Tag: ukraine

Saving for posterity

Because in a blink of an eye, the numbers will change. But this shows the power of Ali Velshi. Winterkill shot up on Amazon in both the US and Canada. In the US, Winterkill is currently at #40 overall and is #1 in several categories. Check it out:

Amazon.com
This is Amazon.com
Amazing to be #1,2,3 and 4 in a category, all for the same book!
In Canada it’s a little bit different — a bunch of my books ended up in the top ten!
Wonder how long this tag will stay on amazon.com

Oh, and I must have missed it totally, but Winterkill was #3 overall on Amazon.com on Feb 19th, according to Top Ten Books:

#VelshiBannedBookClub

I admire Ali Velshi’s fierce defense of freedom to read. His Banned Book Club sheds light on books that illuminate, educate and irritate. Everyone should be able to read what they want and being able to read a variety of books from all different viewpoints is the cornerstone of a democracy. It was such an honor to have Winterkill featured today on Ali Velshi’s Banned Book Club segment, particularly because Ali is in Kyiv right now, highlighting the injustices of russia’s genocidal war. This is so important with the anniversary of the war fast approaching.

I was particularly impressed with the superb research that went into the Holodomor backgrounder as an intro to Winterkill. Deep respect for Ali Velshi.

Here’s the interview:

And a really good backgrounder on the Holodomor here:

Thank you, Joanne Levy, for taking this pic!

HREC ED makes Winterkill virtual visits available to schools

Holodomor Research and Education Consortium is funding the cost of a limited number of Winterkill school and library virtual presentations to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the 1932-33 Holodomor in Ukraine.

If you would like Marsha to speak to your middle-grade students about Winterkill and the real history behind the story, but funding is an issue, please send us an email via the contact form below. Please include your own name and title, the school or library, grade level and why you would love a virtual visit. Teacher, librarian and literacy professional groups are also encouraged to apply.

Preference given to middle-grade groups in schools with financial challenges.

More about Winterkill.

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    Sick at heart over Putin’s mad war but I’m still doing talks with students

    Since this mad war began, my virtual visits have continued but students’ questions have changed. My WWII books give context and history to Putin’s expansionist fantasies. They also help students step into the shoes of a Ukrainian on the ground during times of the past that were much like today.

    But while I can compartmentalize my rage and despair long enough to do the presentations, I haven’t been keeping up with posting photos of all the smart, inquisitive, and compassionate young people that I get to meet. So here is a gallery.

    Madras

    Don’t Tell The Nazis

    Scholastic Inc
    Don't Tell the Enemy CVR
    Scholastic Canada

    Previously published in Canada as Don’t Tell the Enemy.

    Krystia’s family is hiding Jews from the invading Nazis, but the risks are immense. How much will she risk for her friends? A gripping story based on true events.

    During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine during World War II, some of Krystia’s family are harrassed; others are arrested and killed. When the Nazis liberate the town, they are welcomed with open arms. Krystia’s best friend Dolik isn’t so sure. His family is Jewish and there are rumours that the Nazis might be even more brutal than the Soviets.

    Shortly after the Nazis arrive, they discover a mass grave of Soviet prisoners and blame the slaughter on the Jews. Soon, the Nazis establish ghettoes and begin public executions of Jews.

    Krystia can’t bear to see her friends suffering and begins smuggling food into the ghetto. When rumours circulate that the ghetto will be evacuated and the Jews will be exterminated, Krystia must decide if she’s willing to risk her own family’s safety to save her friends.
    Continue reading “Don’t Tell The Nazis”