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Firebird (Everyone Can Be a Reader
I am not a traitor. Let me tell you how I became a pilot and why I landed my plane behind enemy lines – and what I did afterwards. And then you can judge for yourselves …
Nastia Nabokova is a daring pilot, the daughter of revolutionaries, and now, as Russia enters the Second World War, she must fight to save the glorious Motherland. But when the battles begin and life itself is at stake, long-held secrets are revealed, and Nastia must question everything she once thought she knew.
Nastia Nabokova is a daring pilot, the daughter of revolutionaries, and now, as Russia enters the Second World War, she must fight to save the glorious Motherland. But when the battles begin and life itself is at stake, long-held secrets are revealed, and Nastia must question everything she once thought she knew.
144 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Wein
39 books3,165 followersTIME magazine has put Code Name Verity on its list of "100 Best YA books of All Time."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 6, 2023
I was born in a nation at war. I grew up in the shadow of war. And, like everyone else my own age, I had been waiting all my life for "the future war". (12)
As Germany closes in on Leningrad, Nastia takes to the skies: out of Leningrad and away from the front lines—for now. A qualified pilot with far more flight hours than many of the men in the sky, it's nonetheless slow going for the government to approve woman pilots taking an active role in the war.
Like White Eagles, Firebird is written for less confident readers—shorter and with simpler language than her more mainstream books, but with the same teenage-ready themes and love of flying. I love that this one highlights Nastia being afraid; she's as solid a pilot as she can be, but that doesn't make her invincible, and even as she finds ways to power through, she finds her early experiences with war understandably terrifying.
I said this with White Eagles too, but this is one that really, really makes me hope that Wein will eventually write something longer about the female pilots of the USSR. I've read a (very) little about them, and the differences between their experience and the UK experience (for example) are fascinating. Women flying in combat; a city under siege; even the fact that the USSR supported Germany up until shortly before Germany invaded them. (Nastia's story is not really one of Leningrad, but there's a story in there too—we get a bit of it from the letters she receives, but...oof. I've been reading a bit about the siege since finishing this book, and it's just staggering.)
The ambiguous ending is great, but I'd have loved a longer book with more space to explore the chief's story, or Blondie's, et cetera. I do think Firebird is doing exactly what it set out to do, but I suppose I'm back to eagerly awaiting Wein's next full-length book.
As Germany closes in on Leningrad, Nastia takes to the skies: out of Leningrad and away from the front lines—for now. A qualified pilot with far more flight hours than many of the men in the sky, it's nonetheless slow going for the government to approve woman pilots taking an active role in the war.
Like White Eagles, Firebird is written for less confident readers—shorter and with simpler language than her more mainstream books, but with the same teenage-ready themes and love of flying. I love that this one highlights Nastia being afraid; she's as solid a pilot as she can be, but that doesn't make her invincible, and even as she finds ways to power through, she finds her early experiences with war understandably terrifying.
I said this with White Eagles too, but this is one that really, really makes me hope that Wein will eventually write something longer about the female pilots of the USSR. I've read a (very) little about them, and the differences between their experience and the UK experience (for example) are fascinating. Women flying in combat; a city under siege; even the fact that the USSR supported Germany up until shortly before Germany invaded them. (Nastia's story is not really one of Leningrad, but there's a story in there too—we get a bit of it from the letters she receives, but...oof. I've been reading a bit about the siege since finishing this book, and it's just staggering.)
The ambiguous ending is great, but I'd have loved a longer book with more space to explore the chief's story, or Blondie's, et cetera. I do think Firebird is doing exactly what it set out to do, but I suppose I'm back to eagerly awaiting Wein's next full-length book.
October 11, 2018
This novella was written specifically for teenage dyslexic readers, so it uses more dyslexic-friendly language, length, and formatting, while diving into some tough subject matter and using sophisticated narrative strategies. The book is framed as the written testimony of Nastia, a Soviet pilot in World War II who is accused of treason. She gives an account of her wartime experiences and the incident that led her to be accused.
