Welcome to the website of
Finding Messi
a children’s book by Trevor Ostfeld
Based on a true story, Finding Messi is about the unbreakable bond between a girl and her beloved cat, Messi.
When Ukraine is attacked, 11-year old Iryna and her mother must leave everything behind in Kyiv, including her beloved cat Messi. When Messi goes missing, Iryna rallies the community to help find her pet.
Finding Messi gently explains the impact of war on families. Young readers will gain a better understanding about children around the world who are displaced by war through the story of Iryna and Messi.
Meet the Authors
Trevor Ostfeld
Trevor Ostfeld is a 17-year old high school junior in New York City. In March of 2022, three weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, Trevor and his dad traveled to Poland and Ukraine to deliver humanitarian supplies and to offer support for people displaced by the war. Their group from Temple Emanu-El in Closter, New Jersey met Iryna and Alexandra Chernyak in Warsaw. Trevor hopes that sharing Iryna's story will help people understand the impact of war on families and young children.
Trevor lives in New Jersey with his parents, his two younger sisters, Vivian and Evelyn, and his dog, Rocket.
Iryna Chernyak
Iryna Chernyak is a 13-year old seventh class student in Warsaw, Poland. Until late February 2022, Iryna lived with her mom, Alexandra, in Kyiv, Ukraine. She enjoys contemporary dance and playing the guitar.
Iryna lives in Warsaw with her mom, stepdad, baby sister Mia, and her cat, Messi.
In The Media
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USA Today
A Father And Son Change Their Spring Break Plans To Join A Mission Trip To Ukraine And Poland
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NBC 6
South Florida Family Helping Ukrainian Refugees Heading to Poland Amid War
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NBC
Lending a hand: We introduce you to kids here in the U.S. who are going above and beyond to show their support for the people of Ukraine
