shighley's review
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy. This was the second book in a row that I read that did not use quotation marks, which at times caused me to re-read to be sure which character was speaking; I'd like to think I could also tell from the context, but not always. Even though different type faces were used for Kimi and Alis, it was not always easy. Perhaps that will be resolved in the final edition.
I think I prefer non-fiction to historical fiction with conjecture; This is a topic and time period that has always fascinated me.
I think I prefer non-fiction to historical fiction with conjecture; This is a topic and time period that has always fascinated me.
aderpicorn's review
5.0
Blue Birds is fantastic. It is a really gripping novel in verse by the author of May B. I am excited for it to come out so I can put it in my library.
eatingfiction's review
4.0
Blue Birds is a historical fiction novel written in verse, and follows the lives of two young girls from two different worlds. It is a tale of forbidden friendship, grief, and family. It's beautifully written, and pulls at all the right heart strings.
I'll be honest: 100% of the reason I picked this up is because I noted that it was set on Roanoke Island, and I had just watched the Buzzfeed Unsolved episode about that island. I had enjoyed the episode and was looking forward to reading a story within the setting - and was happy to see the author clearly had done her research. Lets be real though, I was low-key hoping this story was going to end in a zombie apocalypse.
Despite it not doing that, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a book that is quick to read, but with a strong and emotional heart.
I'll be honest: 100% of the reason I picked this up is because I noted that it was set on Roanoke Island, and I had just watched the Buzzfeed Unsolved episode about that island. I had enjoyed the episode and was looking forward to reading a story within the setting - and was happy to see the author clearly had done her research. Lets be real though, I was low-key hoping this story was going to end in a zombie apocalypse.
Despite it not doing that, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and would recommend it to anyone wanting a book that is quick to read, but with a strong and emotional heart.
felici_reads's review
3.0
Enjoyed the writing and the story line. However, I felt like the ending had a message that the friendship the two girls trumped the value of relationship with her parents. In the end she chooses to be with a friend instead of her parents, because she felt that is where she belonged. Since this is a book for younger readers, I feel it undermines the value of family.
yapha's review
4.0
One of the more intriguing parts of American history that students touch upon in Fifth Grade is the "Lost Colony of Roanoke." In this engaging novel in verse, the story is looked at from the point of view of two girls -- Alis, a 12-year-old English girl, and Kimi, a 13-year-old Roanoke girl. They strike up a friendship through a chance meeting in the woods and figure out how to communicate with each other. They each have suffered at the hands of the other's community. Alis lost her uncle ; Kimi lost both her father and sister. Despite this and the growing animosity between the English and the Roanoke, they find ways to continue meeting. Each recognizes a kindred spirit in the other. This moving story of friendship also shows all of the ways the English antagonized the local people, and provides insight into what may have happened in Roanoke so long ago. Highly recommended for grades 5 and up.
jengennari's review
4.0
A wonderful read, and great insight into our early history.
I interviewed the author here: http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2015/05/blue-birds-insights/
I interviewed the author here: http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2015/05/blue-birds-insights/
ajacks's review
4.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
morganperks's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Death of parent, Colonisation, Abandonment, and Grief
Moderate: Racism and Pregnancy