The Story
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.
The thrilling conclusion to this trilogy will have readers reaching for tissues on the edge of their seats.
Author: Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 04/21/2026
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Library Binding
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.70w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781546104599
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 68
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2026
Booklist 04/01/2026
About the Author
MARSHA FORCHUK SKRYPUCH is a Ukrainian Canadian author acclaimed for her nonfiction and historical fiction, including Making Bombs for Hitler (Faire des bombes pour Hitler), The War Below (Soldat clandestin), Stolen Child (Enfant volée, et), and Don't Tell the Enemy (Ne dis rien àl'ennemi). Marsha lives in Brantford, Ontario, and you can visit her online at www.calla.com.
.Description
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.
The thrilling conclusion to this trilogy will have readers reaching for tissues on the edge of their seats.
Author: Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 04/21/2026
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Library Binding
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.70w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781546104599
Audience: Ages 9-12
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 68
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2026
Booklist 04/01/2026
About the Author
MARSHA FORCHUK SKRYPUCH is a Ukrainian Canadian author acclaimed for her nonfiction and historical fiction, including Making Bombs for Hitler (Faire des bombes pour Hitler), The War Below (Soldat clandestin), Stolen Child (Enfant volée, et), and Don't Tell the Enemy (Ne dis rien àl'ennemi). Marsha lives in Brantford, Ontario, and you can visit her online at www.calla.com.
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