This also subtly gives the readers a clue that life in the USSR is not always as Nastia (the loyal daughter of Communist Party members) makes it out to be.
There’s a lot of information on the female pilots of World War II (Nastia is not a bomber pilot or Night Witch, but rather a fighter pilot). Wein clearly outlines her sources for different parts of the story in an author’s note. She is also about to release a nonfiction book on the pilots called A Thousand Sisters.
Part of the plot goes back to the Russian Civil War (which Nastia’s parents and her mentor the Chief participated in) and the fate of the Romanov sisters. I think the story would have been stronger without the somewhat implausible Romanov link, but I also think a lot of young readers will enjoy that aspect and after all, the book is directed at them.
The Chief and Nastia are great characters–indeed, characterization is a major strong point of the book. The Chief is a tough woman who wears her elaborate makeup as a shield and rebuilds her life over and over again. I read her as asexual or aromantic (or both) because of comments she makes about how loyalty has meant more to her than love in her life.
Nastia is an enthusiastic and idealistic young person. She worries, however, that her courage is not sufficient. She also experiences no romances over the course of the story, but in her case, this is less about fundamental aspects of her character and more about the circumstances she finds herself in. She is unquestioning of the Soviet system (and may even be playing up her loyalty to it, given the circumstances in which she writes her account). She deals with period-typical sexism, from being turned away from a recruiting office in the early days of the war to her otherwise supportive father not wanting her to learn to fly. Ultimately, she faces a dangerous choice–should she return to Soviet territory after ending up behind enemy lines?
The climax of the story was a little bit rushed, after being foreshadowed in the first pages, and I wanted a bit more out of those scenes. There were also a few details I thought were implausible, such as the Romanov link at the end and the letter Nastia’s father is able to send her from besieged Leningrad telling her of the horrors of the blockade–surely a letter from a besieged city to a serving airwoman would have been censored?
However, the novella as a whole is very strong. Wein commits to the quasi-epistolary nature of the novella, showing everything from Nastia’s point of view while leaving room around the edges for the things Nastia wouldn’t say or think. The reader does have to go in with some knowledge of the Soviet Union because of how deeply the novella is in Nastia’s point of view, which might be an issue for younger readers.
The details of wartime are fascinatingly portrayed and the author’s note is highly informative. Ultimately, I enjoyed this novella most for the characters, and found myself hoping that somehow against the odds, Nastia would be acquitted.
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February 10, 2024We read this in class with my group of year 9s and at first it was hard to swallow in today’s climate and the destruction happening around the world even today. What really pulled me in the most was the themes around the Romanovs and the grand duchess Anastasia! I know I wasn’t the only young child obsessed with her growing up how horrific their ending must have been. The animated movie was so special to me growing up and the students had never watched it at all! Which is a shame.
June 4, 2020
"I am not a traitor" or so claims Anastasia Viktorovna Nabokova, Nastia for short. She is accused of landing her plan in German held territory and although it held personal risks for her, her action defied Stalin's Order Number 227 issued July 1942, disallowing retreat by demanding "Not one step backward." But Nastia did it anyway. Is she a traitor? After you read her story, you can be the judge.
Nastia had just finished high school and working as a instructor at the Leningrad Youth Aeroclub, the only woman except for the Chief Flight Instructor, on the day that Germany begins her invasion of the Soviet Union. Nastia, along with her fellow (male) pilots immediately go to enlist, but while the men are accepted, she is sent back to the Aeroclub to train more pilots. There, the Chief tells her to write to Marina Raskova, a famous Russian pilot who has access to Stalin, if she wants to fly in the war.
Fighting is in Nastia's blood. Her parents were both important participants in the 1917 Russian Revolution, fighting in the Red Army, and her father had been the driver of the wagon that transported the bodies Czar Nicholas II, and his family after they were executed. And although Anastasia was the name of the Czar's youngest daughter, Nastia's parents named her that because of its meaning - rebirth.
