What do you think?
Rate this book
Kidnapped from Ukraine #2
Standoff
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.
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.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published October 7, 2025
7 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
33 books891 followersMarsha Skrypuch is an internationally bestselling children’s author whose books span a century of wars from a kid’s view, concentrating on those stories that have been erased by oppressive regimes. Her best-known book is Making Bombs for Hitler. Her most recent is the Kidnapped from Ukraine trilogy. She has received death threats and honors for her writing. Marsha lives in Brantford, Ontario, Canada and you can visit her online at calla.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 21, 2024
In my very biased opinion as the author, I think this is a good book.
Want to read
September 18, 2025I love the book 10/10 I hope Ukraine wins the war and never believe russa's lies
July 8, 2025
Marsha Skrypuch, writer of the Making Bombs for Hitler and Trapped in Hitler’s Web trilogies plus standalone Winterkill, is known for her meticulous research and personal connections to the topics highlighted in her historical fiction for middle grades and younger YA readers. Ukraine is home to both the author as well as her husband and the struggle to stay independent and to protect its people features in many of her books but usually from the World War II era and before. However, history is repeating itself and this, book 2 in her newest trilogy, begins with Putin’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022 just as the series opener did but this time, from 12 year old Rada’s perspective rather than her twin Dariia’s.
In book 1, Dariia and her mom left their apartment to pick up groceries and were trapped by the bombing in the bodega in their building, moved to the salon where mom worked and ended up sheltering in an ill-equipped basement until being captured by Russian soldiers. Now, in book 2, Rada and her father experience the full force of Russian bombs falling on their apartment building leaving them almost buried in the rubble. Dressed poorly for escape or survival, the pair make their way to the city’s steel mill and take shelter in prepared bunkers there. Ivan, Dariia and Rada’s father, reports for duty with Ukraine’s Territorial Defence while Rada is taken in by a family from their building and begins an ordeal beyond belief that lasts for months before a brief ceasefire and humanitarian corridor that allows Rada to evacuate to a safer location but leaves her father fighting the Russian invaders.
As in other Skrypuch historical fiction, Standoff is heavy on the actual events from history, a history that is still happening. Readers will be caught up in the unwarranted onslaught of Putin’s army, in awe of the determination demonstrated by those who took cover in the Azovstal factory and fighters who held out for so long against greater numbers of more well-armed Russian soldiers.
Highly recommended series for grades 5-8. Text is free of profanity and sexual content, however, violence is present, some do not survive and the fight reflects the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia but without getting too graphic.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Scholastic.
In book 1, Dariia and her mom left their apartment to pick up groceries and were trapped by the bombing in the bodega in their building, moved to the salon where mom worked and ended up sheltering in an ill-equipped basement until being captured by Russian soldiers. Now, in book 2, Rada and her father experience the full force of Russian bombs falling on their apartment building leaving them almost buried in the rubble. Dressed poorly for escape or survival, the pair make their way to the city’s steel mill and take shelter in prepared bunkers there. Ivan, Dariia and Rada’s father, reports for duty with Ukraine’s Territorial Defence while Rada is taken in by a family from their building and begins an ordeal beyond belief that lasts for months before a brief ceasefire and humanitarian corridor that allows Rada to evacuate to a safer location but leaves her father fighting the Russian invaders.
As in other Skrypuch historical fiction, Standoff is heavy on the actual events from history, a history that is still happening. Readers will be caught up in the unwarranted onslaught of Putin’s army, in awe of the determination demonstrated by those who took cover in the Azovstal factory and fighters who held out for so long against greater numbers of more well-armed Russian soldiers.
Highly recommended series for grades 5-8. Text is free of profanity and sexual content, however, violence is present, some do not survive and the fight reflects the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia but without getting too graphic.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Scholastic.
October 16, 2025
A very good second book in the series. This one focuses on the Dad and other sister, Rada, who are separated from the Mom and twin Dariia, once their building in the Ukraine is attacked by Russia and collapses. Rada is forced to live with a neighbor's family in Astorval which is a huge steel plant built with 6 levels of bunkers beneath it. I had no clue this existed and did not watch the news with the stand off between the Russians and the Ukrainians there- so it was eye opening. It is difficult to remember that this story is taking place NOW. It makes me wonder how the world can just really stand by and let this happen. The Ukraine was invaded and it isn't just for the land- the Russians have been trying to eliminate the people of the Ukraine starting with Stalin and the Holodomor. This is a genocide- just as badly as the one against Jewish people and the world just sits and waits. I can't even imagine what the children and families that survive think of the world as they were left to perish or fight Russians when they are innocent and not the aggressors. I hope young people and adults alike read this engaging series and then take action in some way to support the Ukrainians. I have read most of Skrypuch's work and these books are the most powerful and hard to put down. Can't wait for #3.
