Books About Soviet Union

The Best Soviet Union Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

Between Shades of Gray
#4 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Soviet Union

Sale price
$1797
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
4.4/5 Goodreads · 285,601 ratings
$18.99Save 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–15 · 2021

The Genius Under the Table

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

208 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,549 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2021

Fallout

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

342 pages· 64,380 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,475 ratings
$19.99Save 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?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Winterkill

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

288 pages· 59,052 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,385 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.
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

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

192 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,521 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2017

Red Stars

Separated by war, twins race against time to reunite.

432 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,529 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2014

The Family Romanov

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

304 pages· 69,196 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,148 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2012

Bomb

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

304 pages· 60,357 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 21,497 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 1959

Eloise in Moscow

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

80 pages· 4,381 words· Est. 49 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 862 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?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2021

Escape from Chernobyl

By Andy Marino · Book #1 in the Escape From series

Siblings escape Chernobyl's chaos, pursued by the regime, as their town faces a deadly cover-up.

176 pages· 40,494 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,660 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Pripyat, siblings Alina and Lev's world shatters as Chernobyl's Reactor No. 4 explodes. Fleeing with their parents, they are pursued by the relentless Communist party. Meanwhile, their friends and family left behind grapple with a dangerous disinformation campaign, denying the radioactive threat. Can they survive the chaos and uncover the truth?
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Soviet Union Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about soviet union for developing and independent readers.

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Ages 9–12 · 2011

A boy's dream to join the Young Pioneers unravels as his father is arrested.

Big Risks in Russia

Ages 7–12 · 2024

Can Patrick and Beth outsmart Soviet police to smuggle Bibles in 1950s Russia?

The Race to the Moon

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Choose your path in the space race; will it lead to triumph or disaster?

Escape from Stalingrad

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Trapped in Stalingrad, Artem faces war's chaos and a brutal regime's grip.

Cold War Era

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Two superpowers clash in a tense Cold War rivalry. Discover the secrets behind the conflict.

The Space Race

Ages 7–10 · 2017

Uncover the secrets of the Space Race and its surprising twists.

Night Witches at War

Ages 8–14 · 2019

Brave women fly daring night missions in fragile biplanes during WWII.

Tintin in the Land of the Soviets

Ages 8–13 · 1930

Framed for a train bombing, a reporter uncovers dark secrets in Soviet Russia.

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