As the German's push forward, the pilots are forced to evacuate the Aeroclub and their training planes are taken to a safe place. Nastia and the Chief end up in Moscow. There, they are finally allowed to fly in the war, and the Chief chooses Nastia to be her wingman (meaning Nastia will be positioned behind the Chief's plane). But when the Chief makes a decision to ram a German plane after she runs out of ammunition, Nastia must make a snap decision as well when she sees her parachuting out of her plane and being shot at - land and help the Chief or return to the air base. It's pretty clear from the opening line of this novella what Nastia's choice is. What isn't clear? What Nastia discovers when she lands. Boy howdy, I did not see that coming.
Narrated in the first person by Nastia, Firebird unfolds as an exciting novella as she defends her actions to the tribunal who will determine her fate. It is a short, easy to read book, written in five parts plus a Prologue. The time frame is short, only running from early summer 1941 to spring/summer 1942, but it is a year of change, loss, success and growth for Nastia.
As her story unfolds, Wein has managed to include enough actual history and information about the Russian Revolution and the assassination of the Romanov family so that readers who may not be familiar with it won't get lost or lose interest in Nastia's story. In addition, Nastia is not part of the famous Russian Night Witches who were trained by Marina Raskova, but Wein does acknowledge them in Firebird. Be sure to read the Author's Note where Wein separates the facts from fiction she used in the novella.
Nastia is a great character, and Wein really brings her to life, but I particularly love her descriptions of the Chief from her bleach blond hair and make up put on like armor to her men's clothing and fancy French corset - what an enigma!
Firebird is another book published by Barrington Stoke. Barrington Stoke publishes books that are adapted for dyslexic and reluctant readers. I've read a number of their books now, and I highly recommend them for ALL readers.
Pair this with Elizabeth Wein's book White Eagles, a book about the Polish Air Force Reserve and the twin brother and sister who volunteer to fly for them during WWII. These will appeal to anyone with in interest in aviation and/or WWII.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
Nastia had just finished high school and working as a instructor at the Leningrad Youth Aeroclub, the only woman except for the Chief Flight Instructor, on the day that Germany begins her invasion of the Soviet Union. Nastia, along with her fellow (male) pilots immediately go to enlist, but while the men are accepted, she is sent back to the Aeroclub to train more pilots. There, the Chief tells her to write to Marina Raskova, a famous Russian pilot who has access to Stalin, if she wants to fly in the war.
Fighting is in Nastia's blood. Her parents were both important participants in the 1917 Russian Revolution, fighting in the Red Army, and her father had been the driver of the wagon that transported the bodies Czar Nicholas II, and his family after they were executed. And although Anastasia was the name of the Czar's youngest daughter, Nastia's parents named her that because of its meaning - rebirth.
As the German's push forward, the pilots are forced to evacuate the Aeroclub and their training planes are taken to a safe place. Nastia and the Chief end up in Moscow. There, they are finally allowed to fly in the war, and the Chief chooses Nastia to be her wingman (meaning Nastia will be positioned behind the Chief's plane). But when the Chief makes a decision to ram a German plane after she runs out of ammunition, Nastia must make a snap decision as well when she sees her parachuting out of her plane and being shot at - land and help the Chief or return to the air base. It's pretty clear from the opening line of this novella what Nastia's choice is. What isn't clear? What Nastia discovers when she lands. Boy howdy, I did not see that coming.
Narrated in the first person by Nastia, Firebird unfolds as an exciting novella as she defends her actions to the tribunal who will determine her fate. It is a short, easy to read book, written in five parts plus a Prologue. The time frame is short, only running from early summer 1941 to spring/summer 1942, but it is a year of change, loss, success and growth for Nastia.
As her story unfolds, Wein has managed to include enough actual history and information about the Russian Revolution and the assassination of the Romanov family so that readers who may not be familiar with it won't get lost or lose interest in Nastia's story. In addition, Nastia is not part of the famous Russian Night Witches who were trained by Marina Raskova, but Wein does acknowledge them in Firebird. Be sure to read the Author's Note where Wein separates the facts from fiction she used in the novella.
