Sierra Vista twins Ian and Anna Burnett did the improbable last month: They landed on Amazon’s best sellers list.
“Frankly, this was an unexpected yet very pleasant surprise.” Ian said. “We knew that ‘The Queen of Spotland’ was well received since the day it was published; however, none of us expected it to also become a bestseller this month.”
The 17-year-old twins started writing the book when they were 10 years old after being inspired by their pet dalmatian, Becky.
The teen authors collaborated with Hannah Petryk, who Ian and Anna’s mother originally met in college at Donetsk National University in Donetsk, Ukraine. Petryk, who holds a degree in theory of literature, left Ukraine for the U.S. after Russia invaded Crimea in 2014.
“In 2014 and 2015, most of the local population left the city due to the dangers of war and daily shelling of the city. Many emigrated to Europe or the United States,” said Petryk, whose role with the book started as advising the teens.
The three authors found that writing the story helped them cope with what Petryk and twins’ mother Tetyana Burnett went through fleeing their homeland and the battle Ukraine has been fighting with Russia in February 2022.
“It was a way for us to reflect on hardships that we were facing,” said Anna.
“The Queen of Spotland” highlights the importance of family by showcasing the strength of intergenerational bonds and how the connection between friends and family members can spark hope and resilience. Readers are taken on an adventure through the Spotland Palace as the story unfolds and incorporates the value of traditions.
Petryk shared that while the book highlights the values of Ukrainian culture, she hoped to focus on the possibility of sharing the importance of family connections and togetherness.
“It is nice to see the book’s success, yet it is more important for all three of us who co-authored it to have its messages and topic heard and discussed.” Ian added in an email.
The three authors have plans to release another children’s book for young audiences.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
