Swimming with Spies

by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger

As war escalates between the Russians and Ukrainians in the port city of Sevastopol, can one girl and a pod of dolphins prove that communication is the greatest weapon of all?

It’s February of 2014 in the seaport city of Sevastopol in Crimea. Sofiya Oleksandrivna only wants two things: to figure out a way to get Ilya Ilyich to stop bullying her, and to convince her mother to come back home. But as battleships come to populate the waters around their city and Russian forces, including Ilya’s father, start to make their presence known, an even greater threat takes over Sofiya’s life.

The only escape Sofiya has is the dolphinarium where her father is a trainer at the forefront of teaching sign language to a pod of dolphins. And now the Russian military has ordered the dolphinarium to hand over its animals for military use. As armed Russian troops invade Crimea and conflict and tension continue to rise, Sofiya will do everything she can to keep her pod safe. And what she knows better than any of the soldiers occupying her city, is that the most powerful force is communication.

Based on the true events of the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Middle Grade, Animals, Childrens, Ukraine, Historical

288 pages, Hardcover

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Award-winning historical fiction!
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is a Ukrainian-American who transplanted to Austria.

Born in 1969, she grew up in the culture-rich neighborhood of "Nordeast" Minneapolis and started her writing career with short stories, travel narratives, and worked as a journalist and managing magazine editor, before jumping the desk and pursuing her own writing and traveling.

Her books tackle David-vs.-Goliath themes with strong women battling for the Underdogs against a system, be it political, geographical, or industrial. Sometimes all three. "I enjoy discovering the good, the bad, and the ugly in my characters when they come into conflict," she says. "And all of my stories have been inspired by injustices I've discovered along my travels."

The RESCHEN VALLEY series is based on the South Tyrolean-Italian conflict during the interwar period and was inspired by her travels to the Reschen Lake reservoir.

Her collection of short stories, which "reads like a novel", SOUVENIRS FROM KYIV won the silver medal in the IPPY Book Awards 2020 and features six stories inspired by true accounts from WW2 Ukraine. THE WOMAN AT THE GATES is what she identifies as her magnum opus and is based on her family in WW2 Ukraine.

THE GIRL FROM THE MOUNTAINS was inspired by an anecdote about a Nazi family from Austria.

The DIPLOMAT'S WIFE trilogy (released in 2023) follows Kitty Larsson, a U.S. senator's daughter who marries an Austrian diplomat before the Anschluss, only to discover that his family is not what she thought they were. Part spy-thriller, part political-thriller, the series promises a wild romp as Kitty navigates the events of WW2 with her moral compass in hand.

And in 2024, Chrystyna's first middle-grade historical fiction novel will be published by Scholastic USA. Set in 2014 Sevastopol, SWIMMING WITH SPIES is about 12-year-old Sofiya who is forced to wrestle with her Ukrainian identity as Russians swarm her peninsula and annex it. When they threaten to seize the dolphins in her father's care, she races against time to save them from a brutal fate.

Reviews

[Mateusz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Swimming with Spies is a captivating middle-grade novel about friendship, loss, community-building... and dolphins. Set during the 2014 annexation of Crimea, the novel will for sure help young people understand the complexity of Ukraine's history and culture and understand the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war and the impact armed conflicts have not only on people but also animals.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for young adults and helps bring to light the situation in events in Ukrainian history.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC book for intermediate grades/middle school students. Realistic fiction yet also closely tied to the real events in the recent Ukraine-Russian conflict to indirectly inform of more modern world events. The meticulous, and slow burning development of characters lent itself to great classroom discussion about traits, character change, and empathy! Very relatable to our current political landscape.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great young adult story. I thought it was going to be a true story, but the author clarified that it was not in her ending notes. Still it is a good story about how people can work together even if they have large differences.

[Darya]

Підлітка Софія живе в Севастополі і мріє стати морським біологом, як її тато, директор дельфінарію. Але на дворі 2014, з яким приходить не лише окупація в цілому, а й спроби віджати дельфінів із дельфінарію на військові цілі. Софія та її друзі, чиє життя на півострові розпадається, мусять спробувати їх врятувати.

У мене дуже неоднозначні враження від цієї книжки. Це захоплива пригодницька історія, яку б я із задоволенням прочитала про будь-який інший сеттінг, де б мені не заважало знайомство з культурним контекстом. Що ж стосується саме українського культурного контексту... з одного боку, це дуже добре, що англомовні підлітки отримують з такої авторитетної серії історію, яка правильно відповідає на запитання про те, чий Крим, і взагалі знайомить з цими подіями. З іншого боку, це добрий приклад того, що просто наявність в американського автора якогось "походження" зовсім не робить його експертом в цій культурі. Багато з того, як репрезентоване життя українських підлітків, виглядає досить off - колеги навіть стверджують, що це, можливо, задля того, щоб зробити репрезентацію ближчою і впізнаванішою американському читачеві. Ну, зрештою, про конкретні деталі можна сперечатися, та і я була не підліткою в Криму, а дорослою в Києві в 2014, тож не маю аж такого авторитету, щоб стверджувати, наскільки там реалістичні які веґґі-бурґери. А от що точно дратує - це представлення, що вся справа в міжетнічній ворожнечі, що люди завжди групувалися за етнічним походженням, якщо хтось раптом має змішане походження, то це у нього огого яке гібридне становище, і взагалі, ну от, ви ж вмієте порозумітися одне з одним, так тримати. Ні?

[Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ Swimming with Spies
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger. Scholastic Press, $18.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-33901-246-9

Talented artist and aspiring scientist Sofiya, 12, narrates Lucyk-Berger’s adroit (Scholastic) debut, set in 2014 Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula. Since her Russian mother left for Moscow three years earlier, Sofiya has devoted herself to helping her Ukrainian father Tato, the director of the dolphinarium, in training and caring for the dolphins. She’s simultaneously intellectually and socially engaged at her school, where Russian and Ukrainian students easily switch between the two languages. When her contentious relationship with Russian Ilya causes them to be paired on a project to raise funds for the dolphinarium, Sofiya begins learning about their interwoven past, and that her beloved sea mammals once served as “military marine systems”—i.e., spies—under the Soviet regime. If the Russians retake Crimea—as they seem poised to do—the creatures will be forced into service again; Sofiya is determined to keep that from happening. The rich, detailed descriptions of Sofiya’s experience training the mammals, which Lucyk-Berger deftly blends with Ukrainian political history, are captivating and Sofiya’s deep bond with them suffuses this affecting story of a preteen grappling with her understanding of her own Ukrainian Russian identity and the loss of her mother. Ages 8–12. (Dec.)

Link: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781...

[Melissa R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me. Great historical fiction book for kids about recent modern events. Swimming with spies shows what we can achieve when we work together to do what is right - even when we have different backgrounds and desires. It even shows the consequences that can come from doing what you think is right if it means breaking rules. I loved the tenacity of the children to work together to accomplish their goal and over come their differences. Swimming with spies touches on some of the political aspects of Russia and Ukraine because it is obviously the catalyst for the background events. But it does so in a way that is appropriate for school age children. My kids (especially my animal loving 8 year old) really liked this book.

[Ms. Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 2014, and Sofiya loves her life in the Crimea. She lives with her father and helps care for the pod of dolphins at the facility where he works. She misses her mother, though, and hates dealing with bullies at school, like Ilya, who believes that the Crimea should belong to Russia instead of the Ukraine. Her world is upended when "little green men"--that is, Russian soldiers--invade her hometown and force a sham vote saying Russia is in control of the region. Even worse, Major Chaban, Ilya's father, is going to take over the dolphinarium and force the dolphins to become Russian spies. Sofiya is desperate to stop them, but what can one kid do against an entire army?

Perfect for anyone who likes tense stories, history, or books about animals.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 2014, and Sofiya lives with her father and grandmother in Crimea, Ukraine. Her dad runs the dolphinarium, and Sofiya helps out. She's been asked to plan a kid's camp to show the theraputic value the dolphins provide before the encroaching Russian military seizes them for military work. As the military takes over, Sofiya and her friends need to figure out a way to free the animals. While the title is pretty misleading, it's a good story to educate kids about the war in Ukraine. For those who like how animals can be of service/useful and are ready for tougher stories (AKA not heartwarming ones like Odder).

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this terrific thriller featuring a girl and her deep love of dolphins set in Sevastapol as Crimea falls to Russia in 2014!
Without noticing, readers will learn lots of background information about the real start of the Ukrainian war. Also, this is an introduction to the world of dolphin training and communication, as Sofiya's ability to communicate via sign language with her dolphin pod is the hinge on which the plot turns.

[Emily Cottle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending was fantastic--action packed and a great conclusion. The rest of it was pretty boring. Sofiya changed her mind about every other chapter about whether she was mad at someone or not, which made her internal monologue really annoying at times. I was also hoping to learn a little more than I did. I came away feeling like I got very little actual information about the situation in Ukraine. There was a lot of potential, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

[Quinn Homan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good. It showed the true meaning of what we should do to keep our animals safe no matter what. The only thing that was a little disappointing is that it kept going back and forth between her trusting and not trusting Iyla because I would have have been fine if she just made up her mind. Overall it was a great book and I would recommend this to anyone who likes animals and historical-fiction

[Amanda Gilles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from my students' book fair. I love dolphins but also liked the tie-in to the current and relevant situations going on overseas. I think the author did a good job at tying in the current events to the story line using a go-getting female protagonist but also at a young educating level. I think it is a good read for a classroom. The different language and biology terms and map in the back of the book included were super helpful too.

[Linda Cousens · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Sevastapol, Ukraine, student Sophiya is helping her father run the dolphinarium and is so enamoured of all the sea creatures living there. In 2014, Russia decides to annex Crimea and take over the dolphinarium to train dolphins in warfare. Sophiya and her friends need to come up with a plan to save their beloved dolphins.
This is when the Russia//Ukraine war actually started.