Nastia is a great character, and Wein really brings her to life, but I particularly love her descriptions of the Chief from her bleach blond hair and make up put on like armor to her men's clothing and fancy French corset - what an enigma!
Firebird is another book published by Barrington Stoke. Barrington Stoke publishes books that are adapted for dyslexic and reluctant readers. I've read a number of their books now, and I highly recommend them for ALL readers.
Pair this with Elizabeth Wein's book White Eagles, a book about the Polish Air Force Reserve and the twin brother and sister who volunteer to fly for them during WWII. These will appeal to anyone with in interest in aviation and/or WWII.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
January 1, 2019
I really liked this book. Elizabeth Wein is a brilliant author, very atmospheric. I've read one of her novels (Code Name Verity) and it's one of my favourite books. Firebird is a short novella, under 100 pages, and in those pages Wein packs quite the punch. The main character, Nastia, is the daughter of rebels and freedom fighters, and she is a flight instructor at an aerodrome as Russia entered World War Two. As the German armies advance and raze Russian towns to the ground on their way to the cities, Nastia faces a terrifying, exhilarating race to learn to pilot a fighter plane under the famous, beloved female pilot, Marina Raskova. Although Nastia is not a real person, Marina Raskova is. She is one of the most famous Soviet pilots and formed three regiments of women to fight in World War Two. The most famous of these regiments is the Night Witches, who get a mention although Nastia is in one of the other regiments. Similarly, the Romanov family were real people, the family of Tsar Nicholas II who were all executed. Tsar Nicholas II was the last Tsar of Russia. Their story is also pivotal in the book. Wein does a beautiful job of weaving together real history with her beautifully created characters.
The book is short and very easy to read. The format is specifically aimed at children who struggle to read or have dyslexia. The story was exciting, and considering it is just a novella and doesn't have too much room to work with, it does a great job of building the tension and character relationships. The book is full of strong, inspiring female characters and, as with Wein's other books, it draws attention to the remarkable women who fought alongside their male counterparts to defend their country at a time when those men didn't believe women were capable of offering anything to the war effort. Marina Raskova was a brilliant woman, and used her considerable influence over Stalin to allow her regiments to be formed, and to train, lead and fight alongside over 800,000 similarly brave, brilliant women. Firebird, although short, gave me a real appetite for learning more about women during World War Two. I'd recommend it to teens/pre-teens with an interest in history, or an interest in strong women who actually existed, or to anyone or wants a short adventure and struggles to read.
This year I am doing three reading challenges - Book Riot's Read Harder, the Reading Women Challenge, and the Popsugar Reading Challenge. This book ticks off a category from each challenge! I'm using it to tick off number 9 on Read Harder ('A book published prior to Jan. 1, 2019 with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads'), number 9 on Reading Women ('A novella'), and number 40 on Popsugar ('Your favourite prompt from a past Popsugar Reading Challenge' - I chose 'A novel set during wartime' from the 2017 challenge).
The book is short and very easy to read. The format is specifically aimed at children who struggle to read or have dyslexia. The story was exciting, and considering it is just a novella and doesn't have too much room to work with, it does a great job of building the tension and character relationships. The book is full of strong, inspiring female characters and, as with Wein's other books, it draws attention to the remarkable women who fought alongside their male counterparts to defend their country at a time when those men didn't believe women were capable of offering anything to the war effort. Marina Raskova was a brilliant woman, and used her considerable influence over Stalin to allow her regiments to be formed, and to train, lead and fight alongside over 800,000 similarly brave, brilliant women. Firebird, although short, gave me a real appetite for learning more about women during World War Two. I'd recommend it to teens/pre-teens with an interest in history, or an interest in strong women who actually existed, or to anyone or wants a short adventure and struggles to read.
