ASH’S CABIN, by Jen Wang, First Second, Aug. 13, 2024, Paperback, $17.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

A misunderstood teen searches for a place of their own in Ash’s Cabin, a coming-of-age graphic novel by Jen Wang. 

Ash has always felt alone.

Adults ignore the climate crisis. Other kids Ash’s age are more interested in pop stars and popularity contests than in fighting for change. Even Ash’s family seems to be sleepwalking through life.

The only person who ever seemed to get Ash was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, he used to talk about building a secret cabin, deep in the California wilderness. Did he ever build it? What if it’s still there, waiting for him to come back…or for Ash to find it? To Ash, that maybe-mythical cabin is starting to feel like the perfect place for a fresh start and an escape from the miserable feeling of alienation that haunts their daily life.

But making the wilds your home isn’t easy. And as much as Ash wants to be alone…can they really be happy alone? Can they survive alone? —Synopsis provided by First Second

Ash’s Cabin is reminiscent of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet but with more contemporary issues.

Ash feels misunderstood by everyone — their peers, their siblings, their parents. The only person who really seemed to get them was their grandfather. Ash decides that if they can find grandpa’s cabin, maybe it will be a special place. A place where they can be themselves, away from all the noise.

Ash’s plans are dangerous, yes, but they make sense to them. And that’s what makes sense with Jen Wang’s character study. In Ash, Wang explores gender identity in a way that will feel right to readers.

Wang’s distinct artwork, rendered in muted earth-tone watercolors, sets the tone. Emotion plays out in her illustrations, and her settings are beautiful.

Ash’s Cabin is a fast-moving graphic novel — I read it in one sitting — that stays with you days after completion. It won’t be a good fit for everyone, but it will resonate with the readers who need it most.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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LOVE IS LOVE, by Michael Genhart and Ken Min, Little Pickle Press; Illustrated edition, May 1, 2018, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Love is Love, by Dr. Michael Genhart, celebrates open mindedness, diversity, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

It’s love that makes a family.

When a boy confides in his friend about bullies saying he doesn’t have a real family, he discovers that his friend’s parents―a mom and a dad―and his two dads are actually very much alike. —Synopsis provided by Little Pickle Press

Love is Love introduces the concept of discrimination — particularly as it relates the to LGBTQIA+ — in a simple, straightforward story that kids can understand. It emphasizes love and respect and different kinds of normal.

Dr. Michael Genhart’s writing is clear and accessible and illustrator Ken Min’s artwork is colorful and inviting.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE YOUNG ACTIVIST’S DICTIONARY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, by duopress labs , Ryse Tottingham, Andy Passchier, duopress; In collaboration with Ryse Tottingham, LGBTQ+ advocate and anti-bias, anti-racist educator edition, March 30, 2022, Hardcover, $14.95 (ages 7-12)

The Young Activist’s Dictionary of Social Justice aims to teach kids the vocabulary of change through an illustrated A-to-Z format.

Developed in collaboration with Ryse Tottingham — LGBTQ+ advocate and antibias, anti-racist educator — this new resource is packed with easily understandable definitions of timely concepts. Each spread represents a letter and provides concise, age-appropriate definitions, with subject matter spanning issues like racial justice, climate change, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, income disparity, voter engagement, and immigration. In addition to information, the pages are full of inspiration: Bite-sized bios accompany key terms, illuminating the stories of justice advocates who got involved with a cause at a young age. Infographics and sidebars bring complementary concepts to life. And with the rich resource section in the back, kids can read more about how to take action on the cause that’s meaningful to them.

