Fall 2024
Twelve-year-old Anya has a good life with her family in the town of Pripyat, not far from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. But then, one night, an explosion lights up the night sky--and something about the flames doesn't look right. Anya's father, a firefighter, is called to the plant, and soon the seriousness of the situation grows. What went wrong at the plant? What is the government not telling them? And will Anya and her family survive the fallout that follows? Readers can learn the story of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster from nonfiction backmatter, including a glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, and more in this Girls Survive story.
SLJ Review of Anya Flees the Fallout
In the latest Girls Survived title, 12-year-old Anya lives in Pripyat, near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. When a loud explosion shakes the morning and her firefighter father is called to help control the fire, Anya senses that something is terribly wrong. Days later, she learns her father is in a Moscow hospital due to exposure to toxic gases, and her family is forced to evacuate—leaving behind their beloved dog and her stubborn grandfather. Fortunately, they can stay with family a few hours away, including her scientist uncle who keeps them informed about the unfolding events. The dark, black-and-white illustrations complement the gravity of the story. This emotionally charged historical fiction serves as an excellent gateway for young readers to learn more about the Chernobyl disaster.
VERDICT: A valuable addition to any collection, particularly where historical fiction is in demand.
Author: Erin Falligant
Illustrator: Soia Di Chiara Manetti
Related Products