Birdsong

By Author / Illustrator

Katya Balen, illus Richard Johnson

Genre

Bereavement

Age range(s)

Publisher

Barrington Stoke Ltd

ISBN

9781800900981

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-07-2022

Synopsis

The blackbirds' song uplifts and restores in this captivating novella from one of the most exciting voices in children's fiction.

After a devastating car crash, Annie is unable to play her flute and retreats from the music she's always loved. She exists in a world of angry silence - furious with her mum and furious she can't seem to play her beloved flute any more. Then she meets Noah, who shows her the blackbirds' nest hidden in the scrubland near their flats. As their friendship grows, the blackbirds' glorious song reignites Annie's passion for music. But when tragedy strikes again, will her fragile progress be put at risk?

Reviews

Birdsong is a solemn read about a girl whose life is splintered into tiny pieces when she and her mum are involved in a car crash. The crash leaves the girl with a scarred arm, resulting in the shattering of her promising flute career. The story follows a melody of grief: for her future, as she deals with resentment for mum; they are forced to move into a lifeless flat, leaving their hopes and dreams behind. The story seeps of despair: a single mum trying to make the most of a terrible situation and a daughter caught in the stages of grief. The story takes a sudden twist when she meets a boy who is protecting a pair of blackbirds and, slowly but surely as their song grows, so do her hopes and dreams of a musical future.

This story is ideal for those suffering with loss and grief and would be a good addition to the wellbeing section of the bookshelf. A useful read to support the teaching of PSHE in UKS2. Children of single parent households and those looking for self-representation would also benefit from reading this book. Hidden messages of not giving up, leaning on others for support and taking time make this an ideal story to support the teaching of emotional intelligence.

Birdsong is a Barrington Stoke publication, which makes it the perfect choice for dyslexic and developing readers or those who enjoy a shorter read.

104 pages / Reviewed by Kelly, teacher