Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis

(Hardback)

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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!

Reviews

This lyrical book is one of the most truthful survivor stories Ive ever read. I think this book will be a page-turner for adolescents. Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage A profound and powerful story of the Holocaust, told with heart, soul, and music. Kathryn Lasky, Newbery Honoree and winner of the National Jewish Book Award A harrowing and remarkable story of strength and survival. Kirkus Reviews Appended with generous back matter, this offers a revealing look at an underreported Holocaust chapter. Booklist Hood tells Zhannas story through both free verse and arich array of forms.The use of poetry is effective, echoing in its complexity the music of asingular life caught in the chaos of history. This highly recommended book includes extensive background material, photos, sources, lists of musical compositions, and poeticforms. Jewish Book Council [A] hard-hitting nonfiction biography told in verse. [An]accessible portrait of two talented and determined teens. Publishers Weekly This compelling book of loss and perseverance will stay with readers long after they have finished.. . This lyrical biography (written with Dawson, Zhannas son) features significant back matter, including discography, original photographs and correspondence, further reading, and more. The verse format and harrowing narrative make this a quick read for reluctant and striving readers.This powerful work of persistence and hope is highly recommended. School Library Journal A tribute to the power of girls. The Sydney Taylor Schmooze On the Audio Edition: "A touching story of art, struggle, and overcoming persecution, with a narration that is a testament to survival." Booklist

Author Bio

Susan Hood is the former children's content director of Nick Jr. Magazine and has worked as a children's book editor. She is the author of more than two hundred books for children, including Look! I Can Read!, illustrated by Amy Wummer, and the Pup and Hound series for beginning readers, illustrated by Linda Hendry. She has also written for parents and early childhood educators in the New York Times, Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect, Sesame Street Parents Guide, and more. She lives with her family in Southport, Connecticut, and spends summers sailing the coast of Maine with her husband.