Sharon Kernot Birdy, Text Publishing, January 2024, 240 pp., RRP $22.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781922790606
Short listed for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards Older Readers 2025.
This free verse novel tells the story of Maddy, her mother and younger brother Charlie who move to the country to rest and recuperate – or is it hide from the world? Maddy is a situational mute severely traumatised by her own bad decision, and social media trolling. Maddy helps look after Charlie, nicknamed the Professor, and does the family shopping avoiding as much contact as she can with other people. Levi slowly breaks down her defences, as does Alice with whom Maddy develops a very supportive relationship. Alice slowly heals from the loss of her darling daughter Birdy, (it’s taken 45 years) but not without many continuing struggles.
The lyrical verse is very easy to read, but also thought-provoking with its changing fonts. However, it’s not simplistic as it deals with themes of trauma, bullying and loss, but also the more positive concepts of environment, friendship and healing. There is lots of humour arising from Charlie’s behaviours. It’s great to see that Maddy thought highly of her therapist.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Maureen Mann