[amy f creech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for upper elementary/middle school kids who remember hearing about the annexation of Crimea and the Ukraine war. Those events are played out in the life of a girl who cares for dolphins with her father and doesn’t want to see the dolphins handed over to the Russians as they begin to occupy her city.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 This exciting and relevant historical novel is probably best for middle school rather than elementary readers. There is considerable historical and political context that may be too complex for most upper elementary students.
Nonetheless, it is a worthy novel dealing with themes of common humanity overcoming ethnic and political differences.

[Joe Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book with an important story; that of Putin's invasion of Crimea. Nicely done to focus on the dolphinarium as it's a reminder that animals and facilities like the dolphinarium suffer during war. Good lessons here about friendship and getting to know someone to better understand them.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ties to current events that build background knowledge. Engaging characters.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenagers who love caring for dolphins try to save them during the war between Russia and Ukraine.

[Kate Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade novel full of historical info and adventure. Very touching.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took about half way through the book for things to pick up, but, then it was a race to the finish! Very emotional and hopeful.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

YA historical fiction
afterward and author's notes are very interesting

[Keithie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another YA book. This one during the Russian takeover of the Ukrainian Crimea. Kids working in a dolphinarium trying to save the dolphins. Fast moving.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

This was an interesting book. I had no idea about the historical event (well, maybe not that historical), but it was really interesting to learn about it.

[Tina Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing, well written, suspenseful.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Sofiya lives in Sevastapol with her father (Tato), who runs the local dolphinarium, in 2014. Her mother has left them, and is now living in Moscow, although they haven't heard from her. Sofiya, who is talented artist, often lets Ilya pay her to do his homework, since his family is well to do, and she's trying to save money for a ticket to Moscow. When she gets into a fight with Ilya at school, his father, Major Chaban, cuts a deal with the principal. Ilya shows up at the dolphinarium, and is supposed to work with Sofiya on several public outreach programs with the dolphins. Sofiya isn't happy, since being with her "pod" and especially her favorite dolphin, Colin, is where she feels comfortable after a grueling day of having to put up with people like Ilya! Still, the two manage to get along, even though Ilya seems scared of the dolphins. For good reason: Sofiya's Babushka, who was a marine biologist who worked with the Russian military in Soviet times, tells Sofiya about how Ilya's mother was killed after he fell off a boat his father was driving and nearly drowned. The mother was her mother's best friend, which is one of the reasons that Sofiya's mother left and went back to Moscow. The dolphinarium is struggling with funding, and Tato hopes to increase involvement with the community in order to raise funds. Currently, there is a dolphin therapy program attended by people with disabilities, but Sofiya is put in charge of setting up a summer camp for children, and Ilya is supposed to help with the web site. All of this changes when President Yanukovych flees Ukraine. At first, it is hoped that a better president will take his place, but instead, the Russians start to m over in to take over Sevastapol. There is a vote, and 97% of the residents apparently want Russian control, although the options on the ballot were limited. Sofiya has found out that the facility used to be used for Military Marine Systems, and Major Chaban has his eye on the facilities as well. She and Ilya are working with the dolphins and trying to teach them sign language, posting some of their progress on social media. Eventually, Tato is told that in order to keep his job, he will need to get a Russian passport and join the military, but he is concerned that if he does that, he will be sent to fight. Ilya doesn't agree with his father, and eventually agrees to help Sofiya with a daring plan; teaching the dolphins to follow boats, releasing them into the wild, and having rescue groups from Odessa save them and take them to a facility in that city. Will they be able to pull off this daring plan?
Strengths: There were a lot of interesting things about Ukraine, as well as the training of dolphins, in this book, and it was a good combination. Watkins has a couple books about war (Blood on the Road (2018) about Vietnam, and Sink or Swim (2017) about WWII), and brings an interesting twist to the stories. Sofiya has a typical tween obsession with "her" dolphins and doesn't seem to quite understand how serious the situation is. Her relationship with Ilya is interesting, and watching them work together while learning about what the other's life is like will appeal to young readers. The idea of cultural identity is also dealt with well; Sofiya's father is Ukranian, and her mother is Russian, and at one point, she has to decide if she is one of the other. Most tweens aren't faced with such a stark choice. Since this area of the world has been in the news frequently over the last several years, this is an excellent title to have on hand.
Weaknesses: While I am not usually a fan of info dumps, I could have used a few lessons in Ukranian history from Babuska. The annexation of Crimea would have occurred when today's readers were babies, and Sofiya would have been born after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, so some background would have been helpful on several levels.
What I really think: This is a great choice for anyone who enjoyed Alex London's Tides of War series (Blood in the Water and Honor Bound, 2014) or who wants more recent history about Ukraine.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad but good because a girls town got token over by the Russians and the girl and her father are threatened by a man who wants to take their dolphins. I could not stop reading this and it only took me 1 day. It did take a while to get going though.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this tightly written thriller for kids set in 2014, when Russia's current war in Ukraine actually started.