International Rights

The War Below

  • ISBN 9781338608335, Paperback
  • 256 Pages | Ages 8 to 12

The Nazis took Luka from his home in Ukraine and forced him into a labor camp. Now, Luka has smuggled himself out - even though he left behind his dearest friend, Lida. Someday, he vows, he'll find her again.

But first, he must survive.

Racing through the woods and mountains, Luka evades capture by both Nazis and Soviet agents. Though he finds some allies, he never knows who to trust. As Luka makes difficult choices in order to survive, desperate rescues and guerilla raids put him in the line of fire. Can he persevere long enough to find Lida again or make it back home where his father must be waiting for him?

Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch delivers another action-packed story, inspired by true events, of daring quests and the crucial decisions we make in the face of war.

Rights Sold

  • English (Australia/NZ)
  • English (US)
  • French (N. Amer.)
  • Ukrainian

Selling Points

  • Historical topics of interest to today’s readers
  • Skrypuch is an acclaimed author of award-winning historical fiction
  • There are few books for young readers about these little-known events of WWII
  • Author is a strong self-promoter on social media, in schools, bookstores and libraries

Praise for The War Below:

“Skrypuch offers a compelling, visceral novel of survival that provides an unusual view of the war… The suspenseful story carries the reader along to its satisfying conclusion.” — Booklist

“Skrypuch continues to shed light on the double jeopardy that many Ukrainians experienced… A page-turning window into a complex piece of World War II history.” — Kirkus Reviews

“This story, full of numerous acts of compassion and valor, sheds welcome light on a less familiar battleground of World War II.” — Publishers Weekly

“A riveting read.” — YA Books Central

Awards

  • Short-listed, Kobzar Literary Award, 2016
  • Short-listed, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, 2015
  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2015
  • Commended, Resource Links, Best of the Year, 2014

More books by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

View more
Don’t Tell the Nazis
Making Bombs for Hitler
Stolen Girl
Traitors Among Us
Trapped in Hitler’s Web
Winterkill