Once there was and will never be again

By Gloria Siers

Subjects: Biography, Biographies, Immigrants, Ukrainians, Ukrainiens

Description: The words "Once upon a time" begin many English fairy tales. In the country called Ukraine, stories often began, "Once there was and will never be again." Those opening words in Ukrainian folklore introduced not only fairy tales and fables, but also true stories of heroic deeds and lives. This story is about a boy named Peter, who lived and grew up through times of war, prejudice, sadness, joy and hope. His parents were peasant farmers. By the time he was ten years old, he had lived through two wars, and his village had been controlled by three different governments. Peter's courage and spirit later led him to leave his homeland and his family and come to North America as an immigrant, all by himself. His dream was to find a place where he could be free. His story mirrors the lives of millions of Eastern Europeans who crossed the Atlantic in search of a better life. His tale is based on a true story. Winner of 2 awards in 2010 (Moonbeam Children's Book Awards - Young Adult Fiction-Historical/Cultural, and Independent Publisher Book Awards).