This year I am doing three reading challenges - Book Riot's Read Harder, the Reading Women Challenge, and the Popsugar Reading Challenge. This book ticks off a category from each challenge! I'm using it to tick off number 9 on Read Harder ('A book published prior to Jan. 1, 2019 with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads'), number 9 on Reading Women ('A novella'), and number 40 on Popsugar ('Your favourite prompt from a past Popsugar Reading Challenge' - I chose 'A novel set during wartime' from the 2017 challenge).
April 9, 2019
As she came closer to the plane and saw the tattered wings, her thin painted eyebrows flew into tiny arches of surprise. "What the hell happened?" she demanded.
"I met a fascist fighter," I said.
The Chief went up to the plane and ran her hands over the holes in the lower wing. Then she turned back to me and said, "You were lucky."
"I know," I agreed.
Her face and voice were filled with cold fury. "You don't have any idea."
This is a Barrington Stoke book, which are aimed at dyslexic/struggling/reluctant readers, so the writing was pretty simple -- but now and then Elizabeth Wein's trademark style of writing/turns of phrase shone through. I loved the setting and the way that Nastia's world was made vivid with just a little detail or a conversation, but I found the story a little disappointing.
July 14, 2023
Amazing book, but a poorly chosen blurb.
February 21, 2022
How can a book this short pack this much of a punch?
Anastasia "Nastia" Viktorovna Nabokova claims that she is not a traitor. This novella is an account of the whys and hows she was considered as such. And it's as she says, you can judge for yourself whether or not she is, and do with it what you will.
This has Wein's signature style; many implications between the lines and a bleak world made vivid through just a few sentences. The strong characterization shone through as always. I read this via audiobook, the narrator did a good job so I think that enhanced the experience (I probably wouldn't know what to feel about this had I read it in print). I wasn't expecting a certain plot point here and it may seem like a bit of a stretch but on the one hand, I think it's a creative twist to what is quite a well-used mystery. I didn't know what to expect by the end, which gave me no answers in itself and didn't leave me very satisfied. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable and thrilling read.
Anastasia "Nastia" Viktorovna Nabokova claims that she is not a traitor. This novella is an account of the whys and hows she was considered as such. And it's as she says, you can judge for yourself whether or not she is, and do with it what you will.
This has Wein's signature style; many implications between the lines and a bleak world made vivid through just a few sentences. The strong characterization shone through as always. I read this via audiobook, the narrator did a good job so I think that enhanced the experience (I probably wouldn't know what to feel about this had I read it in print). I wasn't expecting a certain plot point here and it may seem like a bit of a stretch but on the one hand, I think it's a creative twist to what is quite a well-used mystery. I didn't know what to expect by the end, which gave me no answers in itself and didn't leave me very satisfied. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable and thrilling read.
November 28, 2024
Fulgte ikke så mye med, men spennende! Plot twist på slutten.
Prøver å være litt streng med ratingen
Prøver å være litt streng med ratingen
January 13, 2020
I picked this book up because I wanted something short to read that wasn't a manga. I feel like I've been in a mini reading slump for the past week so I wanted to finish at least one book and encourage myself to read more and try to get out of the slump before it becomes worse and an actual slump. I originally bought the book because it was written by Elizabeth Wein. I hadn't read any of her books before I bought this one, but by the time that I read this book, I have read Code Name Verity which I really did enjoy, so I had a strong feeling I would like this book.
I did like this book. It is essentially a short story into life as a female Russian pilot in WWII. Even though this book is marketed towards teens, I would have thought that it was a children's book. Like I could see like 8 year olds reading this fine. The plot itself was okay. It wasn't the story that kept me reading this book but because of the fact that the book was so short and that I would finish it soon and be able to tick off a book from my tbr. I felt like the story was too short to develop any sort of feelings. I did like the main character Nasia, and the chief, but other then those people, nobody else is developed or even around much to form any emotional attachment to them. I think this story would be interesting if it was longer and more complex.
Overall, I did enjoy this story but I think I enjoyed finishing this book more then I did reading the story. It was an average read. It didn't particularly invoke any emotions in me and I think after a few weeks/months, I'll forget about this book. I think this book would be good if a younger reader was reading it, like a child to early teen, because I feel like that is where the story would resonate most.
