Name: Blue Birds
Price: 10.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Caroline Starr Rose
ISBN: 9780147511874

Author of the critically acclaimed May B. returns with a stirring novel in verse.

Alis and her parents make the long journey from England to settle the New World. But it doesn’t go as planned and Alis, her parents, and the others of their small community soon find themselves at odds with the Roanoke tribe. As tensions rise between the settlers and the Native peoples, twelve-year-old Alis forms an impossible friendship with a Roanoke named Kimi. Despite language barriers, the two become as close as sisters, risking their lives for one another until Alis makes a decision that will change her life forever.

“An excellent historical offering and belongs on public and school library shelves.”—VOYA

“With two compelling main characters and an abundance of rich historical detail, Rose’s latest novel offers much to discuss and much to appreciate.”—School Library Journal

It’s 1587 and twelve-year-old Alis has made the long journey with her parents from England to help settle the New World, the land christened Virginia in honor of the Queen. And Alis couldn’t be happier. While the streets of London were crowded and dirty, this new land, with its trees and birds and sky, calls to Alis. Here she feels free. But the land, the island Roanoke, is also inhabited by the Roanoke tribe and tensions between them and the English are running high, soon turning deadly.

Amid the strife, Alis meets and befriends Kimi, a Roanoke girl about her age. Though the two don’t even speak the same language, these girls form a special bond as close as sisters, willing to risk everything for the other. Finally, Alis must make an impossible choice when her family resolves to leave the island and bloodshed behind.

A beautiful, tender story of friendship and the meaning of family, Caroline Starr Rose delivers another historical gem.

Praise for Blue Birds:

“Composed in varying formats, the descriptive and finely crafted poems reveal the similarities the two girls share, from loved ones lost to hatred between the English and the Roanoke to a desire for peace… Fans of Karen Hesse and the author’s May B. (2012) will delight in this offering.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A memorable account of a friendship that transcends culture and prejudice.”—Publishers Weekly

“An excellent historical offering and belongs on public and school library shelves.”—VOYA

“With two compelling main characters and an abundance of rich historical detail, Rose’s latest novel offers much to discuss and much to appreciate.”—School Library Journal

“An imaginative historical novel with two sympathetic protagonists.”—Booklist

“Themes of fear and freedom will appeal to a wide audience.”—SLC

ISBN9780147511874

Published onJan 05, 2016

Published byPuffin Books

Pages400

Dimensions5-1/16 x 7-3/4

Age Range10 and up

GradeGrade 5 & Up

Reading LevelLexile: 700L

ISBN9780698173514

Published onMar 10, 2015

Published byG.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Pages400

Age Range10 and up

GradeGrade 5 & Up

Reading LevelLexile: 700L

Blue Birds

Age Range: 10 and up

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Success!

By Caroline Starr Rose