Books About Soviet Union

The Best Soviet Union Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about soviet union? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Soviet Union

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Between Shades of Gray

By Ruta Sepetys

A girl uses art to survive a Siberian work camp and reunite her family.

Golden Kite Award (2012)

344 pages· 64,129 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 289,828 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Lina's life shatters when Soviet officers tear her family apart, sending them to a Siberian work camp. Amidst the harsh conditions, Lina clings to her art, embedding secret messages in her drawings, hoping to reach her imprisoned father. As she battles for survival, Lina's courage and creativity become her lifeline. Will her art be enough to reunite her family and keep hope alive? Discover a gripping tale of resilience and the power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–15 · 2021

The Genius Under the Table

By Eugene Yelchin

A boy's doodles may change his fate amidst Cold War secrets.

Golden Kite Honor (2022)Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2022)

208 pages· 22,374 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,589 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Cold War Russia, young Yevgeny navigates family chaos and hidden secrets, including a KGB spy in his kitchen. With dreams of becoming a national hero, he faces the challenge of living up to his parents' expectations without the talents of his brother. Armed only with a pencil and a table's underside, Yevgeny discovers that his doodles might hold the key to his future. Can he find his place in a world filled with drama and intrigue? This memoir blends humor and poignancy, capturing a boy's quest for identity in a tumultuous era.

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2021

Fallout

By Steve Sheinkin

Two superpowers race to outdo each other in a deadly Cold War showdown.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2022)Orbis Pictus Honor (2022)

342 pages· 64,380 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 2,523 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the tense aftermath of World War II, the U.S. and Soviet Union vie for global supremacy. As atomic bombs and space ambitions escalate, spy planes and submarines lurk, and agents plot in shadows. The world teeters on the brink of destruction, culminating in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Will humanity survive this perilous game of brinkmanship?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Winterkill

By Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Two kids defy a deadly famine in 1930s Ukraine. Can they survive Stalin's plan?

288 pages· 59,052 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 1,430 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1930s Ukraine, Nyl faces starvation as Stalin's regime seizes farms, leaving his village to suffer. Alice, newly arrived from Canada, uncovers the grim truth and joins Nyl in a daring plan to save their community. As the Holodomor unfolds, their courage and unity are tested. Will they outlast the famine and oppression, or be consumed by it? This gripping tale of survival and resistance reveals the dark history of a genocide and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to fight back.

The Adventures of Tintin, Vol. 4: Red Rackham's Treasure / The Seven Crystal Balls / The Prisoners of the Sun

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2754

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1991

The Adventures of Tintin, Vol. 4: Red Rackham's Treasure / The Seven Crystal Balls / The Prisoners of the Sun

By Hergé · Book #4 in the The Adventures of Tintin Collection series

Join Tintin and Snowy as they unravel global mysteries and seek hidden treasures.

192 pages

4.4 Goodreads · 1,529 ratings

$28.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Embark on thrilling adventures with Tintin and his loyal dog, Snowy, as they navigate perilous seas, uncover ancient secrets, and face mysterious curses. From treasure hunts to daring rescues, each challenge tests their courage and wit. Will they solve the mysteries of the Seven Crystal Balls and escape the dangers of the Prisoners of the Sun? Dive into a world of intrigue and excitement where every page promises a new discovery.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

The Blackbird Girls

By Anne Blankman

Enemies flee Chernobyl's disaster, uncovering secrets and forging a life-saving friendship.

Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2021)

345 pages· 83,362 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 10,064 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Valentina and Oksana, once enemies, escape Chernobyl's fallout to Leningrad, where they confront family secrets and lies. As they navigate their new reality, they form an unexpected bond. But with hidden dangers lurking, how far will they go to protect each other? Alternating with Rifka's 1941 story, this tale explores the resilience of friendship against hatred and oppression.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2017

Red Stars

By Davide Morosinotto

Separated by war, twins race against time to reunite.

432 pages

4.2 Goodreads · 1,585 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a city under siege, twelve-year-old twins Viktor and Nadya are torn apart as war erupts. Evacuated on separate trains, they face perilous journeys across icy landscapes. With only diary entries and maps to guide them, they must navigate the chaos of war to find each other. As danger looms and hope dwindles, will their courage and determination be enough to reunite them? This gripping tale of survival and bravery unfolds through a unique blend of diary entries, photos, and maps, capturing the essence of heroism amidst the horrors of the Nazi siege of Leningrad.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

The Family Romanov

By Candace Fleming

Witness the fall of Russia's last royal family amidst intrigue and revolution.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2015)Cybils Award (2014)Golden Kite Award (2015)Orbis Pictus Award (2015)

304 pages· 69,196 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 14,405 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the dramatic downfall of the Romanovs, Russia's last royal family, as they navigate opulence and political turmoil. With Rasputin's mysticism and the tragic fate of young Alexei, this gripping narrative unveils the stark contrast between imperial luxury and the struggles of the masses. Will the family's grandeur shield them from the impending revolution, or will their empire crumble under the weight of history? Discover the intimate and tumultuous journey of a dynasty on the brink of collapse.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2012

Bomb

By Steve Sheinkin

A global race to build the atomic bomb ignites espionage and danger.

Newbery Honor (2013)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2013)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2012)Cybils Award (2012)

304 pages· 60,357 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 21,709 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: In 1938, a German chemist's discovery of uranium fission sparks a worldwide race to create the atomic bomb. As Soviet spies infiltrate Allied labs and Norwegian commandos target German resources, scientists at Los Alamos work in secrecy. This gripping tale of espionage, risk, and genius reveals the birth of the world's most dangerous weapon. Will the Allies succeed, or will their secrets be stolen? Dive into a thrilling narrative of ambition and betrayal that changed history forever.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 1959

Eloise in Moscow

By Kay Thompson, Hilary Knight (Illustrator) · Eloise series

A whimsical journey to Cold War Moscow leads to unexpected adventures.

80 pages· 4,381 words· Est. 49 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 866 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Eloise and her ever-patient nanny embark on a whimsical adventure to Moscow during the Cold War. Amidst the tension, their antics bring unexpected charm and chaos to the city. What delightful surprises await as they navigate this foreign land? Discover how their escapades turn into a captivating tale that has been cherished for decades. Will Eloise's mischief win over the Russians, or will it lead to more trouble than they bargained for?

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