I did like this book. It is essentially a short story into life as a female Russian pilot in WWII. Even though this book is marketed towards teens, I would have thought that it was a children's book. Like I could see like 8 year olds reading this fine. The plot itself was okay. It wasn't the story that kept me reading this book but because of the fact that the book was so short and that I would finish it soon and be able to tick off a book from my tbr. I felt like the story was too short to develop any sort of feelings. I did like the main character Nasia, and the chief, but other then those people, nobody else is developed or even around much to form any emotional attachment to them. I think this story would be interesting if it was longer and more complex.
Overall, I did enjoy this story but I think I enjoyed finishing this book more then I did reading the story. It was an average read. It didn't particularly invoke any emotions in me and I think after a few weeks/months, I'll forget about this book. I think this book would be good if a younger reader was reading it, like a child to early teen, because I feel like that is where the story would resonate most.
July 26, 2020
‘I am not a traitor. Let me tell you how I became a pilot and why I landed my plane behind enemy lines – and what I did afterwards. And then you can judge for yourselves …
Nastia Nabokova is a daring pilot, the daughter of revolutionaries, and now, as Russia enters the Second World War, she must fight to save the glorious Motherland. But when the battles begin and life itself is at stake, long-held secrets are revealed, and Nastia must question everything she once thought she knew.’
I loved this book.
I am a big fan of Elizabeth Wein so I was excited to get my hands on this book. I went into it with high expectations that it not only met but well and truly surpassed.
I love ready Historical Fiction especially Historical Fiction set during the Second World War, so this story was right up my alley. In saying that, I have never read anything about Russian pilots during World War 2, let alone female Pilots, so that may for an exciting reading experience.
As this book is aimed at YA readers it was a quick and easy read for me. It was easy to follow as it wasn’t weighed down with too many facts. Even though this is a Historical Fiction, it is a personal story with real and relatable emotions that radiate off the pages.
Elizabeth Wein has done a fantastic job with this book. The story was truly interesting and moving, the characters were solid and entertaining, and as always the writing was absolutely superb.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I know for a fact that I will be rereading this one many times in the future.
Firebird by Elizabeth Wein is a wonderful book that is not to be missed.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Nastia Nabokova is a daring pilot, the daughter of revolutionaries, and now, as Russia enters the Second World War, she must fight to save the glorious Motherland. But when the battles begin and life itself is at stake, long-held secrets are revealed, and Nastia must question everything she once thought she knew.’
I loved this book.
I am a big fan of Elizabeth Wein so I was excited to get my hands on this book. I went into it with high expectations that it not only met but well and truly surpassed.
I love ready Historical Fiction especially Historical Fiction set during the Second World War, so this story was right up my alley. In saying that, I have never read anything about Russian pilots during World War 2, let alone female Pilots, so that may for an exciting reading experience.
As this book is aimed at YA readers it was a quick and easy read for me. It was easy to follow as it wasn’t weighed down with too many facts. Even though this is a Historical Fiction, it is a personal story with real and relatable emotions that radiate off the pages.
Elizabeth Wein has done a fantastic job with this book. The story was truly interesting and moving, the characters were solid and entertaining, and as always the writing was absolutely superb.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I know for a fact that I will be rereading this one many times in the future.
Firebird by Elizabeth Wein is a wonderful book that is not to be missed.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
August 25, 2018
This is set during World War 2 after Russia joins the war, and focuses on Nastia, who is a pilot for the Soviet Union. We meet her in the prologue, and she tells us she has been accused of treason, which is a pretty gripping opening that compelled me to read on. That stayed the same throughout the whole book, as I really wanted to find out how she got to that point, and the simple and elegant writing style was another thing I liked a lot. I admired Nastia a lot, not only because of her talent with flying, but also because how brave she manages to be throughout all of the terrifying things that happen to her as she fights for her country, as well as coping with more personal difficult situations. It was also fantastic to learn about Russia under Stalin`s rule, and the atmosphere of not no one knowing who they can trust adds further to how thrilling this was, as I was on edge waiting to see if there would be any betrayals. Finally, I really didn`t expect the huge reveal at the end, and I`ll think about that and the final page for a really long time I think. 4.5/5
August 1, 2018
Based on real life research the author was completing on female combat pilots in the Soviet Union during WW2 , this is the story of Nastia, who is the daughter of revolutionaries and a brilliant pilot. She has to fight to be allowed to fly with the men and there are fast paced air battles to keep the interest of the reader. There's a subplot to do with the Romanov family as well and some tear jerking moments when Nastia finds out her parents have died.
