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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

188 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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Sooo goood!!!!

Review by KSBerl

What a fun read!

Nov 07, 2026 11:41 AM
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INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review by BNYYZ

I absolutely LOVED this book! It was AWESOME! There are a few mature topics, so probably better for 10+ readers. I can't even express how good this was, so luckily emoticons exist :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :] :] :] :] :] :] :] Oh My Gosh, Just read it already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's so AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov 01, 2026 08:41 PM
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AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review by pink1616

I love it! it is a very intense book. a lot of people get hurt. i reccommend this for age 10+

Oct 13, 2026 07:58 PM
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Sea turtle 2017

Review by Seaturtle2017

Great book loved it!!!!!!

Oct 02, 2026 10:58 PM
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Amazing

Review by Aid15677

Truly amazing book

Sep 24, 2026 08:26 PM