Tag: scholastic

Published by Scholastic on Jan 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 a 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. Dariia and her mother are then separated by Russian officials and Dariia is sent to live with a Russian family. As the war rages around them, the sisters and their family must overcome unimaginable hardships. But they will learn how powerful hope is in the face of disaster.

Reviews:

*”Gut-punching: This is essential reading.” — Kirkus, starred review

*”Fans of Alan Gratz and Jennifer Nielsen will devour this fictional account of the all-too-real ongoing experiences of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children.” — Booklist, starred review

Starred Selection, Best Books 2025. Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

“important and tough to read novel, which fictionalizes, in harsh detail, true events from a child’s point of view.” — Publishers Weekly

“Despite its hefty 309 pages, this powerful tale of innocence lost moves along at an exemplary pace, engaging readers at every turn. Complete with two black-and-white maps, an author’s note and &A, Under Attack is an invaluable must-read and a must-have educational resource for public, school and home libraries everywhere. Lingering long after the last compelling page is turned, this timely book is inarguably a stirring catalyst for in-depth discussion, empowering readers to engage in further research and get involved in helping to rescue the thousands of Ukrainian children who’ve been kidnapped. Very highly recommended.” — Jennifer D. Foster, Canadian Children’s Book News.

“While a fictionalized story, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch takes the time and effort to understand the truths, like the truth about how the war started, the propaganda levelled at both Ukrainians and Russians, and the impact of the war on Ukrainians, from children to workers to the elderly. It is a tough story because of these truths which are so distressing and disheartening. Still Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch is a master at telling such stories (e.g., Winterkill, Traitors Among Us, Dance of the Banished, and Making Bombs for Hitler), ensuring a sensitivity to her characters and her readers, and a thoroughness and accuracy of details.” — Helen Kubiw, Canlit for Little Canadians

“I just read this must-read and could not put it down. Thoughtful, gripping, well researched and nicely paced. A hell of an accomplishment. An important novel. A brave author.” — Pam Withers, author.

“Under Attack is fast moving and gut punching. It will appeal to a vast audience, hitting on current events, adventure, family and friendship.” Crackingthecover

“A must-have for all libraries, the perfect historical fiction!! A ‘can’t-put-down’ read!” Goodreads

“I loved the book. It’s my favorite book I’ve read so far. Some people rush through books, but I wanted to understand it, so I tried not to read it too fast.” Coco Kettmann, Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

“This is a must have for libraries serving grades 5 and up and readers should be encouraged to read the author’s note for information on the history that is still unfolding and reminded that this is why learning about world history is so important: If we do not learn from it, we are destined to repeat it as it is being repeated now.” Goodreads

“No one does historical middle-grade fiction like Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. While “Under Attack’ is set in present-day Ukraine, I am sure fans of “Making Bombs for Hitler” and Skrypuch’s other historical books will enjoy it. The novel is captivating, meticulously researched, and heartbreaking. Another must-read by Skrypuch.” Netgalley

“Teachers and librarians will find this novel to be an important addition to any middle-grade collection. While the language remains straightforward and accessible for readers ages 8–12, the story doesn’t shy away from the harsh, real-life events of the war, making it a compelling way to introduce students to current events and inspire empathy and understanding. It also opens up opportunities for classroom discussions around resilience, survival, and the human cost of war..” Netgalley

What a novel!!!! Truly I cannot do the book justice. It’s an incredible read from cover to cover. I am not surprised–I’d expect nothing less from Skrypuch. She excels at everything–writing, plotting, characterization. But it is the characterization that particularly wows me every time. Because though it shouldn’t be rare, it mostly is. The depth of characterization is outstanding. It isn’t just that there’s depth and substance of the main character, but it is how expansive the characterization is. There’s no shortcuts, no character too small to not get treated as important. It makes it impossible not to get invested and thoroughly absorbed in the story. Becky’s Book Reviews.

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Author interview.

Q&A with author.