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2021 Mock Newbery Winning Selections
By Kristen · 14 posts · 266 views
By Kristen · 14 posts · 266 views
last updated Feb 16, 2021 02:44PM
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"We are put on this earth to be kind to each other."
Valentina's and Oksana's fathers both work at the power plant in Chernobyl. Nuclear power is completely safe, the Soviet government has told them, so when they can see a fire at the plant, the citizens in Pripyat aren't concerned. Soon, however, it becomes clear that there is a problem, and that they will need to evacuate. Circumstances push Valentina and Oksana to travel together to Leningrad, and these former rivals learn to trust and love ea ...more
Valentina's and Oksana's fathers both work at the power plant in Chernobyl. Nuclear power is completely safe, the Soviet government has told them, so when they can see a fire at the plant, the citizens in Pripyat aren't concerned. Soon, however, it becomes clear that there is a problem, and that they will need to evacuate. Circumstances push Valentina and Oksana to travel together to Leningrad, and these former rivals learn to trust and love ea ...more
Valentina and Oksana did not like each other. They were NOT friends. But the Chernobyl disaster brings them together. The experience teaches them to re-examine their prejudices. This book tackles several issues including anti-semitism, alcoholism, socialism, and domestic abuse. Both my husband and I were completely enthralled by this book. I am still uncertain if middle grade and middle school readers will stay with it.
Loved this pair of stories, primarily about 2 girls whose fathers worked at the nuclear plant in
Chernobyl at the time of the explosion, but also about the WWII story of the grandmother with whom they take refuge in Leningrad. Anne Blankman does a wonderful job of portraying the attitudes and fears of the girls (one Jewish in heritage, one Ukrainian and taught to distrust Jewish people) as well as the constant fear of the government who did not protect them as they should have when the explosion ...more
Chernobyl at the time of the explosion, but also about the WWII story of the grandmother with whom they take refuge in Leningrad. Anne Blankman does a wonderful job of portraying the attitudes and fears of the girls (one Jewish in heritage, one Ukrainian and taught to distrust Jewish people) as well as the constant fear of the government who did not protect them as they should have when the explosion ...more
Oct 31, 2020
Adriel
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
j-fiction,
j-historical
It took 60 pages to get into it, but then I could not put it down. So many rich layers and important, beautiful messages.
I loved this historical fiction about a topic I have never seen in Kidlit - Chernobyl.
The emotional journey of the characters was very reminiscent of The War that Saved my Life.
Grade 5 and up,
The emotional journey of the characters was very reminiscent of The War that Saved my Life.
Grade 5 and up,
Well told historical fiction with a Soviet Union setting. What would it have been like to live near Chernobyl when there was nuclear disaster? What was it like to live in a communist country? I think this book is deserving of a Newbery.
Sep 20, 2020
Karen Gibson
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
2020-200-book-project
Excellent historical fiction centered around the explosion of the Chernobyl Power Station. Although this is a hard subject to read about, this book is also filled with compassion, love, friendship and hope.
Jan 30, 2020
Brandi
marked it as to-read
Feb 28, 2020
Kathy
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Jan 24, 2021
Megan
is currently reading it
Jan 25, 2021
alisonwonderland (Alison)
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Jan 24, 2023
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