A review by sara_hudson
Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack

4.0

I picked this one up because it is on the SLJ Mock Newbery List, and it did not disappoint. Jewish mysticism, fierce sibling loyalty, eerie atmospheric setting - all there. I will admit that it took a little to get past the first chapter with its description of leprosy. But definitely worth sticking with it. Ziva devotion to her brother and to her sense of justice are the driving force in the plot, but don't overlook Almas - the ballast she desperately needs.

A desperately sad almost-ending, lightened by the hope of the actual ending. Beautiful.