Blackbird Girls, The

A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to ask big questions about justice, the reliability of authority figures, or how to handle friendships during sudden, scary life transitions. This historical novel follows two girls from different backgrounds who are forced together after the Chornobyl disaster. It explores deep themes of overcoming prejudice, the weight of family secrets, and the resilience needed to survive systemic oppression. While the backdrop is a nuclear disaster, the core of the story is about the bravery of choosing kindness over inherited hate. It is an ideal pick for mature middle-grade readers who enjoy complex, high-stakes narratives that combine history with emotional growth.