Book #2 of my Kidnapped from Ukraine trilogy will be published on Oct 7, 2025.
This gripping, accessible novel by celebrated Ukrainian Canadian author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch follows two sisters as they struggle to survive the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
12-year-old twin sisters Rada and Dariia Popkova couldn’t be more different. Dariia is outgoing and chatty while Rada is quieter and artsy. But what they have in common is their love for each other and their home. The family lives in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which is attacked by the Russians on Feb 24th, 2022. The attack separates the family — Dariia is with her mom and Rada with her dad.
Standoff follows Rada and her father as they navigate the treacherous journey from shelter to shelter and make their way to the Azovstal plant so that her father can fight in the resistance. Meanwhile, Rada is still trying to get in contact with her sister and mother. As the war rages and each family member must contend with their own battles, their love for their country and their family keeps them going.
Reviews
“Essential: Reading this book is better than any news story you could see, especially as the war continues today. And remember – Russia started it.” Kiss the Book.
“As in other Skrypuch historical fiction, Standoff is heavy on the actual events from history, a history that is still happening. Readers will be caught up in the unwarranted onslaught of Putin’s army, in awe of the determination demonstrated by those who took cover in the Azovstal factory and fighters who held out for so long against greater numbers of more well-armed Russian soldiers.
Highly recommended series for grades 5-8. Text is free of profanity and sexual content but violence is present and reflects the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.” Melanie Delaney, Librarian.
