[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bloomsbury Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
December is a walking, talking bird encyclopedia. She has memorized her copy of The Complete Guide to Birds, Vol. 1, one of the few personal items she takes from foster home to foster home. December believes that someday, she will transform into a bird herself. The scar on her back is the proof that one day she will have wings.
December’s belief often drives her into tall trees where she thinks she can launch herself into flight. And when she keeps trying, she’s sent to a new foster home and a new school.
Eleanor isn’t bad as foster parents go. She knows a lot about animals, and she’s good at giving December space to be the girl she is. And at school, December has the chance to befriend another student going through her own struggles. But December questions if any of these things – a new home, a new friend – can be counted on. Maybe she’d be better off if she just flew away.
Review
I have mixed feelings on this one. I wrestled through a good portion of the book trying to figure out if December’s bird/flying thing was the result of trauma or if it was psychosis. How much did she really believe she would fly? Also, I did not find it believable that the social service system would not be more alarmed about a child in care flinging herself out of trees. I think there would have been a much stronger reaction – maybe to the point of group home care or something more secure.
I liked Eleanor’s relationship with December. December noticed Eleanor’s effort to give her space, and ask her what she wanted. This relationship was my favorite part of the book. Even so, the story never fully connected with my heart. I didn’t click with December. And I realize because of her life experience she is protective and isolating and cautious. But usually with characters like that, there are other factors that allow me to connect emotionally. I didn’t find them in this case.
The other relationship I liked was December’s relationship with a transgender student at her new school, Cheryllynn. Cheryllynn was an advocate and support for December, and then December returned the favor. The issues with the mean girls weren’t resolved, nor did they escalate. They were just there – part of life. Maybe I needed more here, too.
For readers who like stories where characters overcome their past or wrestle through mental health or family issues, this might work. It wouldn’t be my first choice for kids looking for stories like that, but for kids who have worked through other examples, they might want to check out December’s story. Fans of animal books might enjoy the bird facts in this book.
Rating: ♥♥♥
