In 1945 Russia, those who own German shepherds are considered traitors, but thirteen-year-old Mikhail and his family are determined to keep the dog a dying man brought them, while his classmate Katia strives to learn his secret. Interest Level: 5-8 Reading Level: 4.0 ATOS Book Level: 4.4 AR Interest Level: MG AR Points: 6 AR Quiz: 141650EN Reading Counts Level: 4.2 Reading Counts Points: 10 Lexile Measure: 670 Iowa Children's Choice Award 2014 - 15.