August 29, 2025
The waiting between books is truly hard!
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, writes such compelling historical fiction stories that you can't put them down and you NEED to keep reading! The Kidnapped From Ukraine series is no different!
Standoff, was a great continuation from the first book, Under Attack. Standoff tells the story from Rada's point of view. As a reader you truly feel transported back in time and experience everything the characters are experiencing. I felt transported back to the story of twin sisters Dariia and Rada. The first book, Under Attack was Dariia's point of view when her and her mom got separated from Rada and her father. The second book, Standoff, is Rada's point of view when she is with her father.
This series would make a great classroom read aloud. Unfortunately, the war is still ongoing. Students can learn what the citizens of Ukraine have endeared since the beginning. They can ask their teacher questions as they process the events.
Students can compare and contrast what each sister and parent went through in their situations.
Was one sister in a better situation than the other (considering the circumstances)? How does this war compare to the Holodomor or the Holocaust?
A must-have addition to any library and Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch collections!
I am looking forward to the third and final book in the trilogy, Still Alive.
#MarshaForchukSkrypuch #KidnappedFromUkraine #StandoffBook#2 #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss
Spoiler Alerts
.
.
.
.
.
Spoiler Alerts
.
.
.
Spoiler Alerts
Towards the end of the book as I am ugly crying when Rada is reunited with her mom and then the book ends at a place I don't want it to end YET! I can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy. Well played Ms. Skrypuch, well played to keep us wanting more and more. Brava!
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, writes such compelling historical fiction stories that you can't put them down and you NEED to keep reading! The Kidnapped From Ukraine series is no different!
Standoff, was a great continuation from the first book, Under Attack. Standoff tells the story from Rada's point of view. As a reader you truly feel transported back in time and experience everything the characters are experiencing. I felt transported back to the story of twin sisters Dariia and Rada. The first book, Under Attack was Dariia's point of view when her and her mom got separated from Rada and her father. The second book, Standoff, is Rada's point of view when she is with her father.
This series would make a great classroom read aloud. Unfortunately, the war is still ongoing. Students can learn what the citizens of Ukraine have endeared since the beginning. They can ask their teacher questions as they process the events.
Students can compare and contrast what each sister and parent went through in their situations.
Was one sister in a better situation than the other (considering the circumstances)? How does this war compare to the Holodomor or the Holocaust?
A must-have addition to any library and Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch collections!
I am looking forward to the third and final book in the trilogy, Still Alive.
#MarshaForchukSkrypuch #KidnappedFromUkraine #StandoffBook#2 #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #ReadThisBook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss
Spoiler Alerts
.
.
.
.
.
Spoiler Alerts
.
.
.
Spoiler Alerts
Towards the end of the book as I am ugly crying when Rada is reunited with her mom and then the book ends at a place I don't want it to end YET! I can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy. Well played Ms. Skrypuch, well played to keep us wanting more and more. Brava!
November 8, 2025
Captivating Story with real life info
I really enjoyed this continuation of the Kidnapped from Ukraine series. I especially liked that it told the story of the other twin. Looking forward to the third book.
I really enjoyed this continuation of the Kidnapped from Ukraine series. I especially liked that it told the story of the other twin. Looking forward to the third book.
October 31, 2025
The author lets readers dive deep into the atrocities of this real-time war and into survival mode in the dark, dank bunkers deep under the Azofstal Iron and Steel plant. It’s a middle grade story, yes, but adults will appreciate the research and detail that Skrypuch incorporates into this novel.
I’ll never read another Ukrainian news headline or view another horrific image without feeling the suffering that Dariia, Rada, her parents and close friends experience since February, 2022. Yes, this is fiction. But this is not ‘just’ fiction.
War might make the news when Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin discuss weapons and negotiate tariffs. But war is also about young girls who want to wear nail polish and bunny slippers, who want to hug their pets and text their family or friends. Kids need security. Little things matter.
While Russians continue to be manipulated by their leader, Putin, it’s stories like these that have the power to change people. There’s nothing good about war and no justification for violence. Skrypuch empowers her characters to take action and not just be victims. Readers will appreciate the hope that is ever-present.
