Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman

Nominated for the MCBA 2023, this middle grade historical fiction book is based on the Chernobyl Disaster of 1986 in Pripyat, Ukraine (then part of the USSR). It’s a glimpse into life under a communist regime and also sheds light on the prevalent anti-semitism of the time. The story follows Valentina and Oksana, both Ukrainian – but with different struggles. They soon realize that things are very different from what they seem and what they’ve been raised to believe. There is much sadness, betrayal, and loss in this book. But you will also find a beautiful story about family relationships, friendships across time, and the finding of kindness in unlikely places. A great read for young readers and adults alike.