Immigrant Grandma Power Featured in Our New Book

An immigrant grandma with lots of girl-power is featured in our new book, “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.” She is the assistant mayor and the coach of the most successful girls’ soccer team in the state.

The character, Vera, is based on Michael’s real grandma, Vera, an immigrant from Ukraine.

Vera grew up in the Soviet-occupied part of Ukraine. The Soviets took away her family’s land, took over the family’s house, and moved the family into the basement when she was young.

In our book, Vera gives many “In my country” lectures to her team members, reminding them about how fortunate they are and telling them to appreciate what they have.

Vera was recognized as being very intelligent as a youngster and enrolled in school at the age of 6, which was unusual. She was a single working mom who would close herself in the bathroom at night to make clothing for her two children so she wouldn’t wake them.

When she was a kid, a neighboring mother stole Vera’s mother’s goat and asked her mom to report her to the police. She wanted the police to take her children away so they would have food.

As a child, she was constantly hungry. Her family grew a special kind of grass to supplement the loaf of bread they got each week from the Soviets.

We dedicate our book to Immigrant grandma Vera, who “adopted” Michael when he was a toddler and has showered him with love ever since. She likes to call him “the professor.” Here’s our dedication: “For Vera Moroz: You inspire us every day with your strength, goodness, smarts, and spirit. We love you!”

 

You can read more here: Immigrant Grandma Power in “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.”