Written by Anne Blankman
One morning, neighbors Valentina and Oksana wake up to an angry red sky. A reactor at the nuclear power plant where their fathers work–Chernobyl–has exploded. Before they know it, the two girls, who’ve always been enemies, find themselves on a train bound for Leningrad to stay with Valentina’s grandmother. In their new lives in Leningrad, they begin to learn what it means to trust another person. Oksana must face the lies her parents told her all her life. Valentina must keep her grandmother’s secret, one that could put all their lives in danger. And both of them discover something they’ve wished for: a best friend. But how far would you go to save your best friend’s life?
–From the Publisher
I loved this book a lot. The friendship was great. It was awesome how the two girls used to hate each other and then they became best friends. I recommend this book to everyone, although I wouldn’t recommend to those who can’t handle sadness.
Reviewed by Lariah Saunders, Student, Fox Hills Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-6
Author Website: http://www.anneblankman.com/
The Blackbird Girls
Written by Anne Blankman
Viking Books for Young Readers
352 pages
Release Date: March 10, 2020
ISBN: 9781984837356
An advance reader’s copy was provided by the publisher.
