WillΒ is transplanted from his high-rise flat to a Yorkshire town in this charming and thoughtful tale. BIRD BOY is the nickname Will gains from his new pal Omar, who is a refugee from Afghanistan. Together the boys explore the mountainsides and discover an osprey nest.
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Will is going through a difficult time. His mum Jenni was ill and fearful for two years, gradually withdrawing and keeping her son home. While he was technically home-schooled, heβs a long way behind the new class he has to join. Will is now living with Ian Oakely, Jenniβs brother, and this solitary countryman of an uncle isnβt someone Will knows very well, so thereβs a lot of silence and disjointed conversations. Will has some scary memories and finds it hard to trust anyone, but Omar seems reliable and friendly, and Ian is always home apart from when heβs working in Mountain Rescue.
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The osprey nest is a big adventure at first, but soon the two friends become responsible for the care of the protected rare birds, trying to keep a low profile. Omar's guardian CarrieΒ runs courses where kids can interact with nature, so the boys learn a great deal. The beautiful Lake DistrictΒ starts to grow on Will, but his life here is only temporary. Like Whitetip, one of the osprey chicks, he seems destined to leave.
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Several serious issues are presented, and the story of the ospreys mirrors Willβs life. Omar has major trauma in his background, and an uncertain family situation, which helps Will realise that he isnβt the only one with troubles. Secrets arise and we see that they only grow out of hand, but if shared, more people can help. We gradually get to meet more of the community. Young readers will gain a great deal from the tale. Will is eleven but the tale would be good for readers from ten into their teens who love nature.
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The author Catherine Bruton is a teacher who has worked in international development, helping refugees. She previously wrote No Ballet Shoes in Syria and lives in the south of England. BIRD BOY will be enjoyed by parents and educators, as well as kids, and you canβt say that about every YA book.
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After the tragic death of his mother, eleven year old Will is sent to temporarily stay with his uncle in the mountains. After years trapped in a high-rise flat, with only birds for company, Will doesn’t know how he’ll survive a place like this, but he soon finds solace in the woods, when he’s surrounded by birdsong.
With his new friend Omar – a refugee from Afghanistan – Will discovers an osprey nest, with two small chicks inside. He forms an unbreakable bond with the birds, especially the smallest chick, who they name Whitetip. But when tragedy almost strikes again one stormy night, and Whitetip is knocked out of the nest – breaking a wing, Will is determined to save her. Smuggling her down from the mountain, he finds a way to keep her alive.
As Will helps Whitetip to grow and to heal, he finds a strength inside himself that he never knew he had. Maybe, finally, Will can find a way to take flight too…
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