The book features the following 15 young activist from around the world:

• • • Greta Thunberg (Climate justice)
    • Malala Yousafzai (Education)
    • Audrey Faye Hendricks (Arrest)
    • Claudette Colvin (Boycott)
    • Iqbal Masih (Child labor)
    • Mari Copeny (Environmental racism)
    • Parkland Survivors (Gun control)
    • Ruby Bridges (Integration)
    • Frederick Douglass (Literacy)
    • John Lewis (Nonviolence)
    • Clara Lemlich (Organize)
    • Marley Dias (Representation)
    • Dolores Huerta (Strike)
    • Jazz Jennings (Transition)
    • Autumn Peltier (Water protector)

—Synopsis provided by duopress

Heading into The Young Activist’s Dictionary of Social Justice, it’s clear that this book is not going to appeal to everyone. And that’s fine.

However, the definitions are straight forward and don’t promote one thing or another. They simply define terms that would apply to someone who is interested in social justice.

For example:
ally: someone who is united with and in support of another person’s cause
consent:  the giving of agreement to or approval of what someone else suggests that involves you; it requires a clear “yes” or “no”
fair: when all are treated equally and honestly; free from bias, prejudice, or favoritism
pansexual: describes someone who is sexually or romantically attracted to people regardless of their gender identity or sex
values: a set of moral or ethical beliefs that help you figure out what’s right or wrong

If nothing else, The Young Activist’s Dictionary of Social Justice should prompt conversations between children and the people who care for them. It’s a strong resource for families who want to share more information with their kids.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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MURRAY OUT OF WATER, by Taylor Tracy, Quill Tree Books, May 21, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-12)

A girl struggles to find the magic lost when a hurricane forces her away from her home in Murray Out of Water, by Taylor Tracy.

Bighearted and observant twelve-year-old Murray O’Shea loves the ocean. Every chance she gets, she’s in it. It could be because the ocean never makes her apologize for being exactly who she is—something her family refuses to do—but it could also be because of the secret magic that Murray shares with the ocean. Though she can’t explain its presence, the electric buzz she feels from her fingertips down to her toes allows her to become one with the ocean and all its creatures, and it makes Murray feel seen in a way she never feels on land.

But then a hurricane hits Murray’s Jersey Shore home, sending the O’Sheas far inland to live with relatives. Being this far from the ocean, Murray seems to lose her magic. And stuck in a house with her family, she can no longer avoid the truths she’s discovering about herself—like how she feels in the clothes her mom makes her wear, or why she doesn’t have boys on the brain like other girls her age.

But it’s not all hurricanes and heartache. Thankfully, Murray befriends a boy named Dylan, who has a magic of his own. When Murray agrees to partner with him for a youth roller-rama competition in exchange for help getting her magic back, the two forge an unstoppable bond—one that shows Murray how it’s not always the family you were given that makes you feel whole…sometimes it’s the family you build along the way. —Synopsis provided by Quill Tree Books

Written in verse, Murray Out of Water is an emotional read that follows Murray as she starts to discover the person she wants to be.

Murray has spent her life trying to be the daughter her religious mother wants her to be. She tries to not rock the boat after seeing her parents’ response to her older brother coming out as gay. But Murray hates dresses and being girlie. And when she meets Dylan, whose personality sparkles as much as his brightly colored clothes, she can’t help but be intrigued.

Murray and Dylan’s friendship is the kind of friendship any parent would want for their kid — complete acceptance and support, loyalty from beginning to end.

Author Taylor Tracy surrounds Murray with characters who care. They want Murray to be comfortable in her own skin, and there’s a great sense of community. And Tracy’s use of magical realism throughout proves to be a strong framework for Murray’s journey.

Though themes throughout Murray Out of Water will ring true with many readers, this book will especially resonate with kids who are queer or may think they might be. It’s a positive and hopeful read.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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PUZZLEHEART, by Jenn Reese, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), May 14, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 9-12)

A 12-year-old tries to lift their dad’s spirits with a trip to his childhood home in Puzzleheart, a middle-grade novel by Jenn Reese.

Twelve-year-old Perigee has never met a problem they couldn’t solve. So, when their Dad’s spirits need raising, Perigee formulates the Plan: a road trip to Dad’s childhood home to reunite him with his estranged mother. There’s something in it for Perigee, too, as they will finally get to visit “Eklunds’ Puzzle House,” the mysterious bed & breakfast their grandparents built but never opened.

