We are happy to announce that the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) is launching The Ukrainian Book Challenge, a simple annual call to action:
Buy one book in English about Ukraine or by a Ukrainian author—once a year.
Readers don’t need to read it right away. They can donate it to a public library, gift it to a friend, or place it on their bookshelf. Each purchase sustains translators, editors, and publishers who bring Ukraine’s literature, history, and voices to English-language readers.
“Every book sold is a vote for Ukrainian culture in translation,” said Oleh Kotsyuba, Director of Publications at HURI. “When readers buy even one book, they make it possible for more Ukrainian authors to be heard.”
Launched in winter 2025, the campaign turns small individual actions into a collective wave of support. Participants are encouraged to post a selfie with their chosen book challenge five friends to do the same using the hashtag#UkrainianBookChallenge.
Why It Matters
Publishing Ukrainian books in English is still a fragile effort—translations are expensive and niche markets are uncertain. This challenge builds visible, grassroots demand so that publishers can keep saying “yes” to Ukrainian authors and translators.
How to Participate
- Buy one book in English about or from Ukraine—fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
- Take a photo with the book.
- Tag five friends to do the same.
- Share it on social media with #UkrainianBookChallenge and tag HURI Books.
That’s it! One book, one post, one act of solidarity.