Susan Hood

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About Susan Hood
My co-author Greg Dawson and I are super excited about our newest book ALIAS ANNA: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis, coming from HarperCollins on March 22, 2022, and available for pre-order now. This nonfiction middle grade book in verse tells the true story of Greg's mom Zhanna Arshanskaya, a young Ukrainian piano prodigy, who used her wits and talents to outplay the Nazis during World War II. "This lyrical book is one of the most truthful survivor stories I've ever read." —Jack Kliger, president and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. "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.
Also new:
WE ARE ONE: How the World Adds Up: This picture book with art by debut picture book illustrator Linda Yan, shows that numbers aren't just for mathematicians. They're an integral part of our world from music to Shakespeare, from Braille to baseball, from sandwiches to centuries. In a starred review, Kirkus said, "Immensely satisfying for young lovers of numbers and fascinating for everyone."
THE LAST STRAW: Kids vs. Plastics, with art by Christiane Engel, uses kid-friendly illustrations, read-aloud poems, and up-to-date STEM info (vetted by the Chief Scientist of Ocean Conservancy) to sound the alarm about the perils of plastic pollution and celebrate kid activists around the world. Thrilled that Dr. Jane Goodall has endorsed the book saying, "I encourage everyone to read this book." (Includes a timeline, practical tips, websites, videos, and further resources.)
Remember the story of the boys' soccer team trapped in the cave in Thailand in the summer of 2018? Proud to have co-authored TITAN AND THE WILD BOARS: The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer team with Thai journalist Pathana Sornhiran, who was reporting on-site as the story unfolded. Focusing on the youngest team member Titan, this nonfiction picture book for grades 1-6 tells the true story that held the world breathless. Beautifully illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, the book includes a timeline, fascinating facts, quotes, and an interview with two of the divers who swam the boys to safety.
My first middle grade novel—LIFEBOAT 12—is based on a true World War II story I discovered in the childhood letters of my British mother-in-law. I was delighted to find that the hero of the story—Ken Sparks—was still alive and traveled to Britain to interview him. Nominated for several state awards, the book is now available as an audiobook too! For more information, check my website: susanhoodbooks.com.
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Books By Susan Hood
“Brilliantly told in verse, readers will love Ken Sparks.” —Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor winner
“Lyrical, terrifying, and even at times funny. A richly detailed account of a little-known event in World War II.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Middle grade Titanic fans, here’s your next read.” —BCCB
“An edge-of-your seat survival tale.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
A Junior Library Guild Selection
The 2019 Golden Kite Middle Grade Fiction Award Winner
A 2019 ALSC Notable Children’s Book
The 2019–2020 Lectio Book Award Winner
The 2020–2021 Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award List
The 2020 Oklahoma Library Association’s Children’s Sequoyah Book Award Winner
The Connecticut Book Award Winner
In the tradition of The War That Saved My Life and Stella By Starlight, this poignant novel in verse based on true events tells the story of a boy’s harrowing experience on a lifeboat after surviving a torpedo attack during World War II.
With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones—one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada.
Life aboard the luxury ship is grand—nine-course meals, new friends, and a life far from the bombs, rations, and his stepmum’s glare. And after five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger.
They’re wrong.
Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. They’ve been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Will they get away? Will they survive?
Award-winning author Susan Hood brings this little-known World War II story to life in a riveting novel of courage, hope, and compassion. Based on true events and real people, Lifeboat 12 is about believing in one another, knowing that only by banding together will we have any chance to survive.
Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada—and her town—forever changed. Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.
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.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts—and unity and connection are most important of all—in a beautifully illustrated counting book with a timely message.
One can be one thing all on its own—one star, one stream, one stick, one stone. But those on their toes, those using their smarts, know one can be more than the sum of its parts.
Consider the two slices of bread that make up one sandwich, or the three lines of poetry that form one haiku, or even the ten years that form one decade. From one to ten, from sandwiches to centuries, every part is necessary to the whole. In this fascinating concept book, a simple rhyming narration aimed at younger children is complemented by informational panels about subjects like the four compass points, the five acts in Shakespeare, the seven colors of a rainbow, or the nine innings in baseball. Award-winning author Susan Hood and debut children’s book illustrator Linda Yan offer a mind-expanding look at early math concepts such as part/whole relationships, fractions, and addition—while underlying themes of cooperation, peace, and kindness make this beautiful volume one to be enjoyed by anyone at any age.
From award-winning author Susan Hood and illustrator Sally Wern Comport comes the extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash.
Ada Ríos creció en Cateura, un pueblo pequeño en Paraguay construido alrededor de un vertedero. Soñaba con tocar el violín, pero con escasos recursos para poco más que lo esencial, nunca fue una opción…hasta que un maestro de música llamado Favio Chávez apareció. Él quiso darles a los niños de Cateura algo especial, así que les construyó instrumentos musicales hechos de materiales encontrados en la basura. Era una idea loca, pero una que dejaría a Ada—y al pueblo entero—cambiados para siempre. Hoy en día, la Orquesta de Reciclados toca alrededor del mundo, difundiendo su mensaje de esperanza e innovación.
Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada—and her town—forever changed. Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.
Spike is a scary-looking salamander who keeps trying to frighten other animals—until he finds that using fear is not the best way to make friends. And since Spike lives in Mexico (he is an endangered species called the axolotl), this story is peppered with easy-to-understand Spanish words. In addition to a charming tale of friendship, this picture book contains nonfiction information about the axolotl and a Spanish/English glossary.
On a rainy afternoon, a brother and sister take their mother's advice and play in the attic. There, they discover some old toys and use their imaginations to create all sorts of fun. They enjoy themselves so much they don't even want to go outside when it stops raining! Perfect for inspiring imaginative play, this book includes a note to parents with tips on how to encourage reading and how to help children learn to read. Also included is a list of words to "point and read" to help young readers learn new words.
A new baby brother gets all the attention. Not only that, but he can be noisy, and sometimes he smells bad. But eventually this big sister realizes how special her younger brother is, and how special she is to him too! Perfect for soon-to-be older siblings, this ebook includes a note to parents with tips on how to encourage reading and on how to help children learn to read. Also included is a list of words to "point and read" to help young readers learn new words.
Ann, Amy, Chris, and Marty plan a special sleepover and Ann’s younger twin sisters are definitely NOT invited. The older girls are having a great time, until something scares them, so when Ann’s dad goes to investigate, what does he find? Ann’s twin sisters! This ebook includes a note to parents with tips on how to encourage reading and on how to help children learn to read. Also included is a list of words to "point and read" to help young readers learn new words.
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