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itaby's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shahrazedez's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
serendipitysbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
In Nightjar the focus shifts to Noah. He lives with his mother while his relationship with his father is distant, both geographically and emotionally. The two seem very different and struggle to connect. On a visit his father takes Noah for a hike and Noah spots a sick nightjar. Against his father’s wishes he takes it home to rehabilitate. As well as a hopeful ending - the nightjar recovers and Noah and his father start to find common ground - this story also included some Jewish representation and a brief yet thoughtful look at when people should try to assist a sick or injured wild animal and when they should let nature take its course.
girlonabookshelf's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rebeccatcm's review
4.0
NO SPOILERS
I have read two of Katya Balen’s previous books, October, October and The Light in Everything, both of which I loved, so I had high hopes for Nightjar. It did not disappoint.
It is a short novel of 78 pages, written for 8/9+ year olds; but whilst Balen writes for children her writing is never childish. It is intelligent, considered, accessible and beautiful. For me, it is a superbly crafted introduction to complex writing, in which are introduced metaphor, simile, allegory and perspective.
The story is charming, the plot just simple yet detailed enough for the intended audience. Richard Johnson’s illustrations are enough to add interest for a child, but not too much to detract from the text. The whole book is a perfect balance and I love it.
I have read two of Katya Balen’s previous books, October, October and The Light in Everything, both of which I loved, so I had high hopes for Nightjar. It did not disappoint.
It is a short novel of 78 pages, written for 8/9+ year olds; but whilst Balen writes for children her writing is never childish. It is intelligent, considered, accessible and beautiful. For me, it is a superbly crafted introduction to complex writing, in which are introduced metaphor, simile, allegory and perspective.
The story is charming, the plot just simple yet detailed enough for the intended audience. Richard Johnson’s illustrations are enough to add interest for a child, but not too much to detract from the text. The whole book is a perfect balance and I love it.
helenh1975's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? Yes
4.5
styxx's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
elsmith09's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
4.5
roshreviews's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
In a Nutshell: A beautiful story about how the relationship between a young boy and his father is healed through their encounter with an injured bird. Evocative writing. Important message. Realistic appeal.
Story Synopsis:
Almost-twelve year old Noah’s dad is coming to visit him from New York, but Noah isn’t too thrilled about this. He feels that his dad has different expectations from Noah, who is the happiest while observing birds and sketching them. Moreover, Dad left Noah and his mom to start a new life without them.
When father and son come across an injured nightjar during a walk, they have an argument about what should be done. Noah wants to save the bird at any cost, while his dad feels that the bird should be left there to let nature take its course. Is there any way Noah and his father can come to a reasonable solution?
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Noah.
I had read Katya Balen’s Birdsong a year ago and was blown away by her lyrical writing. This book further confirms her to be a must-read MG writer.
There are many things to adore about this story:
🐦 Noah’s first person perspective, which reveals his deepest feelings and insecurities while also touching upon his passion for nature.
🐦 Noah’s caring nature. It is rare to see a tween boy depicted as being sensitive and caring towards nature and birds.
🐦 The story offers many interesting facts about nightjars. I love the unusual choice of bird as it offers many learning opportunities and also creates curiosity in kids to know more about a bird uncommonly found in fiction.
🐦 Noah’s character is Jewish, and the book contains some lovely inclusions about Jewish culture.
🐦 Noah’s mom, despite getting third prominence in the story next to Noah and his dad, is still a character worth reckoning. I loved how her character is the voice of reason, not allowing her broken marriage to create poison in Noah’s mind about his father. Her portrayal was brilliant.
🐦 The story highlights the important point about meeting others midway and understanding their point of view before jumping to conclusions. It stresses on relationships as well as responsibilities, and how weighing right and wrong often involves a complicated choice.
🐦 The writing is poetic, offering a beautiful imagery of not just the nature scenes but also of Noah’s life.
🐦 The B&W illustrations enhance the story with their simplistic appeal. This is further relevant as Noah too loves making sketches of birds. So the drawings match the vibe of the book well.
🐦 The writing is, as common with Barrington Stoke books, in HiLo style, which means that the target age of the story is 9+ years but the reading level is age 8. So the content is much more accessible.
Definitely recommended to little ones and their parents, to experience a story about how communication and compromises strengthen a relationship.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the DRC of “Nightjar”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content warning: There is one brutal animal-related incident mentioned in a flashback scene. While the reason for this is justified in the story, it may still be traumatic for younger children.
