Mode

kid

parent

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

186 Reviews

Featured Reviews

kid avatar

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!

kid avatar

The Blackbird Girls

Video review by Gabi
The Blackbird Girls

Reader Reviews

Leave a Review

Leave a Review

Leave a Review

kid avatar

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
kid avatar

Sea turtle 2017

Review by Seaturtle2017

Great book loved it!!!!!!

Oct 02, 2026 10:58 PM
kid avatar

Amazing

Review by Aid15677

Truly amazing book

Sep 24, 2026 08:26 PM
kid avatar

Blackbird

Review by rayosunshine

About the explosion.really sad story but good to

Sep 08, 2026 07:56 PM
kid avatar

Amazing

Review by Theoldest1234

This book is my favorite book!!!!!!! I loved all of the different characters and scenes.

Sep 06, 2026 07:52 PM