Vladimir Karpovich Zheleznikov (1925–2015) consistently wrote about childhood and adolescence, yet his books captivate readers of all ages. His characters often act without much reflection—as nature demands. Nature may demand 'unjustified cruelty,' or even self-sacrifice. But sometimes, a special moment of insight arrives, and everyone sees everything—including themselves—in their true light, amazingly clearly, without embellishment. Then the despised 'scarecrow' and the comical eccentric from Class 6B suddenly turn into wondrous aliens, bearers of goodness, and yesterday's hero turns out to be a traitor and a coward...
Zheleznikov's stories have been adapted for the screen numerous times. The film 'Scarecrow,' directed by Rolan Bykov in 1983, starring a young Kristina Orbakaite, became a true cult classic.