Today I welcome Adrianna Bamber to World Reads, a blog that features interviews with authors who’ve written a story set outside of the United States for children or young adults.
What is the title of your book? The pub date and publisher? Genre? Targeted age group?
My Ukrainian American Story was published on October 14, 2017. It is a children’s picture book for kids 4-7.
Where is it set?
Ukraine and New York, USA
In 70 words or less, provide a succinct plot description of your story.
My Ukrainian American Story is a glimpse into the customs, dance, food, craft, music and holiday traditions passed down from generations of Ukrainians.
Female protagonist Oksana shares her Ukrainian American experience, empowering children to celebrate their own heritage and/or learn about a different culture than their own.
Links to reviews or blurbs you wish to share:
“Having grown up Ukrainian-American, I am delighted to see my experiences reflected here – Ukrainian Saturday School, St. Nicholas shows, Plast camps, Soyuzivka, Ukrainian church, Ukrainian Christmas Eve and Easter traditions, etc. The book is aimed at young children, but my teenagers are tickled to see this too, since they are growing up as Ukrainian-Americans as well. This is perfect for showing American friends what our experience is like. I think it would be great for International Nights at regular school. Someone marrying into a Ukrainian family might find this instructive as well. The author’s illustrations are adorable too.”
How are you connected to the setting of your story?
My connection to Ukraine: My mother’s side of my family is from Ukraine. I enjoy visiting Ukraine.
My connection to New York: as a child, I attended Ukrainian summer camps as well as a variety of Ukrainian functions in New York state.
What inspired you to write this story?
I was inspired by my own childhood memories and love of my Ukrainian American culture to write this story.
What was the biggest challenge you had writing your story? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge writing this book was making time to do so! Thankfully I was able to take some time off between freelance contracts to focus on my book. Once I had my book drafted, I edited it constantly. I found making book dummies very helpful and ended up switching the page order based on what I learned from the book dummies.
What kind of story can we expect next from you? Is it set outside of the United States? If so, where? And what is it about?
I have a “travel around the world” story in the works but am considering taking my imagination on a journey, returning to realistic fiction afterwards.
What else would you like us to know about you or your story?
The preservation of Ukrainian culture and language has been a challenge throughout history and continues today. My story celebrates a girl’s Ukrainian American experience. By doing so, a bit of Ukrainian culture is shared and preserved.
Can you remember the first book that made an impact on you? And why?
Nobody by Patience Brewster had an impact on me. My memory of it is a little fuzzy but I remember that I identified with the female character and her imaginary friend, Nobody. I also remember the illustration of Nobody differing from the rest of the illustrations in the book. I would love to find a copy of it to reread.
Where can readers go to learn more information?
Thank you Adrianna Bamber for joining us at World Reads! Here is a link to the book, Nobody in case you want to purchase a copy!
