A Sydney Taylor Book Award 2023 Middle Grade Notable! A Jewish Book Council Award Middle Grade Finalist! The moving true story of how young Ukrainian Jewish piano prodigies Zhanna (alias Anna) and her sister Frina outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight during the Holocaust. A middle grade nonfiction novel-in-verse by award-winning author Susan Hood with Greg Dawson (Zhannas son).She wouldnt be Zhanna. Shed use an alias. A for Anna. A for alive.When the Germans invade Ukraine, Zhanna, a young Jewish girl, must leave behind her friends, her freedom, and her promising musical future at the worlds top conservatory. With no time to say goodbye, Zhanna, her sister Frina, and their entire family are removed from their home by the Nazis and forced on a long, cold, death march. When a guard turns a blind eye, Zhanna flees with nothing more than her musical talent, her beloved sheet music, and her fathers final plea: I dont care what you do. Just live.This incredible true story in-verse about sisterhood, survival, and music is perfect for fans of Lifeboat 12, Inside Out and Back Again, and Alan Gratz.Includes extensive back matter with original letters and photographs, additional information, and materials for further reading.A NERDY BOOK CLUB 2022 BEST NOVEL-IN-VERSE BOOK!A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 2022 BEST BOOK FOR KIDS!A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST INFORMATIONAL BOOKS FOR YOUNGER READERS OF 2022!

 

 

This book is aimed at children at US 5th grade+.

This book has been graded for interest at 10 years.

There are 368 pages in this book. This book was published in 2023 by HarperCollins Publishers Inc .

Susan Hood is the author of more than 200 children's books, including several other Pup and Hound titles for Kids Can Press. She was most recently the Children's Content Director for Nick Jr. Magazine. Susan lives in Fairfield, Connecticut. Barroux is an internationally renowned author-illustrator of more than a dozen books for children. His artwork has also appeared in the New York Times and the Washington Post, among other publications. He lives in Paris.