Character Analysis
Miska is the most adorable little thief you ever will meet. As the youngest member of Peter's crew, Miska is treated like a little brother by the older kids in the gang.
In particular, Alex and Miska become quite close. Their relationship centers on Alex's ability to read, as Miska has been holding onto an old book of Russian folklore that neither he nor his bros are able to read. That's where Alex comes in. After he joins the group, he spends every night reading the book to Miska, even teaching him how to read in the process. To be honest, this benefits Alex just as much as it benefits Miska, making him feel "quite dignified—almost like his father" (7.3). In uncertain times, a bit of respect and routine are grounding for Alex as much as they're comforting for Miska.
Given this, it makes sense why the whole gang is so devastated by Miska's death. Of course, the way he dies is pretty brutal: He's slammed on the head by a power-mad orphanage director. But the real reason this is so heartbreaking is that Miska is so innocent, incapable of hurting even a fly, making it so unfair that his story ends in such a rough way. Still, we have to point out that this event is what finally drives Alex to leave Russia for a better life elsewhere. Although Miska's story might be the saddest one we've ever heard, we should at least take comfort in the fact that his life helps others reach their own happy endings.