They arrive ahead of a massive storm and the House immediately puts Perigee’s logical, science-loving mind to the test. Corridors shift. Strange paintings lurk in the shadows. Encoded messages abound. Despite Perigee’s best efforts, neither the House nor Grandma will give up their secrets. And worse, prickly Grandma has outlawed games and riddles of any kind.

Even the greatest of plans can crumble, and as new arguments fill the air, the House becomes truly dangerous. Deadly puzzles pop up at every turn, knives spin in the hallways, and staircases disappear. The answer lies at the heart of the House, but in order to find it, Perigee and their new friend Lily will need to solve a long-lost, decades-old riddle… if the House itself doesn’t stop them first. —Synopsis provided by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Puzzleheart is a quirky read, with a quirky house and lots of mysteries to solve.

At the center of the story is Perigee, a nonbinary character whose good intentions go slightly awry. Perigree is a loving kid who is well-realized. As are the other characters — including the house itself. Emotional intelligence plays a lovely role here, too. This is a good one for mental health.

Puzzleheart is a fast-moving read with engaging characters and a dynamic plot, making it a good choice heading into summer.

*The nonbinary element of Puzzleheart feels natural within the setting. Perigree is who Perigree is. However, for kids who have not been exposed to or have not learned about gender identity, the use of they/them instead of he or she may be confusing. This book is a good catalyst for discussion.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE YEAR MY LIFE WENT DOWN THE TOILET, by Jake Maia Arlow, Dial Books, Aug. 1, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 10-14)

A girl tries to make it through middle school while dealing with a chronic illness in The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet, by Jake Maia Arlow.

Twelve-year-old Al Schneider is too scared to talk about the two biggest things in her life:

1. Her stomach hurts all the time and she has no idea why.
2. She’s almost definitely 100% sure she likes girls.

So she holds it in…until she can’t. After nearly having an accident of the lavatorial variety in gym class, Al finds herself getting a colonoscopy and an answer — she has Crohn’s disease.

But rather than solving all her problems, Al’s diagnosis just makes everything worse. It’s scary and embarrassing. And worst of all, everyone wants her to talk about it — her overprotective mom, her best friend, and most annoyingly her gastroenterologist, who keeps trying to get her to go to a support group for kids with similar chronic illnesses. But, who wants to talk about what you do in the bathroom?

The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet is a story about finding community, telling the truth even when it’s hard, and the many indignities of middle school life. —Synopsis provided by Dial Books

Poop is one of the most universal things in this world: Everybody poops. But some people poop more than others. A lot more. And, quite frankly, it’s a pain in the butt.

Don’t believe me?

Ask Al.

Pooping has become top of mind. She has to plan her life around her stomach issues, and even when she gets help, poop gets in the way. Add in her insecurities about being queer, and there’s a lot on Al’s plate.

Having been diagnosed with Crohn’s as a child, author Jake Maia Arlow is very familiar with Al’s illness. It’s this familiarity with it that lends an air of authenticity you can’t just make up. Arlow’s sensitive but humorous take makes The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet a book that’s relatable to a large audience.

Readers will instinctively understand Al’s experiences with friendship, first crush and annoyance with a parent. These are universal moments every kid goes through in one way or another.

The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet is a fast-moving contemporary novel that fits squarely in the older MG/younger YA camp (ages 10-14).

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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TIME OUT, by Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Carlyn Greenwald, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 30, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult, ages 12 and up)

Heartstopper meets Friday Night Lights in this keenly felt coming-of-age story about a teen hometown hero who must find out who he is outside of basketball when his coming out as gay costs him his popularity and place on the team.

In his small Georgia town, Barclay Elliot is basically a legend. Here basketball is all that matters, and no one has a bigger spotlight than Barclay. Until he decides to use the biggest pep rally in the town’s history to come out to his school. And things change. Quickly.