Up until Kidnapped from Ukraine, Skrypuch’s bestselling novels focused on wars from the past. This series focuses on a modern war. History repeats itself in tragic ways. I hope kids all over the world get to read her books. These don’t just belong on a reading curriculum … they belong in a social studies’ class and at the dinner table.
I’ll never read another Ukrainian news headline or view another horrific image without feeling the suffering that Dariia, Rada, her parents and close friends experience since February, 2022. Yes, this is fiction. But this is not ‘just’ fiction.
War might make the news when Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin discuss weapons and negotiate tariffs. But war is also about young girls who want to wear nail polish and bunny slippers, who want to hug their pets and text their family or friends. Kids need security. Little things matter.
While Russians continue to be manipulated by their leader, Putin, it’s stories like these that have the power to change people. There’s nothing good about war and no justification for violence. Skrypuch empowers her characters to take action and not just be victims. Readers will appreciate the hope that is ever-present.
Up until Kidnapped from Ukraine, Skrypuch’s bestselling novels focused on wars from the past. This series focuses on a modern war. History repeats itself in tragic ways. I hope kids all over the world get to read her books. These don’t just belong on a reading curriculum … they belong in a social studies’ class and at the dinner table.
November 3, 2025
This is book 2 in a three book series written for middle graders about the war in Ukraine. Shorter and more focused than book 1, the story continues during the siege of Mariupol and the struggle to survive while living in bunkers underneath a steel plant being bombed daily. Topics are heavy - loss, hunger, death and familial separation but the coming of age during war back story is very real.
June 28, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this companion novel to Kidnapped From Ukraine, we follow the journey of Rada and her father, Ivan, when they are separated from Dariia and their mother. Rada and Ivan are in the family apartment when it is bombed; they've taken shelter in the bathtub, but it falls through into the apartment of the Yanins below them. They're not injured, but I'll prepared for fleeing, since it is early morning and Rada is still in her bunny slippers. They take a few supplies from the Yanin's apartment, but when they leave the building, find Mrs. Yanin, her friend Viktor's mother, dead in the street. Rada sprinkles dirt on her and says a prayer, but there is no time to waste in getting to the Azovstal steel plant where her father works. He works with the Territorial Defense, and wants to get Rada to the plant to shelter while he goes out to fight. Luckily, they run into Ms. Olenyk, who has a flower delivery van. It's a hard trip to the plant, but they know there are supplies and underground bunkers there. Rada has to tell Viktor about his mother, since he is there with his father and younger sister Alina. Also there is Lesia, whose parents are off fighting. She's there with both of her grandmothers and her sister-in-law, who has a baby. Viktor has brought an extra pair of shoes with him (he's sneakerhead), and gives them to Rada. There is limited fuel for the generators, and very little food. Mr. Yanins makes sure everyone has a cup of warm water every day, as well as a type of grain porridge, but there is little else. The children scavenge in the offices when Mr. Yanins isn't making them do some school work. Eventually, the plant is evacuated, and there is supposedly a humanitarian corridor that will allow Rada and her companions to get to Zaporizhzhia, but it closes before they can get through. They manage to find shelter, and are joined by an older woman, Svetlana, and a young boy, Mychailo, both of whom have lost their entire families. The conditions are brutal: cold and so damp that clothing is rotting, with limited food and sanitary facilities. At one point, Viktor, Alina, and Rada go back to the plant to scavenge for food and clothing. They manage to find some, but there is a bomb that kills Lesia's grandmother (who has decided to live in the bombed out offices) and burns the children badly. They are grateful to have found a large sack of flour so they can have dumplings in soup. Rada's father returns to tell her that she needs to leave, and also that he intends to fight to the end. Luckily, the Red Cross find the group as they are leaving, get them past the Russian soldiers, tend to their wounds, and give them supplies. Lesia's sister-in-law decides to go back home to her parents (since her husband has gone over to the Russians, she intends to divorce him). Rada's mother is also in the camp, but tells Rada that her sister is in Russia. We should find out what happens after this in book three, Still Alive, which comes out April 21, 2026.
Strengths: Once again, Ms. Skrypuch brings a current news story to life for readers who might not know how horrible the conditions in Ukraine are right now. Many middle graders like to read books about World War II, but don't understand that there are conflicts that are every bit if not more devastating going on right now. I imagine that she has talked to many people who have seen the atrocities of this war first hand, which allows the details of sheltering in the steel plant to be absolutely devastating. I hadn't thought about the damp making clothing rot while people are wearing it, and at one point Rada cuts off her heavy braid and shaved her head because her hair is so moldy and dirty. Since I have been watching my young grandson, reading about an infant being in these circumstances was devastating. In addition to being an interesting and informative story about a current event, this will serve as an important historical document when (hopefully soon) this war is over.
