Greg Dawson

Susan Hood

A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis

Alias Anna

The author relates the remarkable story of his pianist mother, a child prodigy who escaped certain death when the Nazis invaded Ukraine, adopted a new identity, and came under the protection of a Nazi commander who heard her play.

Hiding in the Spotlight

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. A middle grade nonfiction novel-in-verse by award-winning author Susan Hood with Greg Dawson (Zhanna’s son). 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 the world’s top 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 a guard turns a blind eye, Zhanna flees with nothing more than her musical talent, her beloved 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.

La pianista bambina

Candy Dawson

Young people across America were formed and transformed in the 1960s by sex, drugs, rock and roll, peace and love, war and assassination, triumph and loss. The generation’s apex in 1967 was ripe with self-discovery and liberation in the heady Summer of Love. The next year brought a summer of hate as we mourned Martin and Bobby. Race riots raged. Friends were killed in Vietnam. Our hopes died in the streets of Chicago. This is the true story of one group of midwestern baby boomers led down the rabbit hole by a rebellious young teacher. They descended in innocence and hit bottom when good people were busted—in Bloomington.

Greg Dawson

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