Category: News stories

Three Ukrainian schools plus St. Jerome School

Ivan Franko Ukrainian Saturday School

 

 

Halyna at St. Josephat, waiting for the students to assemble.

On Wednesday, I visited St. Josephat Ukrainian School in Toronto in the afternoon, and St. Jerome School in Mississauga in the morning. It was great to visit both of these schools again — like visiting an old friend! On Saturday, I visited Ridna Shkola in Oakville, and then Ivan Franko Ukrainian School in Mississauga and was honoured by the enthusiastic reception!

St. Jerome School

Don’t Tell the Nazis

The year is 1941. Krystia lives in a small Ukrainian village under the cruel — sometimes violent — occupation of the Soviets. So when the Nazis march into town to liberate them, many of Krystia’s neighbors welcome the troops with celebrations, hoping for a better life.

But conditions don’t improve as expected. Krystia’s friend Dolik and the other Jewish people in town warn that their new occupiers may only bring darker days.

The worst begins to happen when the Nazis blame the Jews for murders they didn’t commit. As the Nazis force Jews into a ghetto, Krystia does what she can to help Dolik and his family. But what they really need is a place to hide. Faced with unimaginable tyranny and cruelty, will Krystia risk everything to protect her friends and neighbors?

Published in Canada as Don’t Tell the Enemy.

Here’s the book trailer:



Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (author of Making Bombs for Hitler) crafts a story of ultimate compassion and sacrifice based on true events during WWII

Forest Friday virtual visit

After speaking about Stolen Girl all week, I switched hats on Friday and spoke to Red Maple readers about Don’t Tell the Enemy. It was an interesting experience, speaking to such an array of school groups without being able to see them!

Chicago Scholastic Book Fair Visits

Just got home from 4 busy days of school visits in and around Chicago. I had some amazing experiences, meeting kids who will grow up to be our leaders and educators who are committed to making that happen. It was awesome to get to meet the Chicago Scholastic Book Fair team who work very hard to make reading accessible to all kids. An inspiring visit.

  • Granger Middle School
  • Murphy Junior High
  • Gregory Middle School
  • Plum Grove Junior High
  • Westview Hills Middle School
  • Plum Grove Students conducting an interview
  • with the principal of Herrick Middle School
  • Bednarcik Junior High
  • At Granger Middle School with Joan Fitzgerald
  • Bednarcik