About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-grade reader is asking difficult questions about global conflict, the meaning of freedom, or how young people survive when the world feels unsafe. It is a powerful tool for discussing the nuances of history through the eyes of a child who must navigate a world of shifting allegiances and extreme danger. Luka is a Ukrainian boy who escapes a Nazi labor camp only to find himself caught between two warring giants: the Soviets and the Nazis. Through his journey with the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, the story explores themes of resilience, the deep bond of family, and the courage it takes to fight for your own identity. While it deals with the heavy realities of WWII, it remains focused on Luka's hope and his drive to find his friend and family. It is a sophisticated, high-stakes historical adventure that honors the strength of the human spirit.
