Overview
A young girl's fight for survival in the face of war and deportation. Krysia's childhood in Poland is shattered when World War II erupts. Forced from her home and deported to Kazakhstan, she and her family endure unimaginable hardship. This powerful memoir tells the story of Krysia's resilience, her mother's unwavering strength, and the kindness of strangers in a world consumed by conflict.
Experience history through the eyes of a child as Krysia navigates starvation, illness, and loss. Discover the bonds of family and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. This unforgettable story will inspire readers of all ages.
- Learn about Polish history during World War II
- Explore themes of survival and resilience
- Understand the impact of war on children
For children (ages 10-13), young adults, and anyone seeking a
heartwarming and
historically accurate account of a young girl's journey through war. Keywords: World War II, Polish history, childhood memoir.
Reviews
Exquisitely detailed, Krystyna Mihulka’s Krysia proves in clear and accessible prose that even such malevolent forces as Stalinism and Nazism were rendered powerless in the face of the most basic human order — a loving family. —Eugene Yelchin, author of Breaking Stalin’s Nose
“Elegant, eye-opening, and memorable.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This memoir has power and does the necessary work of prompting readers to try to imagine what it’s like to be among the millions of children undergoing similar upheavals in the war zones of today.” —Booklist
“The text is exceptionally educational, offering language help, maps, and photographs to fill in the details of Krysia’s harrowing tale. Still, despite the tragedy, Krysia’s story is also one of hope, making it a distinctively interesting and useful nonfiction text for young adult readers.” — VOYA
“The child’s voice offers a heart-wrenching perspective on the evils inflicted by Nazism and Stalinism along with the suffering the family endured…” —The Buffalo News Online
“It’s an affecting personal story, vividly told…” —Wall Street Journal
Author Biography
Born in 1930, Krystyna Mihulka was deported from Poland to Kazakhstan in 1940, where she lived as a political prisoner under Communist rule for nearly two years. After several years in refugee camps in Iran and Africa, she settled in Zambia, where she married and had three children. In 1969 she and her family migrated to the United States. She lives in Pleasant Hill, California, under her married name, Christine Tomerson. Krystyna Poray Goddu is the author of A Girl Called Vincent and Dollmakers and Their Stories. She has contributed to American Girl magazine, the New York Times Book Review, Publishers Weekly, and other publications. She lives in New York City.
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