Barclay is faced with hostility he never expected. Suddenly he is at odds with his own team, and he doesn’t even have his grandfather to turn to the way he used to. But who is Barclay if he doesn’t have basketball?

His best friend, Amy, thinks she knows. She drags him to her voting rights group, believing Barclay can find a bigger purpose. And he does, but he also finds Christopher. Aggravating, fearless, undeniably handsome Christopher. He and Barclay have never been each other’s biggest fans, but as Barclay starts to explore parts of himself he’s been hiding away, they find they might have much more in common than they originally thought.

As sparks turn into something more, though, Barclay has to decide if he’s ready to confront the privilege and popularity that have shielded him his entire life. Can he take a real shot at the love he was fighting for in the first place? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Constellations, by Kate Glasheen, Holiday House, May 23, 2023, Hardcover, $22.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

A raw graphic novel debut about a queer teen living in the margins who is determined to find their way ahead.

Are you supposed to be a boy or a girl?

It’s a question that follows Claire everywhere. Inescapable on the street, in school, and even at home. A black hole forever trying to pull them in. But as long as they have ride-or-die best friend Greg at their side and a drink in their hand, everything will be okay. Right?

Except, Claire can never have just one drink. And when harassment at school reaches a fever pitch, Claire begins a spiral that ends in court-ordered rehab. Feeling completely lost, Claire is soon surrounded by a group of new friends and, with the help of a patient counselor, finds a space to unpack all the bad they’ve experienced. But as Claire’s release gets closer so does the question: Can Claire stay sober and true in a world seemingly never made for them?

Set in 1980s Troy, New York, Constellations is a portrait of a queer teen living in the margins but determined to find their way ahead. Done in watercolor and ink, debut author-artist Kate Glasheen has created a world where strong lines meet soft color, and raw emotions meet deep thought in this story of hope, humor, and survival. —Synopsis provided by Holiday House

I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU―FOR YOUNG ADULTS: A MEMOIR, by Chasten Buttigieg, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, May 16, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult, ages 12 and up)

The young adult adaptation of candid bestselling memoir by the husband of a former Democratic presidential candidate about growing up gay in his small Midwestern town. Completely rewritten with new stories, including resources for readers, parents, and teachers.

Growing up, Chasten Glezman Buttigieg didn’t always fit in. He felt different from his father and brothers, who loved to hunt and go camping, and out of place in the rural, conservative small town where he lived. Back then, blending in was more important than feeling seen.

So, when Chasten realized he was gay, he kept that part of himself hidden away for a long, painful time. With incredible bravery, and the support of his loved ones, Chasten eventually came out—and when he did, he learned that being true to himself was the most rewarding journey of all.

Finding acceptance and self-love can seem like a tremendous challenge, but it’s never impossible. With honesty, courage, and warmth, Chasten relays his experience of growing up in America and embracing his identity, while inspiring young people across the country to do the same.  —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

IF TOMORROW DOESN’T COME, by Jen St. Jude, Bloomsbury YA, May 9, 2023, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

Avery Byrne has secrets. She’s queer; she’s in love with her best friend, Cass; and she’s suffering from undiagnosed clinical depression. But on the morning Avery plans to jump into the river near her college campus, the world discovers there are only nine days left to live: an asteroid is headed for Earth, and no one can stop it.

Trying to spare her family and Cass additional pain, Avery does her best to make it through just nine more days. As time runs out and secrets slowly come to light, Avery would do anything to save the ones she loves. But most importantly, she learns to save herself. Speak her truth. Seek the support she needs. Find hope again in the tomorrows she has left.

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come is a celebration of queer love, a gripping speculative narrative, and an urgent, conversation-starting book about depression, mental health, and shame. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury YA

PARDALITA, by Joana Estrela and Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Levine Querido, April 18, 2023, Hardcover, $21.99 (young adult, ages 12 and up)

A slice-of-life story that is told in flashbacks.

16-year-old Raquel lives in a small town in Portugal, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Her parents are divorced and she’s just been suspended for cursing out a school aide asking about her father’s new marriage. She has two best friends, Luísa and Fred, but wants something more. Then, from afar, she sees Pardalita, a senior and a gifted artist who’s moving to Lisbon to study in the fall. The two girls get to know each other while working on a play. And Raquel falls in love.

Using a blend of prose poems, illustrations, and graphic novel format, author and artist Joana Estrela captures the feeling of being a teenager in a way that feels gentle, joyful, and real. —Synopsis provided by Levine Querido

DEAR MOTHMAN, by Robin Gow, Harry N. Abrams, March 21, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 10-14)

A moving middle-grade novel in verse, about a young trans boy dealing with the loss of his friend by writing to his favorite cryptid, Mothman

Halfway through sixth grade, Noah’s best friend and the only other trans boy in his school, Lewis, passed away in a car accident. Lewis was adventurous and curious, always bringing a new paranormal story to share with Noah. Together they daydreamed about cryptids and shared discovering their genders and names. After his death, lonely and yearning for someone who could understand him like Lewis once did, Noah starts writing letters to Mothman, wondering if he would understand how Noah feels and also looking for evidence of Mothman’s existence in the vast woods surrounding his small Poconos town. Noah becomes determined to make his science fair project about Mothman, despite his teachers and parents urging him to make a project about something “real.”

Meanwhile, as Noah tries to find Mothman, Noah also starts to make friends with a group of girls in his grade, Hanna, Molly, and Alice, with whom he’d been friendly, but never close to. Now, they welcome him, and he starts to open up to each of them, especially Hanna, who Noah has a crush on. But as strange things start to happen and Noah becomes sure of Mothman’s existence, his parents and teachers don’t believe him. Noah decides it’s up to him to risk everything, trek into the woods, and find Mothman himself. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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AND TANGO MAKES THREE, by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole,  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 1st edition, June 1, 2005, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 2-6)

And Tango Makes Three is the bestselling, heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family.

At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own. — Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

And Tango Makes Three is often on “banned book” lists, and it’s quite frankly, ridiculous. This sweet picture book tells the true story of actual penguins living at the Central Park Zoo. Roy and Silo were given the opportunity to hatch Tango when her parents weren’t able to care for two eggs. It’s the story of love and family, and that’s just about it. It’s gentle and kind, and the illustrations are tender. There’s a reason why this book is also on a lot of “best books” lists, too.

OUT OF THE BLUE, by Tregoning Robert, BLOOMSBURY, Feb. 1, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

This picture book about a boy who overcomes his fear of being different is a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and pride, perfect for fans of Julián is a Mermaid.

In a very blue house, on a very blue street, in his very blue bedroom, sits a little boy who’s feeling very blue. He has a secret: he loves the color yellow. And in a world where only blue is allowed, he knows in his heart that loving a different color must be bad.

Can the boy find the courage to share his true self with his dad? Can the world see the benefits of letting everyone love any color they want to?

A stunning celebration of being yourself and living in ALL the colors of the rainbow, from debut author Robert Tregoning and rising star illustrator Stef Murphy. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury

Out of the Blue is relatable on numerous levels. It’s overarching message of being yourself will call to all children. It’s a gentle story that rings true with lovely text and accompanying illustrations that, at times, radiate joy.

DOOR BY DOOR: HOW SARAH MCBRIDE BECAME AMERICA’S FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SENATOR, by Meeg Pincus and Meridth McKean Gimbel, Crown Books for Young Readers, May 9, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A nonfiction picture book about Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.

As a kid, Sarah McBride dreamed of running for office so she could help people in her community. When her friends asked for bicycles for Christmas, Sarah asked for a podium. Her friends and family encouraged her to follow this path, but there was one problem: they saw Sarah as a boy, and Sarah knew she was a girl. Every night, she’d replay the day in her head, watching how it would have played out if she was able to live as the girl she knew herself to be.

