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Review: Wild Bird

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Wild Bird
Written by Diane Zahler
New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2023. Fiction. 308 pages.

Rype is found in the hole of a tree by Owen, the son of a boat captain. She doesn't remember much and doesn't understand his language, but she decides to join them on their voyage. During the trip, many of the crew members become ill with the bubonic plague and think that Rype is to blame for the illness. They want to throw her off the boat, but Owen convinces them to let him take her to shore. He ends up staying with her and traveling across Europe, trying to to make his way back to the rest of his family in England. They meet many people and begin traveling with troubadours, having wild experiences along the way. During their journey Rype begins healing from her trauma and remembers more of her past in Norway, including her real name.

A great book for older middle grade readers who love historical fiction. The black plague was a dark and difficult time in history, and Wild Bird is the beautiful story of a young girl's journey of healing. Wild Bird was written for middle grade readers, but the themes are more mature with mentions of abuse and trauma, so I would not recommend to a younger child or to those who are more sensitive.


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