THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRDS, by Lynne Kelly, Delacorte Press, April 9, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A girl sets out to help a pair of endangered birds about to lay eggs in The Secret Language of Birds, by Lynne Kelly.
Nina is used to feeling like the odd one out, both at school and in her large family. But while trying to fit in at summer camp, she discovers something even more peculiar: two majestic birds have built a nest in the marsh behind an abandoned infirmary. They appear to be whooping cranes, but that’s impossible—Nina is an amateur bird-watcher, and all her resources tell her that those rare birds haven’t nested in Texas for over a hundred years.
When Nina reports the sighting to wildlife officials, more questions arise. Experts track all the endangered birds, but they can’t identify the female bird that Nina found. Who is she, and where did she come from?
With the help of some fellow campers, Nina sets out to discover who the mystery bird really is. As she gets closer to the truth, will she find a flock of her own? —Synopsis provided by Delacorte Press
You may remember author Lynne Kelly from Song for a Whale, the award-winning book about a deaf girl who is drawn to a whale with a unique voice. Song for a Whale is an introspective book whereas The Secret Language of Birds feels less so.
Nina starts out the book as a solitary figure, with no real friends and often at odds with her family. In fact, the opening scene, which I don’t want to give away, drives home the point and sets the tone for the novel.
It’s at camp that Nina flourishes. There, she learns about the value of friends and gains a different family perspective. All of Kelly’s characters are compelling, but it’s really this new ensemble of friends that really shines.
The Secret Language of Birds does have a heavy focus on birds and birding, so it will appeal more to readers who share that interest. However, it’s a hopeful, fast-moving novel that would work well as a classroom read aloud.
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
