5/13/2023 0 Comments Testify by Valerie Sherrard![]() “An extremely good middle-grader read, Birdspell truly had me engrossed from page one. Corbin, the book’s teenage hero, navigates an unpredictable home-life that would sink most grownups. Birdspell by Valerie Sherrard succeeds beautifully in that regard, steering clear of didacticism. “Young-adult fiction has to do everything a novel for adult readers does and more: it must be accessible by and relevant to an audience that has no patience for homily. Rachel Seigel, Canadian Children's Book News Highly recommended for middle-grade readers.” She also keeps the story hopeful and optimistic and reminds readers that there's nothing wrong with asking for help. Sherrard does an excellent job of lacing humour into the story without making light of what Corbin's going through. Despite the tragedy of the circumstances, the novel is a compelling story of strength, hope and compassion. “ Birdspell is a deep and beautifully written title that once begun is hard to put down. … Despite the gravity of the subject matter, Birdspell is a very readable book laced with humour and grace.” At the same time, it provides rare validation for those children who struggle with it in their daily lives. ![]() “Honest and straightforward, with no sugar-coating of the challenges of bipolar disorder, Birdspell offers remarkable insight to young readers unfamiliar with mental-health issues. Nominated, 2022 Forest of Reading - Red Maple Award Dunster’s Award for Fiction - New Brunswick Book Award Shortlisted, 2023 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award ![]()
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