The Someday Birds
What’s inside...
Charlie wishes his life could be as predictable and simple as chicken nuggets, but it gets complicated when his war journalist father is injured in Afghanistan and sent across the country for medical treatment. As Charlie travels to meet his father with his siblings and a mysterious new family friend, he embarks on a quest to spot all the birds he and his father had hoped to see in the wild, hoping that completing the Someday Birds list will make everything okay. Along the way, Charlie navigates the challenges of his unique coming-of-age journey and the family’s crisis, making for an equal parts madcap road trip and moving portrait of a family overcoming difficulty. The Someday Birds is a debut middle grade novel perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and Fish in a Tree, filled with humor, heart, and chicken nuggets. Charlie’s perfectly ordinary life has been unraveling ever since his war journalist father was injured in Afghanistan. When his father heads from California to Virginia for medical treatment, Charlie reluctantly travels cross-country with his boy-crazy sister, unruly brothers, and a mysterious new family friend. He decides that if he can spot all the birds that he and his father were hoping to see someday along the way, then everything might just turn out okay. Debut author Sally J. Pla has written a tale that is equal parts madcap road trip, coming-of-age story for an autistic boy who feels he doesn’t understand the world, and an uplifting portrait of a family overcoming a crisis.
Age
9-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Charlie
Davis
Jake
Joel
Ludmila
Charlie's Father
Discussion points
How did Charlie's journey change his understanding of the world?
What impact do you think the 'Someday Birds' had on Charlie's life? Why were they so important to him?
How do the characters in the story show courage and adaptability when faced with challenges?
What did you learn about different cultures and people from Charlie's travels?
How can we apply Charlie’s methods of dealing with changes and stress to our own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Charlie’s adventures and relate them to their personal experiences.
Discuss the significance of personal goals and aspirations, as seen through Charlie's quest for the 'Someday Birds', to help them understand the value of persistence and hope.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how Charlie interacts with the diverse characters he meets.
Use the travel aspects of the book to teach geographical awareness and cultural appreciation.
Focus on the problem-solving aspects of the book to enhance critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Charlie, interacts with various characters throughout his cross-country journey, each with unique backgrounds and perspectives. This teaches children the value of diversity and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Handling Change
Explanation: Charlie's adventure is triggered by his father's injury and the need to travel to see him. Throughout the book, Charlie learns to adapt to new situations and environments, illustrating the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a part of life and equips them with the mindset to handle transitions and new challenges positively.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The journey Charlie undertakes is motivated by his desire to reunite with his sick father. The narrative emphasizes the strength of family ties and the support they provide.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture relationships with family members, understanding their pivotal role in personal support and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Personal Growth through Challenges
Explanation: As Charlie faces various obstacles on his journey, he learns and grows from each experience. This demonstrates how overcoming challenges can lead to personal development.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that facing difficulties can be an opportunity for growth and learning, encouraging them to tackle obstacles with courage and determination.