Books for Young People on Ukraine

 

 Editor:  Our Western Washington University librarian has compiled this list of classroom book suggestions to help young people understand and process the current events in Ukraine.  A special thank you to Sylvia Gabrielle Tag, WWU Librarian & Associate Professor, for her contribution to our understanding. 

 

Ukraine: An Annotated Bibliography for Educators

 

The war in Ukraine is devasting on so many levels. Considering the daily news images, how can educators help young people understand and process these current events? “We’d like to warn you that the following images are disturbing…” How do we give a sense of a people’s humanity? One way is to tell their stories. We think we can shelter young people from pain and suffering but children are biologically predisposed to soak up their surroundings. Even if the TV and radio are turned off, kids sense anxiety and frustration in caretakers. For the Littles, stories can provide comfort. For older children, who hear about events at school or from friends, it is essential to provide facts along with compassion. Teenagers need action, inspiration and understanding that honor the complexities of world politics. Consider this selected list as a starting point. Young people are counting on us. 

 

The Experience of War

Start here with one outstanding book and several websites.

 

Romanyshyn, Romana, Lesiv, Andriĭ, and Lushchevska, Oksana. How War Changed Rondo. Enchanted Lion, 2021.

Provocative for all ages, this powerful book uses metaphor and allegory to describe the experience of war. Originally published in 2015 under the title Viĭna, shcho zminyla Rondo by Vydavnytstvo Staroho Leva (The Old Lion Publishing House), Lviv, Ukraine.
Danko, Zirka, and Fabian live peacefully in the small town of Rondo, a magical and joyful place… until the fateful day that War arrives. They try to talk to it and fight it, but nothing seems to stop the spread of War's destruction and darkness. Harnessing the power of light, community, and song, Danko, Zirka, and Fabian, along with all their neighbors, must rally together to lead Rondo to victory. How War Changed Rondo reflects the darkness and pain that conflict bring and the wounds that linger long after it's over. This picture book serves as a tribute to peace, resistance, and hope, and was written and illustrated by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, a husband-and-wife duo from Ukraine. 

 

Winter Light Books is an independent book publisher specializing in children’s stories, primarily from traditional Ukrainian Sources. http://winterlightbooks.com/

 

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together in order to promote international understanding through children's books https://www.ibby.org/

 

Hello, Dear Enemy : Picture Books for Peace is a traveling exhibit from the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany. The exhibit is divided into four themes: Experiences of War, Destruction, and Displacement; Power Struggles and the Origin and Escalation of Violence; Prejudice, Ostracism, and Imagined Enemies; Utopias of Peace and Anti-War Books. List of exhibit books here: https://libguides.wwu.edu/clic/hello-dear-enemy

 

Not If But When: Books for Young People About Death and Loss is a website of book titles. The impacts of war and displacement are not unique to Ukraine. Children and teens facing the loss of friends and family, or their own mortality, need help navigating the emotional, physical, and practical upheavals and restorations. Books offer opportunities to ask questions, wonder, and simply acknowledge the realities of their circumstances. https://www.notifbutwhen.org/

 

 

Refugees

Nonfiction accounts and memoirs.

 

Rodger, Ellen. A refugee's journey from Ukraine. Crabtree Publishing Company, 2018.

Published after the annexation of Crimea – but still painfully relevant.
Miron's life in Ukraine is happy until a war breaks out in his city, Donetsk. Surrounded by political instability and increasing violence, Miron and his family decide to flee to find safety in a more stable part of Ukraine. But life as an internally displaced person is not stable. He and his family aren't sure if true safety lies ahead for them. Interspersed with facts about Ukraine and its people, this narrative tells a story common to many refugees fleeing the country. Readers will learn about the conflict there and how they can help refugees in their communities and around the world who are struggling to find permanent homes.

 

Radzilowski, John. Ukrainian Americans. Chelsea House, 2007.

Discusses Ukrainian Americans, their history, culture, traditions, accomplishments and contributions to American society. Chapters include: The Ukrainians in North America -- Ukraine: land of promise and tragedy -- Coming to North America -- Building a new world -- Making a new home -- Bringing Ukrainian traditions to North America -- The newest Ukrainians in North America -- Chronology -- Timeline.

 

Grimberg, Tina. Out of Line: Growing up Soviet. Tundra Books, 2007.

A rabbi remembers her life as a child in Kiev, Ukraine, where her family lived under Soviet rule until they moved to the United States when she was fifteen.

 

 

Background for Educators

In addition to United States Federal Government websites the outstanding Opposing Viewpoints Series, published by Greenhaven, explores various aspects of controversial issues.

 

United States Department of State: Ukraine. https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/ukraine/

Updates, fact sheets, policy, and current news.

 

Ruth, Michael. Ukraine. Greenhaven Press, 2016.

