Will 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.
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, he’s a long way behind the new class he has to join. Will is now living with Ian Oakely, Jenni’s brother, and this solitary countryman of an uncle isn’t someone Will knows very well, so there’s 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 he’s working in Mountain Rescue.
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 Carrie runs courses where kids can interact with nature, so the boys learn a great deal. The beautiful Lake District starts to grow on Will, but his life here is only temporary. Like Whitetip, one of the osprey chicks, he seems destined to leave.
Several serious issues are presented, and the story of the ospreys mirrors Will’s life. Omar has major trauma in his background, and an uncertain family situation, which helps Will realise that he isn’t 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.
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 can’t say that about every YA book.
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