Bullies and Borscht (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781038361967)

In 1934, just after Mary Bendiak finishes Grade 3, her father dies. After the funeral, her mother Hanya, a Ukrainian immigrant, moves the family from Windsor to Toronto where Mary and her younger sisters must deal with poverty, making new friends, and being bullied by kids who call the Bendiak sisters 'dirty honkys' as they walk to school.

Growing up, each sister must face her own challenges. At fifteen, Mary leaves school to support the family after her mother becomes ill. And later, Mary is forced to choose between her family and the man she loves. Teenaged Julia is ashamed about being Ukrainian and rebels. And Lily, the youngest, endures an unimaginable assault at the hands of a lodger. As a series of tragedies strike, will the sisters come together to save their mother and themselves?

Inspired by true events, Bullies and Borscht is a historical young adult novel following the adventures, sorrows, and triumphs of growing up Ukrainian in Toronto during the Great Depression and World War II. Rich with historical and cultural details, this coming-of-age story is perfect for fans of Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch and Ruta Sepetys.

Author: M. P. Fedunkiw
ISBN-10: 1038361966
ISBN-13: 9781038361967
Publisher: FriesenPress
Language: English
Published: 06/18/2026
Pages: 342
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.76d