All Jewel Campbell wanted was a normal birthday and the attention that she deserved. But that would never, ever happen.
In Bird by Crystal Chan, the very day Jewel Campbell was born, her older brother, then five, jumped off a cliff. It was said her Grandpa had nicknamed him Bird, since he liked jumping off things. Grandpa had a curse on his mouth for doing that. But instead, the name had persuaded the young boy to fly. After the dreadful night, the family's house was drenched in silence. Filled with secrets. One night, after another terrible birthday, Jewel might make a friend that could bring the family closer together. Jewel and the boy make good friends and Jewel tells him all her secrets. How she wanted to be a geologist, but her family forbid her. How every birthday she would go to the cliff where her brother died, though her family forbid her. Will her friend understand? Will the secrets be spilled? Will the past ever be in the past? Questions are everything that crowds Jewels head. And curiosity has consequences.
bird book review
This is my absolute favorite book in the world! I enjoy realistic fiction, with just a touch of fantasy. I personally think Crystal Chan has related to this book a lot and is a great author.
The main character, Jewel Campbell, has lived in her brother John’s shadow for 12 years. Since she was born on the day her little brother jumped off a cliff, thinking he was a bird. Ever since she had awful birthdays, just the everyday cake and little gift. Jewel disobeys her mother by wanting to be a geologist, she disobeys her father by going to the cliff where he claims duppies (Jamaican ghosts) are crawling in every corner. At night, on her birthdays, she goes and climbs her neighbors tree. But one night, she wasn’t alone in that tree. A boy, named John, had proved to be a great friend and help Jewel’s family heal from the past. Every chapter is filled with suspense, secrets, and spirits. This is a completely likable book.
Crystal Chan, for a beginning author, is the best one I have EVER read about. I recommend this to people who love to read realistic fiction, with a little bit of fantasy.
Book review by Vera
No comments:
Post a Comment