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“War through the eyes of a 12-year-old Ukrainian girl. Early one morning in February 2022, Russia begins bombing Mariupol, Ukraine, separating Dariia and her mother, who are away from their apartment, where Dariia’s father and twin sister Rada are…Writing in searing detail from Dariia’s point of view, the author is explicit in her portrayal of the horrors of war, depicting scenes of violence, murder, racism, and destruction…Gut-punching: This is essential reading.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Under Attack (Kidnapped From Ukraine #1)

Written by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Published by Scholastic Press

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. Rada is outgoing and chatty while Dariia 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 — Rada is with her mom and Dariia with her dad. Rada and her mother are then separated by Russian officials and Rada is sent to live with a Russian family. As the war rages around them, Rada and her family must overcome unimaginable hardships. But they will learn how powerful hope is in the face of disaster.

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Primary ISBN: 9781546104537
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Ukraine (Mariupol), Russia

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country, On Journey, Refugee

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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