CNN Anchor Bianna Golodryga Addresses Antisemitism in New YA Novel

Bianna Golodryga, a prominent anchor at CNN International, has co-authored a young adult novel aimed at addressing the rising tide of antisemitism in contemporary society. The book, titled “Don’t Feed the Lion,” is designed for readers aged nine and older and centers on a middle school student named Theo Kaplan, living in Chicago. The narrative takes a compelling turn when Theo confronts antisemitism both on and off the soccer field, reflecting Golodryga’s own experiences as a Jewish immigrant.

Golodryga, who immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union in 1980, has witnessed the complexities of navigating a new culture as a minority. Now a mother of two, she is compelled to explain the deep-seated hatred that persists against Jewish people in a country she cherishes. “When you come to a country, you’re the minority, and all you want to do is fit in,” Golodryga shared in a recent interview with The Times, highlighting the challenges faced by her children in confronting such issues.

This initiative was partly inspired by a personal incident involving her son, who was deeply affected when NBA player Kyrie Irving shared a documentary that included antisemitic themes on social media. Golodryga recalled a moment on the Brooklyn Bridge when her son questioned why antisemitism existed, leaving her without a satisfactory response. In seeking resources for education on this topic, she discovered a lack of structured programs in schools to address antisemitism alongside other forms of hatred.

In the wake of the recent conflict in Gaza, Golodryga and her co-author, Yonit Levi, a leading anchor for N12 News in Israel, felt an urgent need to create a book that could serve as a resource for children. “Let’s write the book that we can’t find, because this is bound to be an issue in the weeks and months to come,” she explained, emphasizing the necessity for a narrative that resonates with both Jewish and non-Jewish children, as well as the adults in their lives.

The story’s pivotal moment occurs when Theo discovers a swastika and an antisemitic hashtag on his locker, prompting a lukewarm reaction from his school administration. Golodryga expressed concern that schools often treat incidents of antisemitism as isolated events rather than addressing them with the seriousness they warrant. She noted that other forms of hate have been met with more robust responses, while antisemitic acts are frequently downplayed.

As the conversation surrounding antisemitism becomes increasingly fraught due to geopolitical tensions, Golodryga acknowledged the complexity of discussing these issues with children. “There’s no other country where I’d rather be a Jew than in the United States,” she stated. Yet, she pointed out, the normalization of security measures at places of worship has become a troubling reality.

The journey to publish “Don’t Feed the Lion” was not without its challenges. Golodryga and Levi began approaching publishers in December 2023, shortly after the escalation of violence on October 7. They encountered hesitation, as many believed the market for children’s books addressing antisemitism was limited. However, the duo remained committed to their vision, ultimately opting for self-publishing when traditional routes proved difficult.

Their persistence paid off when they connected with Michael Lynton, former head of Sony Entertainment and current chairman of Snap, during a dinner event. Lynton expressed support for their project and agreed to publish the book through Arcadia Publishing, a company known for regional children’s literature.

Golodryga’s son, who shares similarities with Theo, found the storyline engaging rather than revealing. “He’s just worried about security and pushback and not wanting to draw too much attention to me or the family,” she noted, reflecting on her son’s response to the realities presented in the book. Despite these concerns, he has grown closer to his Jewish heritage and has actively sought to engage with his culture more deeply.

Through “Don’t Feed the Lion,” Golodryga and Levi aim to provide a meaningful resource for young readers. The book addresses the complexities of identity and the challenges of standing against hatred while also fitting in, striking a balance that resonates with both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. By doing so, they hope to foster dialogue and understanding in a time when such conversations are critically needed.