Alias Anna

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 (Zhanna’s son).

She wouldn’t be Zhanna. She’d 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 world’s 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 father’s final plea: “I don’t 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!

Winner of Chicago Public Library Best of the Best (United States). Winner of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year (United States). Winner of New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids (United States). Winner of Sydney Taylor Book Award (United States).

“This lyrical book is one of the most truthful survivor stories I've 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 Zhanna's sto”

This lyrical book is one of the most truthful survivor stories I’ve ever read. I think this book will be a page-turner for adolescents.  — Jack Kliger, President and CEO of the Museum of Jewish HeritageA profound and powerful story of the Holocaust, told with heart, soul, and music. — Kathryn Lasky, Newbery Honoree and winner of the National Jewish Book AwardA harrowing and remarkable story of strength and survival.  — Kirkus ReviewsAppended with generous back matter, this offers a revealing look at an underreported Holocaust chapter. — BooklistHood tells Zhanna’s sto­ry through both free verse and a rich array of forms. The use of poet­ry is effec­tive, echo­ing in its com­plex­i­ty the music of a sin­gu­lar life caught in the chaos of history. This high­ly rec­om­mend­ed book includes exten­sive back­ground mate­r­i­al, pho­tos, sources, lists of musi­cal com­po­si­tions, and poet­ic forms. — Jewish Book Council[A] hard-hitting nonfiction biography told in verse. [An] accessible portrait of two talented and determined teens. — Publishers WeeklyThis compelling book of loss and perseverance will stay with readers long after they have finished. . . This lyrical biography (written with Dawson, Zhanna’s 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 JournalA tribute to the power of girls. — The Sydney Taylor SchmoozeOn the Audio Edition: "A touching story of art, struggle, and overcoming persecution, with a narration that is a testament to survival."   — Booklist

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.

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