Lushchevska, Oksana. Blue Skies and Golden Fields: Celebrating Ukraine. Non-fiction. Capstone, 08/2022. 32pp. PLB $29.32. 978-1-66903-303-5, PB $8.99. 978-1-66903-304-X. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES 3-6.
Children may be aware of the war in Ukraine due to news coverage, and this book helps to introduce the country to readers and is useful for reports, too. The text, written with an enthusiastic tone, gives a brief description of Ukraine’s history, culture, natural resources, people, holidays, and relationship to other countries in Europe. There are only a few sentences on the current war, so this is more of an overview. The text is very positive and celebratory of the country, and the author is originally from Ukraine. Color photos on nearly every page, sidebars, maps, activities (such as crafts and recipes), and other elements make this a great resource for a wide age range. Review based on an ARC.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool