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Valentina and Oksana are fifth grade classmates, but they are definitely not friends. Then a nuclear disaster strikes their Chernobyl home and they discover that everything they’ve been taught is a lie…
Ages 11+
Pages 352
Publisher Penguin Random House
Last Offered Nov 2025
Awards
Sydney Taylor Silver Medal Winner
National Jewish Book Award Winner

Average Rating

177 Reviews

Featured Reviews

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I really loved this book!

Review by Aubrey

It’s about Valentina and Oksana, two girls who are enemies. After the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explodes, they are forced to move to Leningrad to stay with Valentina’s grandmother who is a stranger to both girls. Neither of them are happy about it, but the power of friendship eventually shines through. This book was so good! I couldn’t put it down. I loved how it switched perspectives from Valentina, Oksana, and Rifka from 1941. It was a perfect story of friendship!

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The Blackbird Girls

Video review by Gabi
The Blackbird Girls

Reader Reviews

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Blackbird girls

Review by MGurf1262

It was a really fun and interesting book and I definitely recommend it

Jul 06, 2026 08:43 PM
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The black bird girls

Review by GLaDOS

It is the best book ever,literally!

Jul 05, 2026 05:55 AM
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Incredible book!!!

Review by Mysnowy

Very recommended.

Jun 23, 2026 09:53 PM
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I love this book!

Review by Ava0613

This book is incredibly insightful! It’s deeply emotionally complicated and I love that Valentina and Oksana become best friends.

Jun 10, 2026 06:48 PM
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VERY GOOD BOOK

Review by hamaayan

I really liked this book because its flowing, easy to read, and interesting, but some parts are a little boring. Otherwise I really liked this book.

Jun 05, 2026 10:42 AM