Jeff Miller's heartbreaking, coming-of-age middle-grade
novel--inspired by his personal experience living through his own
parent's heart transplant--invites readers into the world of a
twelve-year-old birdwatcher looking for a place to call home and a way
to save his mother, even if it means venturing deep into Florida
swampland.
Twelve-year-old Graham Dodds is no stranger to hospital waiting rooms.
Sometimes, he feels like his entire life is one big waiting room.
Waiting for the next doctor to tell them what's wrong with his mom.
Waiting to find out what city they're moving to next. Waiting to see if
they will finally get their miracle--a heart transplant to save his
mom's life.
When Graham gets stuck in Florida for the summer, he meets a girl named
Lou at the hospital, and he finds a friend who needs a distraction as
much as he does. She tells him about a contest to find the endangered
Snail Kite, which resides in the local gator-filled swamps. Together
they embark on an adventure, searching for the rare bird . . . and along
the way, Graham might just find something else--himself.
Jeff Miller crafts a heartfelt story about what it means to live in
this unforgettable middle-grade novel. Rare Birds is a rare find that
will resonate with fans of the Carl Hiassen's Hoot and Melissa
Savage's Lemon. For readers looking for novels with literary appeal
and classic themes of family, friendship, and the meaning of life, Rare
Birds is a perfect pick.
Hardcover with dust jacket; 288 pages; 5.5 x 8.3 in.
