conduct their own investigation and persuade their husband's former boss to hire them as agents. Despite his misgivings he eventually gives in because women are considered "persons of no interest" who the Soviets would never suspect. The unlikely duo are then thrust into a world of intrigue, danger, betrayal, and plenty of spyjinks. Can two CIA widows share a mission without driving each other crazy? Find out when you pay a visit to Moscow with Twila and Bea in Ponies.

Equal parts espionage thriller and buddy comedy Ponies is some of the best viewing this side of the Iron Curtain . The story offers a fresh twist the Cold War drama through its unique blend of breezy humor and gritty honesty. Rather than acting as a tired propaganda piece the series casts an equally critical eye to both the KGB and their CIA counterparts. Through its depiction of the crosses, double-crosses, and exploitation that both the US and USSR engaged in the series highlights the devastating lengths that both were willing to go to secure victory. In this way, the series sets itself apart from both classic and modern spy dramas by refusing to either sanitize or subvert history. Even as it rachets up the tension with each episode the series never loses its sense of humor. Through its depiction of two fish-out-of-water heroines who are in way over their heads the series highlights the outlandish nature of intelligence work. Similarly, its portrayal of Bea and Twila's efforts to maintain their cover showcases the terrifying absurdity of life in the USSR. Through its blend of humor, thrills, and history Ponies easily outruns its competition.  

The series takes viewers on a groovy journey to 1970's Moscow thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Harriet Walter blends maternal warmth and steely resolve as Bea's grandmother, Manya. Petro Ninovskyi imbues local asset Sasha with an endearing blend of moral uprightness and boyish charm. Vic Michaelis is deliciously devious as scheming secretary, Cheryl. Artom Gilz expertly balances charisma and menace as ruthless KGB agent, Andrei. Lila Walters infuses black market racketeer Ivanna with biting wit. Adrian Lester is no nonsense as Bea and Twila's put-upon boss, Dane. Nicholas Podany balances quirky humor with decency as CIA agent, Ray. Even in the midst of excellent supporting performances the series belongs to Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson as Bea and Twila. Clarke turns her Game of Thrones image on its head in a nuanced performance that sees Bea evolve from bookish good-girl to resilient, capable agent. Haley Lu Richardson steals each scene in which she appears in her magnetic turn as street-wise and wise-cracking Twila. The two play off of each other with a comedic timing and chemistry worthy of such classic duos as Lemon and Mathau. 

Alternating between thrills and laughs Ponies is a Valentine to Cold War thrillers and classic buddy comedies alike yet still manages to feel refreshingly original. The script expertly blends tension and hijinks to create a madcap caper that is certain to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances transport viewers to the danger and absurdity of Cold War Moscow. For a guaranteed winner place your bets on Twila and Bea in Ponies.

Classics: A Review of Death By Lightning By Lauren Ennis

 "Assassinations can be no more guarded against than death by lightning; it is best not to worry too much about either" President James Garfield infamously said. Tragically, he could not have been more wrong. 2025's Netflix drama Death By Lightning chronicles Garfield's unlikely meteoric rise from obscure congressman to president and his tragic fall to an assassin's bullet. At once a compelling portrait of a largely forgotten chapter of US history and an eerily prescient warning for the present, Death By Lightning truly captures lightning in a bottle.

"I have never had the presidential fever; not even for one day"

The story begins in the 1960's with National Archives employees discovering the brain of Charles Guiteau. The series then flashes back to 1880 with Guiteau drifting between jail, local communes, and his sister's sofa as he searches for his call to greatness. Meanwhile, congressman James Garfield resists his call to greatness when he is recruited to speak at the Republican National Convention. After a barn-burner speech the party turns its attention to the morally upright Garfield in hopes that he will rid the party of the corrupt spoils system. Guiteau witnesses Garfield's unlikely assent and does everything in his power to attach himself to the grassroots movement behind it. When Garfield ultimately wins the presidency Guiteau seeks what he believes is his rightful place in the new administration. Much to his dismay, he soon learns that there is no place for him in Washington. Meanwhile, Garfield struggles to fend off the rampant corruption in the capital and usher in the reforms that he promised voters. When the two cross paths the stage is set for an American tragedy.

In an era dominated by glamorized and sanitized portrayals of history Death By Lightning brings its tale to gritty, startlingly relevant, life. Rather than transporting viewers to a bygone era of polite manners and elegant costumes the series takes viewers on a journey into the darkest depths of American history. The series' portrait of the era's machine politics is at once fascinating and revolting. The blunt depiction of 'how the sausage gets made' in Washington proves to be both timeless and especially timely in today's political climate. Similarly, the depiction of Guiteau's grandeur-fueled descent into madness takes on an eerie resonance in the midst of influencer culture, as more people than ever desperately pursue their moment of fame. His turn from supporter to assassin proves especially visceral in a news cycle dominated by political violence. Even as it portrays some of the darkest aspects of American culture, however, the series still offers hope in its depiction of one man's efforts to make his country a better place. Experience American politics in all of its grit and glory in Death By Lightning.

"Mark my words, my name will be known one day all across this country"

The series transports viewers to the gritty streets of the 1880's America thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Bradley Whitford blends charm with shrewdness as political kingmaker James Blaine. Betty Gilpin is a portrait of quiet strength as Garfield's wife, Lucretia. Nick Offerman expertly portrays Chester Arthur's evolution from corrupt, incompetent, congressman to reluctant leader. Shea Whigam makes for a villain viewers will love to hate as political boss Roscoe Conkling. Even in the midst of compelling supporting performances, however, the series belongs to Matthew Macfayden and Michael Shannon as Guiteau and Garfield. Shannon proves himself to be leading man material as he infuses Garfield with integrity, warmth, and unassuming charm. Macfayden steals each scene in which he appears in his manic depiction of Guiteau's delusional quest for greatness. What easily could have been a cartoonish caricature of a madman is in Macfayden's hands a nuanced and tragic portrayal of a man undone not only by mental illness but also by his all too relatable desire to be somebody.

Through its depiction of one of America's forgotten tragedies Death By Lightning delivers four of the most compelling hours of television in recent years. The script portrays the stranger than fiction history of the Garfield assassination with startling accuracy while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances bring the cast of historical characters to vivid, breathing, life. For truly electrifying viewing tune in to Death By Lightning.

"Here and only here, a man can be anyone"

Podcast with a Fellow Middle-Grade Author!

 Hello Readers,

I just couldn't resist sharing my latest podcast appearance with Isabelle Knight. She's a fellow middle-grade author and an emerging talent to be on the watch for!

https://www.youtube.com/@isabelleknightbooks