A review by yapha
Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose

4.0

One of the more intriguing parts of American history that students touch upon in Fifth Grade is the "Lost Colony of Roanoke." In this engaging novel in verse, the story is looked at from the point of view of two girls -- Alis, a 12-year-old English girl, and Kimi, a 13-year-old Roanoke girl. They strike up a friendship through a chance meeting in the woods and figure out how to communicate with each other. They each have suffered at the hands of the other's community. Alis lost her uncle ; Kimi lost both her father and sister. Despite this and the growing animosity between the English and the Roanoke, they find ways to continue meeting. Each recognizes a kindred spirit in the other. This moving story of friendship also shows all of the ways the English antagonized the local people, and provides insight into what may have happened in Roanoke so long ago. Highly recommended for grades 5 and up.