Standoff (Kidnapped from Ukraine #2) -- Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, Hardcover

This gripping, accessible novel by celebrated Ukrainian Canadian author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch follows two sisters as they struggle to survive the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

12-year-old twin sisters Rada and Dariia Popkova couldn't be more different. Dariia is outgoing and chatty while Rada is quieter and artsy. But what they have in common is their love for each other and their home. The family lives in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which is attacked by the Russians on Feb 24th, 2022. The attack separates the family -- Dariia is with her mom and Rada with her dad.

Rada and her father navigate the treacherous journey from shelter to shelter as they make their way to the Azovstal plant so that her father can fight in the resistance. Meanwhile, Rada is still trying to get in contact with her sister and mother. As the war rages and each family member must contend with their own battles, their love for their country and their family keeps them going.

Author: Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 10/07/2025
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781546104568
Audience: Ages 9-12

About the Author

MARSHA FORCHUK SKRYPUCH is a Ukrainian Canadian author acclaimed for her nonfiction and historical fiction, including Making Bombs for Hitler (Faire des bombes pour Hitler), The War Below (Soldat clandestin), Stolen Child (Enfant volée, et), and Don't Tell the Enemy (Ne dis rien àl'ennemi). Marsha lives in Brantford, Ontario, and you can visit her online at www.calla.com.

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