Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book, written by an 11-year-old, includes some violence, with injuries and deaths.
Families who read this book could discuss the author's intentions. She has stated that this book grew out of her feelings about terrorism and 9/11, and that it carries a message of peace. What do you think she was trying to convey? What is her message? How can a book filled with warfare be about peace? Also, how could an 11-year-old write a book like this? Do you have any ideas for a story?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
How should a work such as this, written by 11-year-old Nanci Yi Fan, be considered? As the work of a truly gifted child it is extraordinary -- any middle-school teacher would be thrilled to have a student do work like this. The achievement is even more amazing when one considers that English is not the young author's native tongue. Fan is certainly a budding talent worth watching for in the future.
Is it fair to judge it the same way that novels by adults are judged? On that basis, it is sorely lacking. Stilted prose and sometimes embarrassingly awkward dialogue, a simplistic, derivative plot -- if this had been written by an adult, it is unlikely it would have seen print, and if it had, it would not have garnered much positive notice.
Does that matter? Probably not. Middle-graders will undoubtedly enjoy it (pleasure enhanced by knowing that a kid wrote it), and be inspired by its young author, maybe even to the point of trying some writing of their own. So no harm done, and maybe something to the good. Nancy Yi Fan is an incredibly talented kid, and we can look forward to seeing more work from her as her talent matures.
From The Book
He turned abruptly to face his companion, Skylion. "How are you going to keep this 'war' up?" Glenagh asked. "Ever since you became the leader of the Bluewingles, we've been fighting the cardinals constantly." The old blue jay sighed. His feathers drooped. "You definitely do make your mind up faster than a falling acorn hits the ground."
Skylion turned his gaze toward the elder, Glenagh. "They used to be our friends -- our family, almost," he said. The younger blue jay poured a cup of acorn tea for the elder with disbelief.
Shaking his graying head sadly, Glenagh accepted the tea with a worn claw. He gazed at his reflection in his cup with a dreary look. "Remember Fleet-tail? The cardinal who's always so quiet? Just last week I saw him with a raiding party, hollering and yelling like the rest."
Plot Summary:
An evil hawk named Turnatt attempts to rule the forest through brutality and intimidation. He captures birds to be his slaves and build a fortress, and he gets the bluejays and cardinals fighting against one another.
Once they realize they have been tricked, the jays and cardinals unite, but they are still not strong enough to defeat Turnatt and his crow minions. Their only hope is the legend of Swordbird, son of the Great Spirit, who can bring peace. But how can they find him?
Related Books:
Books Written by Kids:
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
This Can't Be Happening at MacDonald Hall by Gordon Korman
The War with Mr. Wizzle by Gordon Korman
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
The Prophecy of the Stones by Flavia Bujor
Eldest by Christopher Paolini
Home by Kimberly Fuller
In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart by Opal Whitely and Jane Boulton, ed.
Related Web Sites:
Official Site
Al Roker's Interview
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ViolenceSword, spear, and arrow battles with injuries and deaths; slaves are whipped and mistreated; torture is mentioned; a bird is dismembered. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoBirds drink beer and wine -- apparently at the same time. |
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