As with all books published by Barrington Stoke I am amazed how much action and adventure have been squeezed into this YA novella, and the quality of the writing is excellent.
As with all books published by Barrington Stoke I am amazed how much action and adventure have been squeezed into this YA novella, and the quality of the writing is excellent.
November 28, 2019
I didn't realize this was more of a short story when I first picked it up, and the font size made me think it was geared more towards younger readers, but I super enjoyed this. Wein is one of my favorite author discoveries of 2019 and this one did not disappoint. I had more of a personal connection to this one, which isn't always a good thing when reading someone else's story, but I loved it. Quick and easy and satisfying.
Update: apparently this book is specifically geared towards younger + dyslexic readers, and I'm thrilled to see that Wein's style and talent holds true when making these stories more accessible for all. Now I like it even more.
Update: apparently this book is specifically geared towards younger + dyslexic readers, and I'm thrilled to see that Wein's style and talent holds true when making these stories more accessible for all. Now I like it even more.
March 15, 2021
Great way for teenagers of all abilities to access historical fiction. A great alternative narrative to the usually UK and European World War 2 stories that we read, and a real story of someone living through crazy times.
Nastia is a Soviet girl growing up during in World War 2 . She is an aviator and ends up being utilized as part of the air battle against the Germans. These scenes will really keep you on the edge of your seat. Women are really well represented in this book. The author uses the setting of the book in Soviet times to showcase women in history.
There is also a good twist in this book.
Nastia is a Soviet girl growing up during in World War 2 . She is an aviator and ends up being utilized as part of the air battle against the Germans. These scenes will really keep you on the edge of your seat. Women are really well represented in this book. The author uses the setting of the book in Soviet times to showcase women in history.
There is also a good twist in this book.
September 21, 2025
It’s 1941 and the Nazi’s are invading Russia. Anastasia has just graduated from high school in Leningrad but she’s been flying for years and is the only girl in her group of flight instructors. All of them enlist and Anastasia is assigned to work with tough-as-nails woman everyone calls Chief. The stakes are high for war pilots - they have been told that if they go down across enemy lines they will be shot as traitors should they return. Strong characters, fabulous details about wartime piloting, and an intriguing, well-done plot. Everything you love about Elizabeth Wein’s work in a short, action packed format. EARC from Edelweiss.
May 18, 2020
Another excellent book revolving around young women pilots, this time set in the Soviet Union at the start of the war. This one is marred for me by one usage of real history, , but otherwise I really enjoyed it. There's an aerial combat scene near the end that's particularly engaging. But note that the unit here is not the famous "Night Witches", but a sister unit flying fighters (the 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment).
August 22, 2021
I always enjoy Elizabeth Wein’s books. Definitely different from the others I’ve read as it’s geared for young/dyslexic readers. It was certainly one of the more unique takes on the ‘lost princess Anastasia’ trope, though it was an interesting enough story that the ‘mystery’ wasn’t necessary. I mostly enjoyed reading a WWII story set inside the Soviet Union (and on the Soviet side). I wish books like this had been around (or offered) when I was a kid. I would have done a lot more reading growing up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
Despite having read several novels by Elizabeth Wein, none have lived up to the standard of Code Name Verity. Firebird was about a young female Russian pilot during WWII and, although it was a quick read, it was not engaging.
Firebird was supposedly written for reluctant readers but I still think it was too short and lacked depth. It was hard to like any of the characters and there was minimal action except near the end.
