Wild Bird
on Goodreads (189)
What’s inside...
In the fourteenth century, Rype, an abandoned girl who doesn't remember her own name, must embark on a treacherous journey from Norway to England in search of safety from the plague. Along the way, she joins forces with the son of an English ship captain and a group of troubadours, facing numerous challenges and discovering the power of art and memory. This beautifully written, historically rich novel by Diane Zahler, titled 'Wild Bird', explores themes of survival and hope in the face of adversity, earning praise from notable authors and a Junior Library Guild Selection.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Wren felt when she was sent away to the wilderness therapy camp?
What do you believe Wren learned about herself during her time in the wild?
Can you describe a moment in the book where Wren had to be brave?
Why is it important for Wren to build relationships with other campers?
How did the wilderness setting change Wren’s perspective on her life back home?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in Wren’s situation.
Use open-ended questions like the ones above to help your child express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Encourage your child to think about how they might handle similar challenges and what they can learn from Wren’s experiences.
Discuss the importance of personal growth and resilience, key themes in the book, and how they apply to everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Wild Bird', the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and interactions with various characters teach empathy. As she understands more about the birds and their struggles, she learns to empathize with others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of others, whether at school, at home, or in community settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: Throughout 'Wild Bird', the main character shows courage in overcoming obstacles and facing fears, particularly when dealing with wild birds and unknown territories.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to face their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying out new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with difficult situations at school.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: The story emphasizes the theme of taking responsibility, as the protagonist must care for the birds and ensure their safety and well-being.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of responsibility in children, teaching them the importance of caring for other living beings and the environment, fostering a sense of stewardship.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist encounters and solves various challenges throughout the book, demonstrating persistence and effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties and thinking critically to find solutions to their own problems, whether they are academic or personal.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The vivid descriptions of the natural settings and interactions with wildlife foster a deep appreciation and respect for nature.
Real-World Application: This can lead children to become more conscious about the environment, participate in outdoor activities, and understand the importance of conservation efforts.