What the Reviewers Said

Full review from BookLife Reviews

“When war begins in Ukraine, young Artem and his mother must travel alone to Poland, bidding his father, who is staying behind to fight as a soldier to protect their home country, goodbye. Sad and scared about the changes his family and country will face, Artem nevertheless puts on a brave face as he acclimates to his new life in Przemysl. At The Welcoming Center, he meets many other young children—all starting over in Poland—and is touched by the kindness of others, specifically from a volunteer named Paolo who prepares food for Artem and the other refugees.
Meanwhile, in America, a young girl named Hannah sees what is happening a world away and feels compelled to help any way she can. After a bit of research, she comes up with the idea to make "Freedom Pancakes"—potato pancakes called "deruny" in Ukraine—and sells them to her community, raising donations for the war-torn country. That heartwarming sentiment in the face of destruction and terror runs steadily throughout, teaching young readers the impacts of war, how to stay brave in the face of new beginnings, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can change the world.

Cohn’s narrative pulls inspiration from real life people, including Paolo and also Hannah Skelton—the basis for this book’s Hannah—who, at six years old, raised money for children’s causes in Africa, and Yana Holubiatnikova’s evocative illustrations, created in Ukraine, bring poignant and dramatic life to the story’s setting. Cohn’s passion for helping others is touching and will energize young readers to discover their own concern for those facing hardship, a theme that Cohn follows up with end-of-book resources offering creative ways to help families around the world. Ultimately, the kindness Artem receives sparks his desire to pay it forward, in a sweet closing note that will leave readers uplifted and impassioned for change.

Takeaway: Moving children’s story about helping others during times of war.

Comparable Titles: George Takei's My Lost Freedom, Sarah Musa's My Garden Over Gaza.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A”