Blackbird Fly
What’s inside...
Future rock star, or friendless misfit? That’s no choice at all. In this debut tween novel, twelve-year-old Apple grapples with being different; with friends and backstabbers and following her dreams. Apple has always felt a little different from her classmates. She and her mother moved to Louisiana from the Philippines when she was little, and her mother still cooks Filipino foods, makes mistakes with her English, and chastises Apple for becoming 'too American.' It becomes unbearable in middle school, when the boys—the stupid, stupid boys—in Apple’s class put her name on the Dog Log, the list of the most unpopular girls in school. When Apple’s friends turn on her and everything about her life starts to seem weird and embarrassing, Apple turns to music. If she can just save enough to buy a guitar and learn to play, maybe she can change herself. It might be the music that saves her . . . or it might be her two new friends, who show how special she really is.
Age
8-12
Length
296 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Apple Yengko
Alyssa
Evan
Apple'S Mother
Gretchen
Discussion points
What challenges does the protagonist face and how does she overcome them?
How do the protagonist's friendships change throughout the story and what does it teach us about relationships?
What role does music play in the protagonist’s life and how does it help her connect with her heritage?
In what ways do the characters in the book show courage and resilience?
How do you think you would handle a similar situation if you were in the protagonist's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to the protagonist's struggles and triumphs.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book and how they compare to your own family’s traditions.
Use the protagonist’s journey to talk about the importance of perseverance and self-confidence.
Point out moments in the book where characters have to make difficult decisions and ask your child what they would do in those situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist struggles but ultimately embraces her unique heritage and interests, setting her apart from her peers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate their own and others’ differences, fostering self-confidence and diversity acceptance.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Challenges from bullies and cultural misunderstandings test the protagonist, who learns to navigate these with resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to remain strong and resilient in difficult situations, developing coping strategies that are essential in real life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Through her journey, the protagonist discovers the value of true friendships that help her accept her own identity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to build and maintain supportive friendships, which are vital for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery
Explanation: The main character’s journey is also one of personal growth and finding one’s passion in music, which helps define her identity.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore their own interests and passions, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery in personal development.