Overall, I found this novel to be a disappointing read and one I don't think the target audience will find interesting.
Firebird was supposedly written for reluctant readers but I still think it was too short and lacked depth. It was hard to like any of the characters and there was minimal action except near the end.
Overall, I found this novel to be a disappointing read and one I don't think the target audience will find interesting.
December 23, 2018
Interesting read with this story having as its focus WWII Russian women pilots. Based on facts, this fictious novella is one of the Teen reads from the super readable/dyslexic friendly Barrington Stoke books. This is a super KS3 read for anyone wanting to discover more about WWII/Russian history or as a starting point in getting into reading Elizabeth Wein books.
July 8, 2019
I wanted a book about night witches.
And look, when Wein writes about pilots, buckle up, because she's ordinarly so very good at it.
This? Was less nuanced than what I would expect from her. It's very: yay glorious soviet! with a side of: do you still like Romanovs?
It took me an hour to read, so if that's your style, go for it.
And look, when Wein writes about pilots, buckle up, because she's ordinarly so very good at it.
This? Was less nuanced than what I would expect from her. It's very: yay glorious soviet! with a side of: do you still like Romanovs?
It took me an hour to read, so if that's your style, go for it.
November 21, 2020
I really loved this! I listened to the audiobook and it really felt like you could hear Nastia questioning herself as to whether she was a traitor or not. I loved her brief family interaction as well at the start, made you really care about her. I also enjoyed the way Elizabeth Wein talked about the Tsar and his family, made it even more interesting.
I have loved almost everything that I read from this author and I can’t see that changing any time soon, she’s brilliant!
I have loved almost everything that I read from this author and I can’t see that changing any time soon, she’s brilliant!
July 4, 2022
Nastia is a Soviet pilot in World War II who is accused of treason. She tells her story of how she became a pilot, through to the siege of Leningrad.
Once again Wein is able to build great characters, in realistic settings about a well-worn subject but in a new way.
This book is also specifically designed for reluctant or dyslexic readers, which I think is a great initiative.
Once again Wein is able to build great characters, in realistic settings about a well-worn subject but in a new way.
This book is also specifically designed for reluctant or dyslexic readers, which I think is a great initiative.
April 7, 2025
I loved the unusual setting and the research which clearly went into this book which is directly aimed at dyslexic readers and therefore both shorter and more accessible, vocab and syntax wise.
The plot soars along, with the mysterious 'Chief' piquing my interest early on. Perfect for young WW2 and aviation fans.
The plot soars along, with the mysterious 'Chief' piquing my interest early on. Perfect for young WW2 and aviation fans.
August 28, 2018
Too short and lacking in depth. The adventures of Russian pilots should be exciting but this isn't Wein's best. I think I'm the wrong target audience. It's a novella aimed at reluctant readers. Think it would suit teenagers studying the period to give them some background flavour.
March 20, 2021
Well, that was a beautiful, sad little story. I learnt new things about Soviet Russia and the Russian revolutions. Марйна Раскóва being one of those things. Like with White Eagles, I most loved the notes from the author explaining what is truth and fiction, their attention to detail is amazing.
December 11, 2021
Interested to see what my less avid readers think of this one. There was lots to like, but the plot felt a bit choppy to me, and a bit far-fetched in some regards. The characters had good depth given the limited words and vocab - not easy to achieve, I'm sure.
October 13, 2025
When Germany closes in on Leningrad, Nastia and her mentor, the Chief, set fire to the air base and fly their planes further inland. When Stalin implements an order stating that Russians will die if they return after crossing the battleground line, Nastia must make a harrowing choice in order to save the life of another. I enjoyed seeing the Russian side of World War II as well as Wein's inclusion of the Romanov story. Thank you Edelweiss for an ARC.
October 7, 2018
Badass women fighters - YES.
Surprise twists and turns - YES.
Perfect WW2 story. Perfect for KS3.
Surprise twists and turns - YES.
Perfect WW2 story. Perfect for KS3.
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