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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
A sweet, uplifting, incredibly well written middle-grade book. Author Stark-McGinnis does a great job of showing the instability and other issues faced by kids in the foster system, but the story never gets too heavy or dark. December is a great narrator: smart, resilient, and somehow hopeful.
Read my full review on Common Sense Media:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/extraordinary-birds
Read my full review on Common Sense Media:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/extraordinary-birds
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I had heard so much about this book and was excited to read it. It began really strong, I was hooked. The book kind of dropped in the middle, but the emotions and pain in the unknown kept me reading. I am glad I kept reading because by the end, I couldn’t put it down and I know that this will be a story I remember for awhile.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
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:
Complicated
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, Injury/Injury detail
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!
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:
Complicated
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!
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.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes