Eleven year old Birdy, and her seven year old brother, Mouse, are orphaned when their mom passes away from cancer. They leave NYC to live with distant, elderly cousins in Upstate New York for six-months while social workers figure out a more permanent living situation for them. While living in this wholly unfamiliar situation, Birdy explores the complexities of her grief, along with the stress of an unknown future: will she and Mouse be able to stay together? Where will they go in six months? Who are these new people they are living with?
Birdy is a story that deals with heavy issues, but it’s not all about loss. There is fun too – the kids are city kids, so it’s fun to watch them explore the countryside, learn to swim, make friends with animals, climb trees, and do all the things that kids their age should be doing. And all of the heavy issues are dealt with in a very approachable way and even subtle way for young readers. It’s a story about resilience, and also a story of hope. Good things can come out of bad things, for sure.
This book is great for middle grade readers ages 10-14. I think readers who enjoyed The Penderwicks and The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise would enjoy Birdy.
WHAT I LIKED
- Relatable, enjoyable characters
- City slickers to country living themes
- Cool metaphors – two potatoes planted create dozens more; floating
- Themes of resilience, hope, found family, trust
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
- There is always one mean girl at summer camp! I don’t always love that, but this one had a nice full-circle, storyline that made me forgive this trope!
Have you read Birdy? What did you think?
Birdie's Bookshelf 