This book is part of the excellent Opposing Viewpoints series. Published after the annexation of Crimea, many of the same issues are relevant for the current invasion.
Chapter include: How should the United States manage the Ukraine Conflict? The United States should intervene militarily in the Ukraine Conflict / Jorge Benitez ; The United States should stay out of the Ukraine Conflict / Chris Freind ; If U.S. arms Ukraine, Russia could arm Iran / Josh Cohen ; The United States should arm Ukraine / Luke Coffey and Nile Gardiner ; The United States should continue imposing sanctions on Russia / David J. Kramer ; The United States must support the Minsk Agreement for Ukrainian peace / Victoria Nuland ; Ukraine's Minsk Agreement will not bring peace / Alexander Mercouris -- Should the West intervene in Ukraine? The West should help Ukraine / Ian Kearns, Steve Andreasen, and Des Browne ; Europe should integrate Ukraine / Nicolai Petro ; Europe should not integrate Ukraine / Alexander Donetsky ; NATO should not become involved in Ukraine / Seumas Milne ; NATO should confront Russia over Ukraine / Kurt Volker and Erik Brattberg -- What should be Russia's place in Ukraine? The West is responsible for provoking Russia over Ukraine / Tim Black ; The West has a choice : abandon Ukraine or punish Russia? It should choose the latter / Alex Massie ; The Russian military should fully invade Ukraine / Brad Cabana ; Crimea belongs to Russia / Dmitry Tamoikin ; Crimea belongs to Ukraine / Yulia Tymoshenko -- How should Ukraine plan its future? Ukraine must hold on to its contested regions / William Risch ; Ukraine should give up its contested regions / Alexander J. Motyl ; Ukraine must prosecute those committing war crimes / Amnesty International ; Ukrainian military as a whole is responsible for war crimes / David Garrett ; Why Ukraine shouldn't be offered NATO membership / Andrei Tsygankov ; Taking IMF money would damage Ukraine's economy / Jeffrey Sommers and Michael Hudson, as told to Jessica Desvarieux.

 

 

Folktales

Nothing reveals the intricacies of a culture like their folktales.

 

Tetro, Maria Zemko and Joseph A. Tetro. Secret of the Glass Mountain and Other Folktales from Ukraine. Winter Light Books, 2014.

A collection of Ukrainian folk tales featuring enchanting stories and memorable characters, including a determined prince and beautiful princess, a wise ant and a terrifying dragon, a depressed rabbit, a strange horse, some troubled mice, a very lazy man, and a green dwarf named Oh! Original illustrations drawn by artists in Ukraine. 

 

Tetro, Maria Zemko and Joseph A. Tetro. How the Animals Built their House and Other Stories. Winter Light Books, 2008. 

Three Ukrainian folk tales that describe the troubles one month experiences when he tries to visit another; the reliance of family and friends when a reluctant vegetable requires help from everyone at harvest time, and how a group of animals discovers that a long trip can end much closer to home than anyone expected. Original illustrations drawn by artists in Ukraine. 

 

Tetro, Maria Zemko and Joseph A. Tetro. The Fox Judge and Other Tales. Winter Light Books, 2007.

Three Ukrainian folk tales depict a special hen that lays a golden egg, a sly fox who negotiates an argument between two cats trying to divide a wedge of cheese, and three butterflies of different colors who stay together to help each other through a sudden rainstorm.

 

The Mitten – Did you know that this familiar folktale originated in Ukraine?

Aylesworth, Jim., and McClintock, Barbara. The Mitten. Scholastic Press, 2009.

A retelling of the traditional tale of how a boy's lost mitten becomes a refuge from the cold for an increasing number of animals.

 

Brett, Jan. The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale. Putnam, 1989.

Several animals sleep snugly in Nicki's lost mitten until the bear sneezes.

 

Tresselt, Alvin. The Mitten. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1964.

This retold version by Alvin Tresselt and illustrated by Yaroslava is adapted from the version by E. Rachev. A tale about a lost mitten which becomes the shelter for many forest creatures.

 

Kimmel, Eric A., and Krenina, Katya. The Birds' Gift: A Ukrainian Easter Story. Holiday House, 1999.

Villagers take in a flock of golden birds nearly frozen by an early snow and are rewarded with beautifully decorated eggs the next spring.

 

Bilenko, Anatole, et al. Ukrainian Folk Tales. Dnipro Publishers, 1974.

Pan Kotsky the puss-o-cat -- Foxy-loxy and palsy-wolfie -- The goat and the ram -- Kolobok the Johnnycake -- Kotihoroshko Rollipea -- Oh -- The wheat-ear -- The magic egg -- Ilya Muromets and nightingale the robber -- The little shepherd -- Boris son o'three -- The golden slipper -- The poor man and the raven czar -- The poor man and his sons -- The poor lad and the rich merchant Marko -- Danilo who had no luck -- A tale about the little Linden tree and the greedy old woman -- A tale about the stolen Postoli and the boiled eggs -- Misery -- The farm.

