Join Bilingual Book Launch “Escaping Ukraine, Finding Home”

In partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota, Green Card Voices, along with community partners Alight U.S. Enterprise and the Ukrainian American Community Center, is excited to celebrate the launch of Escaping Ukraine, Finding Hope, the 5th volume in our bilingual children’s graphic memoir series (English/Ukrainian).

This moving story, written by Mila Mostova and brought to life through the illustrations of Diana Maksymenko, continues our mission of amplifying newcomer voices through powerful storytelling.

You’ll gain insight into the realities of war, the strength of community, and the enduring hope carried across borders and generations.

✨ Event Highlights

• 5-6 pm: Science Museum Tour in Ukrainian (only for Ukrainian guests)
• 6-8pm: Book Launch, Panel Discussion, Book Signing, Music & Light Dinner
• Showcase of the Exhibition of Ukrainian Voices of Minnesota

💛 Get Tickets Today

• General Admission – $15: Includes one copy of the book, a free parking voucher, and tickets to return to the Science Museum of Minnesota
• Donate for a Ukrainian Guest to Attend: Make this event accessible for members of the Ukrainian community to attend
  

Together, let’s share stories, uplift voices, and bring this space to life.

Praise for “Escaping Ukraine, Finding Home”

“Mila’s story of coming to the USA first as a foreign exchange student, and later as a mother forced to make the difficult decision to leave Ukraine and her loved ones, unfolds with warmth and unflinching strength. Her story will undoubtedly resonate with Ukrainian children, refugees, and children of refugees, offering both recognition and hope.”

— Kevin Lindsey, CEO, Minnesota Humanities Center

“This illustrated bilingual story shows the power of refuge in a time of war. Readers will cheer as Mila and her family find their safe haven. Profoundly moving and hopeful!”

— Llana Barber, Director, Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota

"An inspiring graphic novel showing how a compassionate school community can be a beacon of hope for immigrant and refugee students and families. Through the powerful story of Mila Mostova, a brave Ukrainian mother who rebuilt her life in Duluth, it highlights the importance of empathy, resilience, and the power of welcoming newcomers with open arms. It's a testament to the strength of those who flee hardship and the profound impact of a supportive community in their journey to find a new home."

— John Magas, Superintendent, Duluth Public Schools

“As the daughter of Ukrainian WWII refugees and a storyteller, I was touched by Mila’s story. It captures both the heartbreak and resilience of a Ukrainian mother and her children with honesty and tenderness. This book is accessible for readers of all ages to connect with, while also preserving the vital threads of Ukrainian memory and the immigrant experience.”

— Zina Poletz Gutmanis, Writer and Director of Holodomor: Minnesota Memories of Genocide in Ukraine

“Alight was honored to partner with Green Card Voices on Escaping Ukraine, Finding Hope, a glimpse into the loss, courage, and resilience carried by a family who left everything to find safety. Told in an accessible graphic novel format created just for kids, Mila’s story is a moving reminder of why we do this work at Alight: to walk alongside those forced from home and to foster belonging in their new communities.”

— Stacy Barnes, Co-Director, Alight U.S. Enterprise