Weaknesses: The early on page death of Mrs. Yanins might be too much for sensitive readers, so I would add this cautiously to an elementary library. I am also wondering if the finished copy will have a note from the author about the current conditions in Ukraine, as the first book did. The digital ARC did not have one.
What I really think: It's a little unusual to see fictional coverage of real life events so soon after they have occurred, but it's good for middle school students to read books like this in order to understand what's going on in the world. I can't think of many authors other than Skrypuch who write about Ukraine; Lucyk-Berger's Swimming with Spies is the only other book I can think of that describes what has been going on in this area of the world.
In this companion novel to Kidnapped From Ukraine, we follow the journey of Rada and her father, Ivan, when they are separated from Dariia and their mother. Rada and Ivan are in the family apartment when it is bombed; they've taken shelter in the bathtub, but it falls through into the apartment of the Yanins below them. They're not injured, but I'll prepared for fleeing, since it is early morning and Rada is still in her bunny slippers. They take a few supplies from the Yanin's apartment, but when they leave the building, find Mrs. Yanin, her friend Viktor's mother, dead in the street. Rada sprinkles dirt on her and says a prayer, but there is no time to waste in getting to the Azovstal steel plant where her father works. He works with the Territorial Defense, and wants to get Rada to the plant to shelter while he goes out to fight. Luckily, they run into Ms. Olenyk, who has a flower delivery van. It's a hard trip to the plant, but they know there are supplies and underground bunkers there. Rada has to tell Viktor about his mother, since he is there with his father and younger sister Alina. Also there is Lesia, whose parents are off fighting. She's there with both of her grandmothers and her sister-in-law, who has a baby. Viktor has brought an extra pair of shoes with him (he's sneakerhead), and gives them to Rada. There is limited fuel for the generators, and very little food. Mr. Yanins makes sure everyone has a cup of warm water every day, as well as a type of grain porridge, but there is little else. The children scavenge in the offices when Mr. Yanins isn't making them do some school work. Eventually, the plant is evacuated, and there is supposedly a humanitarian corridor that will allow Rada and her companions to get to Zaporizhzhia, but it closes before they can get through. They manage to find shelter, and are joined by an older woman, Svetlana, and a young boy, Mychailo, both of whom have lost their entire families. The conditions are brutal: cold and so damp that clothing is rotting, with limited food and sanitary facilities. At one point, Viktor, Alina, and Rada go back to the plant to scavenge for food and clothing. They manage to find some, but there is a bomb that kills Lesia's grandmother (who has decided to live in the bombed out offices) and burns the children badly. They are grateful to have found a large sack of flour so they can have dumplings in soup. Rada's father returns to tell her that she needs to leave, and also that he intends to fight to the end. Luckily, the Red Cross find the group as they are leaving, get them past the Russian soldiers, tend to their wounds, and give them supplies. Lesia's sister-in-law decides to go back home to her parents (since her husband has gone over to the Russians, she intends to divorce him). Rada's mother is also in the camp, but tells Rada that her sister is in Russia. We should find out what happens after this in book three, Still Alive, which comes out April 21, 2026.
Strengths: Once again, Ms. Skrypuch brings a current news story to life for readers who might not know how horrible the conditions in Ukraine are right now. Many middle graders like to read books about World War II, but don't understand that there are conflicts that are every bit if not more devastating going on right now. I imagine that she has talked to many people who have seen the atrocities of this war first hand, which allows the details of sheltering in the steel plant to be absolutely devastating. I hadn't thought about the damp making clothing rot while people are wearing it, and at one point Rada cuts off her heavy braid and shaved her head because her hair is so moldy and dirty. Since I have been watching my young grandson, reading about an infant being in these circumstances was devastating. In addition to being an interesting and informative story about a current event, this will serve as an important historical document when (hopefully soon) this war is over.
Weaknesses: The early on page death of Mrs. Yanins might be too much for sensitive readers, so I would add this cautiously to an elementary library. I am also wondering if the finished copy will have a note from the author about the current conditions in Ukraine, as the first book did. The digital ARC did not have one.
What I really think: It's a little unusual to see fictional coverage of real life events so soon after they have occurred, but it's good for middle school students to read books like this in order to understand what's going on in the world. I can't think of many authors other than Skrypuch who write about Ukraine; Lucyk-Berger's Swimming with Spies is the only other book I can think of that describes what has been going on in this area of the world.
