2023 Christopher Award Winner!
2023 Sydney Taylor Notable Book
2023 Finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards
2022 Nerdies Award:
Poetry and Novels in Verse
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ALIAS ANNA
A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis
Co-authored with Greg Dawson, Zhanna’s son
Cover art by The Balbusso Twins
HarperCollins
ISBN-10: 0063083892
ISBN-13: 978-0063083899
"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
“This lyrical book is one of the most truthful survivor stories I’ve ever read.”
—Jack Kliger, President and CEO, Museum of Jewish Heritage“Highly recommended.” —Jewish Book Council
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.
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 a world-renownded 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 her father bribes a guard, Zhanna flees with nothing more than her musical talent, her beloved Chopin 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.
Photo of Frina, age twelve (left) and Zhanna, age fourteen (right), one day before they were rounded up by Nazi officers and forced on a death march, along with 16,000 other Jewish citizens. Zhanna and Frina are among the only known survivors. Photo courtesy of the Dawson family.
AWARDS and BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR LISTS
2023 Winner of the Christopher Award
“Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”
2023 Sydney Taylor Notable Book
Finalist for the 2023 National Jewish Book Awards
The 2022 Nerdies: Poetry and Novels in Verse
The New York Public Library Best Books of 2022
The Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2022
Praise for Alias Anna
Booklist
“The emphasis on music and its importance to the family moderate the girls’ travails. … A revealing look at an underreported Holocaust chapter.”
Cooperative Children’s Book Center
“This moving, lyrical account first grounds readers in Zhanna’s life before the Nazi invasion and then recounts the harrowing years that followed. It’s told in poems rich with musical references and divided into “movements.” End matter includes black-and-white photographs, Dawson’s fascinating research journey, Poetry notes, and more.”
Jewish Book Council
“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.”
Kirkus
”Using a variety of poetry styles and direct quotes from Dawson’s mother, Zhanna, the co-authors relate the siblings’… incredible lives. … This work offers readers the truth of the Shoah in a simple and accessible format. A harrowing and remarkable story of strength and survival.”
School Library Journal
“This compelling book of loss and perseverance will stay with readers long after they have finished. … With Ukraine in the news, and anti-Semitism at an all-time high around the world, this book … feels timely. … 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. VERDICT This powerful work of persistence and hope is highly recommended.”