Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (deaths mentioned, blood mentioned, shooting mentioned, bombing mentioned)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
APPEALS TO: MANY
When Russia attacks Ukraine in 2022, 12yo Rada and her mother are separated from her twin sister and their father. Rada and Mom hide for weeks in an overstuffed basement, with little food and water, with others risking their lives to go scrounging for what they need to survive. When their haven is bombed, they are captured by soldiers and separated. Rada is taken to a school (kidnapped) where the Russians are trying to re-educate (indoctrinate) the children into good Russian citizens, ready to join decent Russian families.
Skrypuch takes us into the present day with her latest book, ripped from today’s headlines, about life in Ukraine as they are, again, attacked by Russia. The back matter explains that the events are from reports by eyewitnesses who experienced them, though the names are all invented. According to the back matter, more than 700,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped by Russia - a number reported by Russia, though they call it rescuing. I have many students who love Skrypuch’s novels - can’t wait to show them the latest.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
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