Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis

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!

About the author

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.