Bird

Rezensionen / Stimmen

The extraordinary debut novel by Crystal Chan juggles a possible suicide, a mute and terrifying grandfather, astronomy, geology, betrayal and love with elegance and guts . . . The best thing about Bird isn't just its cultural uniqueness - not many kids' novels are about duppies, or Jamaican evil spirits - but how this excellent book feels like it actually happened. * Guardian * Crystal Chan's debut is a heartbreaker, a children's book with the potential to move readers of any age. Anyone who has ever felt like a cuckoo in the nest will be grateful for this assured, unsentimental novel. * Metro * Simultaneously sad and lovely, this is one of the best middle grade books we have read in a long time. * The Bookbag * In a thoughtful debut, Chan weaves together topics of race, repressed emotion, and destructive family dynamics, setting events against the beauty of the Midwestern landscape. Jewel's gentle voice offers moments of insight and wisdom as she becomes empowered to move beyond her parents' losses and desires. * Publishers Weekly * Beautifully written literary debut novel about families and secrets, with a hint of magic. * Bookseller * An emotional story, beautifully told in the first person * Parents in Touch * Jewel is a multilayered, emotional character who struggles to come to terms with her family's issues. The mixture of superstition and science creates a wonderful juxtaposition in this powerful story about loss and moving on. * School Library Journal * Wonderfully steeped in her culture, Jewel's story is as rich as the scenery around her . . . A surprising story about superstition, loss and family that impresses and enchants. * Booktrust * Bird is one of those books that just needs to be read. It's a beautifully written account of an endless struggle, as well as that of a much-needed friendship . . . This book is, at times, incredibly sad, but it leaves in its wake a great big smile and a pocketful of hope. * wondrousreads.com * A bird flies, a grandpa stops speaking; secrets and spirits weave through a wondrous story. An exciting debut novel. * Jamila Gavin *