Birdspell
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
on Goodreads (148)
What’s inside...
Corbin Hayes has felt alone for most of his life due to his mom's illness, which has resulted in multiple job losses, relocations, and short-lived friendships. When a classmate offers him a talking bird, Corbin is excited, seeing it as an opportunity to fill a void in his life. However, as his situation worsens and he struggles to support both his mother and himself, Corbin reaches a breaking point and must confront his biggest fear.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
190 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Corbin felt when he found the magical bird? What would you do if you were in his place?
Why is it important to keep promises, like Corbin did with the bird's secret?
What does the story teach us about friendship and trust?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? Which character do you relate to the most and why?
If you had a magical power like the bird, how would you use it to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Corbin's shoes, discussing what decisions they would make differently and why.
Use examples from the book to have a conversation about the value of trust and confidentiality in friendships.
Ask your child to describe how the characters evolve throughout the story. This can help them understand character development and motives.
Invite them to think about how magic can be a metaphor for personal talents and how those can be used for good.
After reading, encourage creativity by asking your child to draw a scene from the book or write a short story about their own magical adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Birdspell', the protagonist embarks on a journey where he encounters various creatures, each with distinct challenges and perspectives. This interaction teaches him to appreciate and understand different situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to listen and understand their friends' or classmates' feelings and viewpoints, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character faces numerous obstacles that seem daunting. However, through courage and perseverance, he overcomes these challenges, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to face their own challenges, whether in their academic pursuits or personal endeavors, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The book illustrates how every action taken by the characters leads to certain consequences, teaching the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the impact of their choices on themselves and others, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: As the story progresses, the importance of companionship and trust between the characters becomes evident, highlighting how friendships can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to nurture their relationships with peers, appreciating how true friends form an essential support network.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The vivid descriptions of surroundings and interactions with various animals emphasize the beauty and importance of preserving our natural world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in environmental conservation activities and to appreciate and explore the natural world around them.