Mudlark

by Michael Stephens

A haunting story about a boy, one borrowed bird and a need to believe that it's OK to be different. Jim Liddell is a 13-year-old boy with an overactive imagination. He is so different from other boys his age, he livesin the world of his imagination. On the last weekend before the end of term he finds himself the 'lucky boy' allowed to take home the class pet, a rescued mudlark, called Mudlark. Mudlark is not long in Jim's care before he escapes from his cage to freedom through the open window of Jim's bedroom. Mudlark's new-found freedom leads to a coming-of-age experience for Jim. While he is out chasing Mudlark, Jim learns lessons in life from those he encounters. these help him deal with the eventual death of his mother. Ages 9+

Genres: Childrens

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Britt Meter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was struggling to finish this book ( even though it was 170 pages) nothing happens throughout the story. I kept zoning in and out or falling asleep. All I got from the book is a twelve year old boy named Jim has recieved a Mudlark to take for the weekend, and the Mudlark flew away out of the cage and Jim is trying to find the original Mudlark or a replacement. Jim's mum is dying whereas the dad is looking after the family, and there is some self discovery throughout the story. I didn't enjoy it so sadly it was a .5 -1 stars.

[Amanda Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A teen novel about a classroom bird that is taken home for a weekend by the 12 year boy. His mother is sick, dying and the weekend becomes a search for the bird after it escapes.

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. If I didn't have to read it (for school) I wouldn't of.

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 2 out of 5]

CW: Mother dies of cancer