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

126 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

BEST BOOK EVER.

Review by 348838285

This book is a game changer for book lovers. I love this book and this book is the best book yet. I definitely recommend to older readers such as 11 years and up! I love how it changes perspectives between Valentina, Rifka and Oksana which makes it so much more understandable. It makes a big difference because it shows you how Valentinas grandmother, Rifka has been through so much and then a very similar story has been passed down to Valentina and her now best friend Oksana. I love this book and I love how the author makes the story very clear and understandable making it an enjoyable time for anyone to read. It is simply a game changer for me because I love book and I wish there is more books out there just like this one. You will NOT regret getting this book!

Dec 22, 2025 10:38 PM
kid avatar

Blackbird Girls is SO GOOD

Review by ZoMo

It’s an amazing book that switches perspectives between Rifka, Oksana, and Valentina, I don’t recommend it for some 8 or 9 years olds. I LOVE this book!!!!!!!❤️❤️👍🏼

Dec 11, 2025 07:01 PM
kid avatar

EMOTIONAL!!! and amazing!!!

Review by Bibi2017

This story is so exciting and emotional 😭 wich I LOVE a TOTAL 5 stars.😊

Dec 08, 2025 07:51 PM
kid avatar

not-just-school

Review by Pinkie51

i normally hate history, but this book is good!

Nov 08, 2025 10:14 AM
kid avatar

One Of The Best Books Ever!!!

Review by TziviaChally

This book is sooooo good I love it so much I even got it signed by the author! I never wanted to put the book down. If you are reading this you have to stop reading this and go get this book immediately.

Nov 06, 2025 10:34 PM