A review by melilibrarian
The Aviary by Kathleen O'Dell

3.0

This book reminded me ever so slightly of The Secret Garden except not as well developed. It was a nice, old fashioned story but the characters made some really odd choices that didn't seem to fit with either the plot or their personalities. In fact, one character really seemed expendable – and she might have been the character I liked the most. Plot points felt forced or tacked on, and I really think this story would have been wonderful with just a touch more sinister-y-ness. But it’s a book meant for children so I suppose more sinister would not have been appropriate.

I did like the feel of the story overall. I liked the birds and I liked Daphne and Ruby. I would probably recommend the book to some of my students who aren’t yet ready to tackle a book like The Secret Garden but want something a little old fashioned.