Anne Blankman Libri

NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD WINNER A SYDNEY TAYLOR MIDDLE GRADE HONOR BOOK Like Ruta Sepetys for middle grade, Anne Blankman pens a poignant and timeless story of friendship that twines together moments in underexplored history. On a spring morning, neighbors Valentina Kaplan and Oksana Savchenko 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 estranged grandmother, Rita Grigorievna. 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? Would you risk your own? Told in alternating perspectives among three girls--Valentina and Oksana in 1986 and Rifka in 1941--this story shows that hatred, intolerance, and oppression are no match for the power of true friendship.

The gripping sequel to Prisoner of Night and Fog, an epic tale of secrets and survival for fans of The Book Thief and Beneath a Scarlet Sky.

A gripping historical thriller set in 1930s Munich, Prisoner of Night and Fog is the evocative story of an ordinary girl faced with an extraordinary choice in Hitler's Germany. Fans of Code Name Verity will love this novel full of romance, danger, and intrigue! Gretchen Müller grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her uncle Dolf—who has kept her family cherished and protected from that side of society ever since her father sacrificed his life for Dolf's years ago. Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler. And Gretchen follows his every command. When she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen, who claims that her father was actually murdered by an unknown comrade, Gretchen doesn't know what to believe. She soon discovers that beyond her sheltered view lies a world full of shadowy secrets and disturbing violence. As Gretchen's investigations lead her to question the motives and loyalties of her dearest friends and her closest family, she must determine her own allegiances—even if her choices could get her and Daniel killed.

Set against a backdrop of historical intrigue, the story follows a girl on a quest to uncover the mysteries of Paradise Lost in order to rescue her father. Blending romance and adventure, it captures the essence of bravery and determination, appealing to fans of Revolution and Code Name Verity. Acclaimed author Anne Blankman, known for her notable debut, weaves a compelling narrative filled with rich historical context and emotional depth.

Set against the backdrop of the Lusitania's tragic sinking, the story follows a young girl's journey of survival and self-discovery. As she navigates the challenges of returning home, she confronts the prejudices of wartime society, ultimately learning to forge her own beliefs and identity. The narrative captures themes of resilience, personal growth, and the impact of historical events on individual lives, echoing the styles of Lauren Wolk and Ruta Sepetys.