AUTHOR

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, published in 2022 by HarperCollins. 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: BROTHERS IN ARMS: The True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him. This nonfiction picture book, illustrated with great humor and charm by Jamie Green, looks at the truth behind the legend of an adorable, abandoned Syrian brown bear cub who grew up to be a World War II hero. He was quite the character—charming, naughty, irresistible. Every nonfiction author’s dream. I love this quote from the last surviving member of the troop: “We used to say he had a Polish soul. He was very kind…very sociable. He felt as if he were one of the gang.” Wojtek’s real-life adventures speak to a wide age group, from young bear lovers to kids learning about World War II. His story is a child-friendly way for veterans and their descendants to open up about the history of Poland, the Soviet Union, Anders’ Army, and the decisive Monte Cassino battle in Italy that led to the end of the war. 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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