The Bird Singers
on Goodreads (123)
What’s inside...
Strange occurrences have been happening to Layah and her younger sister, Izzie, since their mother died and they moved to their grandparents' old house in the woods. Layah initially thought the nightly whistling was bird song, but as it persists, along with whispers, shadows, and other unexplained phenomena, Layah realizes there may be unseen forces at play. She must unravel the mystery behind these occurrences and protect her sister. Meanwhile, Layah is also mourning the loss of her grandmother from Poland and finds herself drawn to the old myths and fairy tales her grandmother once told her, wondering if they might be real as the holiday takes on a dark twist.
Age
9-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did Layla feel when she discovered the magic of the songbird, and have you ever felt similar about something?
How do you think the relationship between Layla and her sister changed throughout the story, and why is it important?
Why do you think the author chose birds and music as central elements of the story?
What lessons do you think Layla learned by the end of the book, and what lessons did you learn from her experiences?
If you could talk to Layla, what would you ask her about her adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the book, highlighting aspects that stood out to you, to create an open environment for your child to share.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it resonated with them to foster a deeper connection to the story’s themes.
Encourage your child to compare their emotions and reactions to Layla's, enhancing empathy and self-awareness.
Use the book's setting and musical elements to explore cultural and artistic topics that extend beyond the book’s story.
Prompt your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the book, which helps develop their analytical and creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Bird Singers', the protagonist, Lia, relies on her friends to solve mysteries and overcome challenges. This demonstrates the importance of working together and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of collaborating with peers during school projects or while playing sports, enhancing their social skills and team spirit.
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Lia faces various obstacles that she overcomes with bravery and determination. This illustrates the virtues of persistence in achieving goals despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle challenges with resilience, whether it's learning a new skill or standing up for what's right, reinforcing their self-confidence and problem-solving capabilities.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and its mysteries
Explanation: The narrative intertwines with elements of nature and its unexplained phenomena, showing respect and fascination towards the natural world.
Real-World Application: This instills in children an appreciation for the environment and an interest in learning about the natural world, promoting ecological awareness and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Understanding and confronting fears
Explanation: Lia's journey also involves facing her fears, which helps her grow and embrace new experiences. This highlights the importance of confronting personal fears to foster growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their own fears, such as fear of the dark or trying new activities, thus enabling personal development and emotional maturity.
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: The story incorporates mythological elements, which celebrate cultural stories and their impacts on contemporary lives, showing the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and respect diverse cultures and histories, enhancing their understanding and empathy towards different traditions and values.