Susan Hood is the former children's content director of Nick Jr. Magazine and has worked as a children's book editor. She is the author of more than two hundred books for children, including Look! I Can Read!, illustrated by Amy Wummer, and the Pup and Hound series for beginning readers, illustrated by Linda Hendry. She has also written for parents and early childhood educators in the New York Times, Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect, Sesame Street Parents Guide, and more. She lives with her family in Southport, Connecticut, and spends summers sailing the coast of Maine with her husband.
"This lyrical book is one of the most truthful survivor stories I’ve ever read. I think this book will be a page-turner for adolescents. — 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 A harrowing and remarkable story of strength and survival. — Kirkus Reviews Appended with generous back matter, this offers a revealing look at an underreported Holocaust chapter. — Booklist Hood tells Zhanna’s story through both free verse and a rich array of forms. The use of poetry is effective, echoing in its complexity the music of a singular life caught in the chaos of history. This highly recommended book includes extensive background material, photos, sources, lists of musical compositions, and poetic forms. — Jewish Book Council [A] hard-hitting nonfiction biography told in verse. [An] accessible portrait of two talented and determined teens. — Publishers Weekly This compelling book of loss and perseverance will stay with readers long after they have finished. . . This lyrical biography (written with Dawson, Zhanna’s son) features significant back matter, including discography, original photographs and correspondence, further reading, and more. The verse format and harrowing narrative make this a quick read for reluctant and striving readers. This powerful work of persistence and hope is highly recommended. — School Library Journal A tribute to the power of girls. — The Sydney Taylor Schmooze On the Audio Edition: ""A touching story of art, struggle, and overcoming persecution, with a narration that is a testament to survival."" — Booklist"