Story Synopsis:
Almost-twelve year old Noah’s dad is coming to visit him from New York, but Noah isn’t too thrilled about this. He feels that his dad has different expectations from Noah, who is the happiest while observing birds and sketching them. Moreover, Dad left Noah and his mom to start a new life without them.
When father and son come across an injured nightjar during a walk, they have an argument about what should be done. Noah wants to save the bird at any cost, while his dad feels that the bird should be left there to let nature take its course. Is there any way Noah and his father can come to a reasonable solution?
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Noah.
I had read Katya Balen’s Birdsong a year ago and was blown away by her lyrical writing. This book further confirms her to be a must-read MG writer.
There are many things to adore about this story:
🐦 Noah’s first person perspective, which reveals his deepest feelings and insecurities while also touching upon his passion for nature.
🐦 Noah’s caring nature. It is rare to see a tween boy depicted as being sensitive and caring towards nature and birds.
🐦 The story offers many interesting facts about nightjars. I love the unusual choice of bird as it offers many learning opportunities and also creates curiosity in kids to know more about a bird uncommonly found in fiction.
🐦 Noah’s character is Jewish, and the book contains some lovely inclusions about Jewish culture.
🐦 Noah’s mom, despite getting third prominence in the story next to Noah and his dad, is still a character worth reckoning. I loved how her character is the voice of reason, not allowing her broken marriage to create poison in Noah’s mind about his father. Her portrayal was brilliant.
🐦 The story highlights the important point about meeting others midway and understanding their point of view before jumping to conclusions. It stresses on relationships as well as responsibilities, and how weighing right and wrong often involves a complicated choice.
🐦 The writing is poetic, offering a beautiful imagery of not just the nature scenes but also of Noah’s life.
🐦 The B&W illustrations enhance the story with their simplistic appeal. This is further relevant as Noah too loves making sketches of birds. So the drawings match the vibe of the book well.
🐦 The writing is, as common with Barrington Stoke books, in HiLo style, which means that the target age of the story is 9+ years but the reading level is age 8. So the content is much more accessible.
Definitely recommended to little ones and their parents, to experience a story about how communication and compromises strengthen a relationship.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the DRC of “Nightjar”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content warning: There is one brutal animal-related incident mentioned in a flashback scene. While the reason for this is justified in the story, it may still be traumatic for younger children.
srivalli's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
4.5 Stars (rounded up to 5 stars as it made me teary-eyed)
One Liner: Heartwarming and beautiful!
Noah is a thirteen-year-old boy with a beautiful heart. He loves birds and saves the injured ones with his friend Annie. However, he is also troubled because of his relationship with his dad.
His dad arrived from the US to attend Noah’s Bar Mitzvah, trying to play his part. In one such attempt, Noah and his dad find an injured nightjar on their trip to a park. They have different opinions on what to do. Soon, it’s clear that the duo need to talk and understand each other.
Can Noah and his dad find common ground?
The story comes from Noah’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is a long short story or a novelette that delivers what it promises and more. Right from the beginning, we know Noah (our MC) is a young boy with an old soul. He is such a kindhearted kid!
The opening chapter sets the stage and tells us what we need to know. Noah’s dad loves him but doesn’t understand him or take the time to get to know his child. Living on another continent isn’t easy, but a child’s heart longs for parental love.
Bit by bit, the story unfolds. This one focuses entirely on emotions. It’s much like wanting to hug and assure a melancholic little kid that everything will be fine.
The writing is poetic without being overly so. Many birds are mentioned, some with a few descriptions and some with none. Noah’s love for birds, nature, and a simple life comes across on every page.
Bits and pieces of information are scattered, just enough to paint a complete picture without getting into too much detail.
I love Noah’s mom. She’s a tailor, working hard to provide her child with decent living conditions. She is also sensible and efficient and knows how to handle her son’s emotions.
Of course, there’s a message too. No one is perfect or without fault. What’s right and wrong changes based on the circumstances. And most importantly, parents and kids need to make an effort to understand each other. All of this comes without being preachy.
The book has soft illustrations- pencil/ charcoal sketches since Noah also makes charcoal sketches of all the birds he sees. The illustrations are subdued and borderline sad. They suit the book’s theme and tone.
The publisher specializes in dyslexic-friendly books and ensures the content has high engagement value and low difficulty level. This one fits right in. Kids will relate to some or another aspect of the story.
To summarize, Nightjar is a tender little story sure to impress readers of all age groups. This is my first book by the author, and I’ll definitely read more of her works (her Birdsong is already on my list).
Thank you, NetGalley and Barrington Stoke, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#Nightjar #NetGalley
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