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In many ways, twelve-year-old Artem’s life in Chernihiv, Ukraine, is normal. He spends his days helping on his grandfather’s sunflower farm, drawing in his sketchbook—a treasured gift from his father, who works in America—and swimming in the river with his little brother, Yuri. In secret, Artem has begun wrestling with romantic feelings for his best friend, Viktor.

In a country where love between two boys is unthinkable, Artem has begun to worry that, when he grows up, his life will never be normal again.Then, on a February night, Artem and Yuri are woken by explosions—the beginning of a war that will tear their lives apart. The invading Russians destroy their home and leave young Artem and Yuri to fend for themselves.

Fleeing in hopes of somehow reuniting with their father, the brothers traverse the country their ancestors fought and died for, with nothing but their backpacks and each other. Surrounded by death and destruction, Artem is certain of one thing—that whatever may come, he must keep himself and his brother alive.