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ladykatka's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book reminds me a lot of the movie "Martian Child" except she thinks she is a bird not an alien.
The bird facts were great, making this perfect for kids who like birds. This also was quite emotional, especially for people in the C.A.S. world.
The bird facts were great, making this perfect for kids who like birds. This also was quite emotional, especially for people in the C.A.S. world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Transphobia, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
debborahmay's review against another edition
4.0
I will be honest, it was the cover of this book that drew me in more than the subject matter itself, but I can honestly say that I did enjoy the read. It is very well written, hopeful and informative.
The story is well written and easy to read. It shines a light onto the foster care system from a child's perspective - their thought processes/logic behind their behaviour and choices. It is a beautiful tale of trust-building, patience and hope. There are lots of bird facts thrown in there too for good measure!
The story is well written and easy to read. It shines a light onto the foster care system from a child's perspective - their thought processes/logic behind their behaviour and choices. It is a beautiful tale of trust-building, patience and hope. There are lots of bird facts thrown in there too for good measure!
kategolledge's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
5.0
So many emotions in this book - getting to know December was an honor.
Full of universal themes such as hope and determination, this is a debut that will make you remember this author's name!
Full of universal themes such as hope and determination, this is a debut that will make you remember this author's name!
cbs5678's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I read this in one sitting, loved the main characters and the bird theme. I do think the secondary story should have been its own book.
mousie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
jengennari's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful, poignant story of December, an 11-year-old in foster care, who finds a home with Eleanor, a woman who works at an an animal rehabilitation center. Fascinated by birds, she writes an autobiography, Bird Girl, about her transformation into a girl who can fly. We are firmly in December's point of view, and a transgender friend, Cherilynne, is introduced with subtly and grace. Even Eleanor's losses are understood from a child's perspectives.
Note: There are a lot of foster kid stories out there that are powerful (One for the Murphys, All the Impossible Things) but this one should definitely be added to the list of keepers.
Note: There are a lot of foster kid stories out there that are powerful (One for the Murphys, All the Impossible Things) but this one should definitely be added to the list of keepers.
jbrooxd's review against another edition
3.0
[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
I enjoyed watching December's relationship develop with her foster mom, Eleanor. Eleanor has a great way of approaching December - and December recognizes and appreciates the effort. Otherwise, though, I didn't click with this one. It took me awhile to reconcile December's bird connection. She thinks she can become a bird and fly away. Is this trauma based or psychosis? She is a danger to herself as she throws herself out of trees in an effort to fly. This seems pretty serious, yet it's not really addressed in the book like it would be if this really happened with a child in foster care. I've worked with kids in out of home care before, so this was a big distraction/issue for me as I read.
I liked the connection December makes with Cheryllynn, a transgender student at her school. The bullied kids teaming up to support one another is a good story thread, but even that relationship didn't make the story click for me. I couldn't connect with the heart of it. I wasn't emotionally tied to the story.
While I usually like foster care/found family sorts of stories, this one wasn't a great fit for me. Other readers may have better luck with this one.
I enjoyed watching December's relationship develop with her foster mom, Eleanor. Eleanor has a great way of approaching December - and December recognizes and appreciates the effort. Otherwise, though, I didn't click with this one. It took me awhile to reconcile December's bird connection. She thinks she can become a bird and fly away. Is this trauma based or psychosis? She is a danger to herself as she throws herself out of trees in an effort to fly. This seems pretty serious, yet it's not really addressed in the book like it would be if this really happened with a child in foster care. I've worked with kids in out of home care before, so this was a big distraction/issue for me as I read.
I liked the connection December makes with Cheryllynn, a transgender student at her school. The bullied kids teaming up to support one another is a good story thread, but even that relationship didn't make the story click for me. I couldn't connect with the heart of it. I wasn't emotionally tied to the story.
While I usually like foster care/found family sorts of stories, this one wasn't a great fit for me. Other readers may have better luck with this one.