 

 

Informational Country Books

There are a lot of books about Ukraine on sites like Amazon. For older youth, the best sources for country information will be government websites.

 

United States Department of State: Ukraine. https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/ukraine/

Updates, fact sheets, policy, and current news.

 

Bassis, Volodymyr, et al. Ukraine. Cavendish Square, 2018.

Ukraine is a country with a vibrant and at times troubling past. This book explores the origins of Ukraine, its triumphs and struggles, and examines what it's like to live there today. From its geography to its economy, its language to its festivals, this book gives a current and comprehensive overview of Ukraine.

 

Murray, Julie. Ukraine. Big Buddy Books, 2018.

Welcome to Ukraine - home of vast steppes, deep ports, and beautiful architecture. Maps, a timeline with photos, and fun facts complement the text.

 

Zuehlke, Jeffrey. Ukraine in Pictures. Lerner, 2006.
Reveals the history and government, economy, people, geography, and cultural life of the Ukraine. Chapters include: The land -- History and government -- The people -- Cultural life -- The economy.

 

Zemliansky, Pavel. Ukraine. Gareth Stevens Publisher, 2002.

Presents information on the geography, history, government, economy, people, social life and customs, arts, contemporary issues, and relations with North America of Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe that regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

 

 

Everyday Life – Science, Art, Food & Holidays

 

Romanyshyn, Romana, et al. Sound : Shhh ... Bang ... Pop ... Boom! Chronicle Books, 2020.

This is an award-winning book on the phenomenon of sound with a philosophic reflection on its nature that will appeal to inquisitive children looking to learn more about science and nature. A stunning sequence of rich infographics provoke the reader to listen ... learn ... and think. Whether it's hearing noise, music, speech ... or silence, no one will come away from these pages without experiencing sound with new ears and a fresh understanding. Stunning visual sophistication and compelling infographics will appeal to adults as well as children. A perfect book for educators to share with children interested in STEM topics. The husband and wife team Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, share an art studio in Lviv, Ukraine.

 

Olia, Hercules. Summer Kitchens: Recipes and Reminiscences from Every Corner of Ukraine. Weldon Owen, 2020.

An exploration into the culinary identity of eastern Europe through stunning food and travel photography, interspersed with stories and memories of tiny buildings called summer kitchens - small structures alongside the main house where people cook and preserve summer fruits and vegetables for the winter months. The author illustrates how the region’s cuisine varies as much as the landscapes, climate, and produce through her travels to the Carpathians, the Black Sea, the shores of the Danube and Dnieper, and her native land.

 

Hughes, Ellen. Christmas in Ukraine. World Book, 1997.

Do not be fooled by the title! This book is loaded with pictures, recipes, songs, and crafts for anytime of year.  Chapters include: The Ukrainian People -- The Days Before Christmas -- Sviata Vecheria and Rizdvo -- Generous Eve -- Songs of the Season -- Ukrainian Crafts -- Ukrainian Carols -- Ukrainian Recipes.

 

Touba, Jacquiline. Ukraine: Sasha Kotyenko’s Painting “Embroidery Time.” Powerkids Press, 1997.

The young Ukrainian artist, Sasha Kotyenko, discusses her culture and traditions, and describes a painting she made of herself and her sisters embroidering. Chapters include: My city -- My country -- My home -- My painting -- Making cloth -- Embroidering our clothes -- Women's clothing -- Our house -- Traditions -- A country to be proud of.

 

 

History

 

Wolny, Philip. Holodomor : The Ukrainian Famine-Genocide. Rosen YA, 2018.

One of the lesser-known historical crimes that wiped out millions of people was Holodomor (loosely translated from Ukrainian as "death by hunger"), the famine and genocide that occurred during Soviet rule between 1932 and 1933. This book relates the shocking story of how a natural disaster was weaponized by the Soviet Union under the rule of Joseph Stalin to punish a whole people. Evocative photographs with compelling background and analysis give readers the story of a tragic chapter of European history in the twentieth century, while tying the event to our all-too-relevant modern context.

 

Taylor, Peter Lane., and Nicola, Christos. The Secret of Priest's Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story. Kar-Ben Pub., 2007.

Two explorers survey caves in the Western Ukraine and relate the story of how an extended Jewish family, fleeing persecution by the Nazis, lived for two years in a large cave, Popowa Yama, and survived the war.

 

McQuerry, Maureen. Nuclear Legacy: Students of Two Atomic Cities. Battelle Press, 2000.

Students from Slavutych, Ukraine, and Richland, Washington, describe the effects of growing up in communities purposely developed in secrecy and isolation because of their nuclear-based industry and discuss their future in these towns as demand for nuclear energy declines.

 

Toll, Nelly S. Behind the Secret Window: A Memoir of a Hidden Childhood During World War Two. Dial Books, 1993.

The author recalls her experiences when she and her mother were hidden from the Nazis by a Gentile couple in Lwów, Poland, during World War II.