In college, she finally came out as Sarah, and in 2020 she won her election to become a Delaware State Senator, making her the highest-ranking trans political official in the country and a hero to kids everywhere who want to live their dreams and be themselves. —Synopsis provided by Crown Books for Young Readers

Door by Door tells the story of someone who wanted to live her truth but it wasn’t until she was an adult that she felt comfortable doing so. Author Meeg Pincus does an excellent job conveying Sarah’s internal and external conflicts in this nonfiction biography. It’s easy to see and understand her progression and excellent backmatter includes notes from Sarah and the author as well as notes on how to be an ally and a politics glossary. This book removes stigma and gets straight to the heart of celebrating being true to yourself.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE GOOD HAIR DAY, by Christian Trimmer and J Yang, Abrams Books for Young Readers, May 23, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A boy dreams of having long, wavy hair in The Good Hair Day, written by Christian Trimmer and illustrated by J Yang.

Noah has a special day coming up, and he has a very long wish list. But there’s one thing missing from it, the thing he wants more than anything else in the world: long, beautiful, wavy hair.

Noah understands that his hair will grow if he just doesn’t get a haircut. But almost all the boys that Noah knows have short hair, and he’s heard people say mean things about men with long hair. So, he just doesn’t think he’s allowed to ask.

When a fresh trim brings Noah to his lowest point, it turns out his caring family has been paying closer attention than he thinks — and they have an idea that will show Noah it’s okay to be his gorgeous self. —Synopsis provided by Abrams Books for Young Readers

The Good Hair Day is a heartfelt picture book about a kid who wants to be different. Like a boy who wants to wear pink or purple or a girl who is drawn to playing football, this book is all about embracing your authentic self rather than what society dictates.

Author Christian Trimmer’s text is warm and straightforward. It’s very clear what Noah wants and why he’s afraid to reach for it. Illustrator J Yang’s illustrations are full of color and expression. He adds a lot of energy to the book, and his use of a parent in a wheelchair is lovely to see.

Every kid can relate to The Good Hair Day in one way or another and is a good option for those who would like to add books about inclusivity to their libraries.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WILD BIRD, by Diane Zahler, Roaring Brook Press, March 21, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 10 and up)

A young girl sets out on an epic journey as the plague sweeps across 14^th century Europe in Wild Bird, by Diane Zahler.

Her name was Rype. That wasn’t really her name. It was what the strangers called her. She didn’t remember her real name. She didn’t remember anything at all.

Rype was hiding in the hollow of a tree trunk when they found her. She was hungry, small, cold, alone. She did not speak their language, or understand their mannerisms. But she knew this: To survive, she would have to go with them.

In fourteenth-century Norway, the plague has destroyed the entire village of Skeviga. To stay alive, Rype, the only one left, must embark on a sweeping adventure across Europe with the son of an English ship captain and a band of troubadours in search of a brighter future and a new home. —Synopsis provided by Roaring Brook Press

Wild Bird is one of those books that you want to reread almost as soon as you finish it. Author Diane Zahler’s ability to show scope while remaining intimate is excellent, and her prose and pacing are comfortable and well-suited to her story.

When readers first meet Rype, she is in shock. Alone in the world, with nothing to her name, she has no choice but to leave her home. Her sadness is palpable, and the enormity of loss is well explored.

As dark as a story about the Black Death must be, Zahler also brings in light and hope. The introduction of troubadours is a stroke of genius. These characters bring humor and friendship and a sense of ingenuity.

Having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, young readers will relate to Rype’s story on a much more personal level. The plague no longer becomes some thing from long ago.

While the publisher’s suggested age range for Wild Bird is 8-12, the book reads older. LGBTQ+ issues, sexual innuendo in sea shanties and implied sexual abuse of a character push it a bit older — ages 10 and up — or at least warrant a parent-child discussion.

Wild Bird is a fast, compelling read that will appeal to older middle readers, young adults and even adults.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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