October 27, 2025
First sentence: The bed moved. I squinched my eyes shut and flipped to my side. Smack. Something hit my head. Was Dariia doing one of her silly tricks again? I reached over to push her away, but her side of the bed was empty.
Premise/plot: Standoff is the companion novel to Under Attack. Under Attack was the story of what happened to Dariia (and her mom). Standoff is the story of what happened to Rada (and her dad). The focus of both books is primarily on these twin sisters--Dariia and Rada. This family is literally torn apart, separated by the sudden onset of war. Since Rada's father is fighting in the resistance or army, she's in the care of neighbors at the shelter at the Azovstal plant. Many have taken shelter, but, it's a hard, desperate struggle to survive. So many unknowns. Each day a struggle to survive--for food, for water, for warmth, for health. Will these sisters ever find one another again?!
My thoughts: Both books are intense and compelling. I do recommend both books. They are companion books. I think they could be read as stand alone books. I think they could be read out of order.
Premise/plot: Standoff is the companion novel to Under Attack. Under Attack was the story of what happened to Dariia (and her mom). Standoff is the story of what happened to Rada (and her dad). The focus of both books is primarily on these twin sisters--Dariia and Rada. This family is literally torn apart, separated by the sudden onset of war. Since Rada's father is fighting in the resistance or army, she's in the care of neighbors at the shelter at the Azovstal plant. Many have taken shelter, but, it's a hard, desperate struggle to survive. So many unknowns. Each day a struggle to survive--for food, for water, for warmth, for health. Will these sisters ever find one another again?!
My thoughts: Both books are intense and compelling. I do recommend both books. They are companion books. I think they could be read as stand alone books. I think they could be read out of order.
March 31, 2025
Even better than the first book. This one dealt all the punches. Skrypuch takes us inside the infamous steelworks in Mariupol during the Russian siege and shines a light on a dark history of Russia's attack on Ukraine.
In this installment of the series, Daria's twin sister Rada is the focus. Separated from her mother and her sister on the first day of the invasion, Rada and her father have taken shelter in the steel mill in Mariupol where they will be holed up for weeks. Skrypuch does not hold back: she takes her reader deep into the bowels of the tunnels and carefully plots her story around the factual events and background of the siege.
Through a child's eyes, we see what matters; how resilient not only the characters depicted here are, but as a nod to the spirit of Ukraine's resistance in general. This story is positively a must for anyone who even wants even a little bit more understanding about what has been going on in Ukraine in one of the most devastating wars on the European continent since WW2. This novel could stand alone, but I suggest reading the first one.
In this installment of the series, Daria's twin sister Rada is the focus. Separated from her mother and her sister on the first day of the invasion, Rada and her father have taken shelter in the steel mill in Mariupol where they will be holed up for weeks. Skrypuch does not hold back: she takes her reader deep into the bowels of the tunnels and carefully plots her story around the factual events and background of the siege.
Through a child's eyes, we see what matters; how resilient not only the characters depicted here are, but as a nod to the spirit of Ukraine's resistance in general. This story is positively a must for anyone who even wants even a little bit more understanding about what has been going on in Ukraine in one of the most devastating wars on the European continent since WW2. This novel could stand alone, but I suggest reading the first one.
October 16, 2025
The book’s back cover features the prominent words, ‘How do you keep hope alive?’ That, in a nutshell, is the heart of this fantastic book, which does indeed end on a thread of hope. The story follows the daily lives of individuals sheltering together, becoming like family, in unimaginable conditions as they take underground refuge from Russian bombings of their city. The protagonist, age 12, can only hope that her missing mother and sister are alive and that her soldier father survives his defense assignment. The book is a gut-wrenching read. But like the first in the series, its fact-based story will have readers of all ages thinking about and considering the implications of political propagandizing and inhumane power grabs through history and in today’s world. I highly recommend this book for both young readers and adults.
October 8, 2025
What a gripping read from beginning to end. I couldn’t put the book down!
Marsha has out done herself once again writing the 2nd segment of Kidnapped from Ukraine - Standoff. Her research and accuracy is nothing but the best.
Marsha has out done herself once again writing the 2nd segment of Kidnapped from Ukraine - Standoff. Her research and accuracy is nothing but the best.
October 31, 2025
Standoff is an excellent read and an important one. The world needs to know about the abduction of Ukrainian children, the war crimes, and the Russian lies and propaganda. Ukraine does not belong to Russia. Слава Україні! Слава героям! (Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!)
October 6, 2025
This was recommended to me by a student of mine. Good story. I’m intrigued about reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews