The Blackbird Girls
Author: Anne Blankman
Our Young Reviewers Say:
This book was impossible to put down. The constant suspense as well as the shifting family and religious dynamics kept me on the edge of my seat. Religious conflict, World War II, living within the Soviet Union in a time with limited religious and expressive liberties, and abusive family relationships as told from the perspectives of three young children was both captivating and heartbreaking.
They all faced the direct consequences of decisions they had nothing to do with and didn’t fully understand, and yet, they persevered and survived by trusting each other, making this story incredibly powerful.
The beautiful imagery makes readers feel as though they are looking through a window into a different time. I could picture the red skies and ashy clouds of Pripyat and the blackened leaves, as well as Valentina’s fear of what would ensue.
My favorite aspect of Blankman’s writing was her ability to incite deep emotions through words. The constant fear, adrenaline, and bravery was contagious and inspiring, and she captured the innocence of the youth perspective amazingly well.
I think the best examples were in Oksana’s internal conflict after losing her father. Even after his death, Oksana was still tortured by her father’s words, beliefs, and hatred. Watching Oksana learn love from Babulya and Valentina, unlearning her internalized biases, and eventually growing stronger because of it was a really important character arc, teaching readers that people are capable of fundamental change through the power of friendship and love.
–Arya, 15 years old, Manhattan, NY.
This book was special because of the well-written character development. In the beginning the main characters are rivals. Their families and oppressive government fuel their hatred for each other and influence their personal beliefs. However, everything changes when an accident at the nuclear power plant that powers their town releases lethal radiation and kills some of its workers.
The main characters have to gain the courage to leave behind their homes and family. They learn how to forgive each other, and that nothing can overcome the power of friendship and love. I also liked how the author switched between the perspectives of the two main characters, and had some chapters that told the past of the main characters’ most loyal ally. It was like reading two books at once! I loved how the stories overlapped and how the characters in the present shared the same challenges that their ally struggled with decades ago. Overall, this was an excellent book that taught me a lot about the history of the Soviet Union while also delivering two thrilling tales.
–Anna, 13 years old, Mt. Sinai, NY.
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See our Monthly Picks Archive 2012–2018, and our Monthly Picks 2019–present.