Ashborn: Stories of Resilience from Ukraine’s Youth

Imagine your teenager, full of life and dreams, was suddenly caught in the middle of war, forced to grow up overnight, surrounded by loss, fear, and destruction. For the students of Bucha, Ukraine, this wasn’t just a story—it was their reality. And yet, amidst the darkness, they found light through the power of storytelling.

A Book Born from Unimaginable Tragedy

Ashborn is a collection of 44 magical realism short stories written by Ukrainian teenagers who endured the Russian Army’s occupation of Bucha. These are not just stories—they are acts of resilience, a way for young voices to process trauma and reclaim their hope.

This book was lovingly compiled and edited by Lynne Welton, an American English teacher who returned to Ukraine in 2022 to help rebuild after the liberation of the Kyiv region.

Lynne’s Journey

Lynne’s connection to Ukraine began in 2015 when she first arrived in Kyiv after Russia’s invasion of Crimea and Donbas. She was drawn to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their determination to protect their homeland. After the full-scale invasion in 2022, Lynne couldn’t stay away.

“I saw the horrific photos after Bucha was liberated and made a promise that I would come and help rebuild however I could. So, I returned to Ukraine and became an English teacher at a local public high school in Bucha,” Lynne shares.

Knowing the therapeutic power of storytelling and imagination in overcoming traumatic experiences, Lynne encouraged her students to channel their emotions into stories.

“My brilliant juniors and seniors wrote short stories that I edited and collected into this book for you to enjoy,” she adds.

Lynne’s husband, a Ukrainian soldier fighting on the frontlines, was so inspired by her book idea that he personally funded the cover art and printing of the first edition. His support ensured Lynne’s students could have a physical copy to take home at the end of the academic year.

Teenagers Everywhere Deserve to Dream

If you live in a safe country, where your children can pursue their dreams freely, take a moment to reflect on this: teenagers are teenagers everywhere. They should be discovering themselves, laughing with friends, and imagining their futures. But for the students of Bucha, their childhoods were overshadowed by war. Ashborn reminds us of what’s at stake—and what we can do to help.

A Chance to Make a Difference

By purchasing and sharing this collection for $20 per download, you directly support humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine. Every download raises funds to provide essential relief and care to families in need. It’s an opportunity to connect, empathize, and stand with Ukraine in its pursuit of peace and dignity.

What’s Inside:

• Ebook in PDF format

• 44 bite-sized stories across 100 pages

• Еnglish only

Pay $20 now, and we’ll email you a digital book showcasing powerful stories from Ukraine’s youth.

Join the Movement. Donate. Download. Share.

Let these young voices be heard around the world.

Your contribution matters!

Your donation is tax-deductible. Blue and Yellow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your contribution directly supports humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine.