Bird Brain

by Joanne Levy

A bird and a BFF.

Arden Sachs has always wanted a purring kitten or an adorable puppy, or even a fuzzy guinea pig. But living in a cramped condo with her mom and siblings means she’s unhappily pet-free. Then her Uncle Eli, a professor and scientist, asks Arden to look after Ludwig, his African Grey parrot, while he’s away on sabbatical in Guinea. A little afraid of the bird, Arden reluctantly agrees to prove that she can handle pet ownership. But when Ludwig goes beyond his usual sounds and imitations to spout numbers and words that seem way too complex for a parrot, Arden wonders if there's more to this bird than meets the eye. As they get to know each other, Arden realizes Ludwig is not only super smart, he's also fiercely loyal, helping her with everything from her school presentation to her bully problems, and her pursuit of a spot on the Science Bowl team. Ludwig may not be the pet Arden wanted, but he might turn out to be exactly the pet she needed.

Genres: Middle Grade

192 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

About the author

Joanne Levy’s love of books began at a very early age. Being the youngest and the only female among four children, and the daughter to voracious readers, she was often left to her own devices and could frequently be found sitting in a quiet corner with her nose in a book.

A survivor of the corporate world, Joanne now works from home, supporting other authors and creating the friends she wishes she had when she was a kid.

She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, two mischievous cats, a mean African Grey parrot and a sweet but not-so-smart dog. When she’s not busy writing or assisting, she enjoys reading (obviously), needle-felting with wool (Google it), and taking long walks with her faithful writing companion, Labrador Retriever, Zoe.

About my reviews: I'm an author, so I know what it's like to get a non-stellar review of my book. So, with that in mind, I only review books I really like.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, heartwarming and important middle grade book about the importance of standing up to bullies and the power of believing in the unknown. I absolutely loved this latest from Canadian author Joanne Levy!!

In this story we get to know Arden a Jewish, science loving girl who dreams of having a pet of her own. Unfortunately for her the pet she gets isn't the one she was expecting. When her Uncle Eli goes on a six month trip, Arden is tasked with helping care for his African Grey Parrot, Ludwig.

As Arden and her best friend Cabbage study hard for the upcoming Science Bowl tryouts, Arden also gets to know just how smart Ludwig really is. Arden is also dealing with anxiety and bullying from a classmate at school and it takes the help of her friend Cabbage and Ludwig to help her learn that she can stand up for herself and not let the bullies win.

Highly recommended for anyone experiencing bullying of their own, struggling with anxiety or anyone who just wants to learn more cool facts about birds! While this story takes a bit of liberties with what birds can actually do, the essence of Ludwig is based on the author's real life African Grey parrot, Gabby.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy of this lovely story. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arden has always wanted a pet, but apartment living makes that difficult. She is beyond joy when her Uncle Eli asks her to take care of is African Grey, Ludwig, while is on sabbatical doing research on African Greys.

Arden is in seventh grade and trying out for the Science Bowl team. Her best friend Henri, aka Cabbage, studies with her. She loves science and she loves learning. Ludwig proves a nice balance of putting her science skills to the test while realizing there is something unique about Ludwig.

This wouldn't be a book about middle school if it didn't involve a bully - Marni. I love how Ludwig helps Arden gain confidence in herself and helps her, literally and figuratively, thrwart the bully.

I love the cover and I love the notes in the back on birds and research with African Greys.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle school librarian POV:

This books is ADORABLE! A short and sweet read that addresses bullying and anxiety (with positive representation of how to overcome both) in a kid-friendly way. No, it’s not a super in-depth fantasy, but I don’t believe it is supposed to be to be. So many of my current (2024) middle grade students have no stamina for long/thick reads anymore. I am grateful to this author and publisher for getting this book out there for kids who need those quick reads to boost confidence and motivation.
Is the book going to be a hit for every kid? Maybe not, but I can think of enough kids who can identify with either bullying, anxiety, or science-lovers who would enjoy it and will definitely be placing this in my order list!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bird Brain by Joanne Levy was a super cute book about the real relationships between young girls, especially with animals. In this book, Arden is tasked with taking care of her Uncle Eli's parrot, Ludwig. Soon, Ludwig begins to show signs that he is an extra special bird, and these unsual qualities help Arden to navigate the difficult world of school and dealing with bullies all while studying hard for the Science Bowl.

This book was so special and absolutely adorable. I loved the relationship Arden had with Cabbage and the relationship she formed with Ludwig. I found the interactions she had with her siblings and mom were really genuine and showed the ups and downs of relationships at this age. Arden struggles with her bully, but learns that she isn't alone in her problems and discovers that trusting other people doesn't always end up scary. Cabbage and Ludwig assist Arden and help her grow into the confident girl where her self-worth matches the level of intelligence she possesses. I loved the science theme that remained prevalent throughout this book. Constantly watching Arden use her scientific methods to cope with a variety of different issues and situations was nice, and shows that every child had a specific skill set they can use to get through life.

I would have loved to see a few more interactions between Arden and her siblings because I found all their interactions a great representation of sibling relationships.

I would recommend this book to any child of middle-grade age, or even slightly older, who loves animals or who struggles with issues around school. This book takes very common issues of school-aged children, and combines very common interests of animals in children this age. Throughout this book, there are many heart-warming moments and silly jokes that made the reading experience a fantastic one. This book was a magical journey from start to finish.

I'm so thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with early access to this book!

[Wendy J. Whittingham]

Joanne Levy has done it again!
Ludwig, the unique parrot in this story is a character of a bird. I honestly laughed out loud as some of his antics and it almost made me want to get a parrot.
A great story for anyone being bullied at school, or any reader who happens to love animals and science.
Loved it!

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

I quickly got rather invested in the budding friendship of Ludwig the African Grey and Arden (fabulous name).

I love how Arden uses a scientific mind to help solve her problems and tries to see situations from different points of view of you.

It is a lovely story about friendship, family, and dealing with some not so fun situations (like bullies) that life can throw at you.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird Brain is the story of Arden, who is taking care of her uncles African Grey parrot. As a science lover, she learns diligently about caring for a parrot, and works hard to develop a special relationship with Ludwig.

Whilst this book focuses on Arden and Ludwig, there are several important storyline’s around themes of bullying, friendship, and STEM. As a parrot owner I loved the way the generous insights into how wonderful parrots are as pets, but also the significant responsibility involved.

The bullying in the story was portrayed really insightfully, from highlighting the serious nature of verbal and emotional bullying, the experience of getting help, and the emotional and social effects of the bullying. Finally I fully enjoyed the whimsical aspects of Ludwig’s character. The authors note at the end was an excellent summary of fact versus fiction, and I loved reading about Gabby.

Thank you Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now I know Ludwig the parrot's wings have been clipped, but this didn't seem able to launch off the page, either. The piece establishes all the themes – the heroine being verbally bullied by the queen beyatch at school, her and her best friend wanting to get to represent at all the science fairs going, and her almost annoyance that the pet she's bestowed with is actually six month's rental of an irritating, sharp-beaked African grey. But that's not really done in much of an entertaining manner – and the first night the parrot is established in their dining room ends about a quarter of the way through things.

So I was reluctantly left to seek out other opinions in case of spoilers – yes, I wanted to see what, if anything, might have been worth maintaining my low level of interest. But when it seems to turn into a fantasy of the parrot being the perfect helpmeet for heroine Arden, in all aspects of the plot, it didn't seem to be promising anything interesting either. This could be a wonderful story for a parrot lover of the right age, but it certainly seemed too dry to act as an advert for their possession (and I hate books that only generate pester power for pet purchase, as it is). If you can't engage with the spirit of exploring the wonders of psittaciformes through this, it offers little to redeem itself. A generous two stars.

[Jessica Taskinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bird Brain is a clever, fun middle grade novel. Arden's uncle Eli is a scientist who is going on a trip for 6 months. Since she's always wanted a pet, he asks her to care for his parrot. An accidental misunderstanding leads to a fun, scientific discovery -- which might be slightly convenient but is believable and certainly makes for an interesting story.

The story of Ludwig the parrot is intertwined with Arden's struggle to overcome a situation at school with a bully. As a teacher myself, I appreciate how the situations were handled. The parents, teachers, and school administrators were fair and just -- which I think sets a good tone for how real-life situations should be handled and might give some middle-grade readers the courage to speak out about bullying.

Definitely a great story! It has great depth while still remaining accessible to the target audience. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Orca Book Publishers for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impulse grab at the library => happiness. What a lovely book. Middle school drama, a dash of SF, animal friend, a little family drama => recommendable book.

I particularly like the way the mean girl issue is handled. Sure, the reader who sees themselves in Arden's shoes won't get the same adventure that helps solve that problem, but they can still be inspired to solve it themselves by drawing the same conclusion that Arden does at the end.

And those of us who aren't sure why mean girls' taunts matter so much, Levy makes it more clear:
"... ignoring her wasn't so easy. And words felt like a lot more than simply a bunch of letters put together when Marni hurled them at me like rocks."

But mostly it's a fun story about Ludwig, the smart African Gray parrot, and Arden & her friend Cabbage. Don't skip the back matter (but do wait until the end to read it).

I will consider more by the author.

[BookOfLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

While a bird is not the pet Arden wished for, when her favorite uncle asks her to pet-sit African Grey parrot Ludwig while he's on sabbatical, she can't say no. Uncle Eli is a scientist and he's studying parrot intelligence. Arden soon realizes that Ludwig is actually super smart. She is also super smart, and hoping to get onto the school's Science Bowl team. When bully Marni scares Arden into throwing her try-out, clever and loyal Ludwig finds a way to expose the scheme, using his impressive cognitive and verbal skills. Author Joanne Levy, an African Grey owner herself, has given a slightly fantastical boost to parrot power in this fun and funny middle grade novel. I thoroughly enjoyed Bird Brain!

[Destiny Szafarski · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this middle grade novel was not my favorite, I am admittedly not the target audience. This story introduces us to Arden, who (above all else) wants a pet! She is in luck when her uncle asks her to pet-sit…until she realizes he wants her to pet-sit a bird. She was hoping for a dog, a cat, heck even a hamster! She overcomes her initial disappointment though when she learns that Ludwig the African Grey parrot, is super smart- just like her! With a fantastical twist to this otherwise non-fantasy novel, Ludwig this genius bird helps Arden succeed in school and get past a school bully.

Thank you NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for this ARC!

[Sylvia McNicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love parrots? Turns out the main character Arden is super scared of them and when asked by her beloved uncle to look after Ludwig, the African Grey, she becomes even more terrified.
Still, conquering fear is a great power to cultivate and over the course of Bird Brain, Arden does grow the power. Meanwhile the reader also falls in love with clever Ludwig and, of course, this wonderful story.

[Jennifer Maruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having finished this delightful book I was ready to drive to the pet store to buy an African Gray parrot.! Joanne Levy has made this bird a loveable character whos moves and comments can be easily visualized by the reader. The story is poignant, funny and has a happy ending. Who could want more?

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Lana Button · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun!

[Phil Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably more of a 3.75. Not Joanne's best book, but a cute little story dealing with bullying and the scientific method. A satisfying read.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a book that has an animal on the cover that’s actually part of the story! This was the perfect balance between wonder and conflict. Birds are awesome.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his book. I had no idea what the climax would be. It brought up good points about bullying and doing research. It made me rethink birds as pets.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the science and animal aspects of this book. I disliked the whole bullying story in it.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bird Brain is a story about a young girl who is dealing with an emotional bully at school. The only one that she has confided in is her uncle. When he goes on sabbatical and travels to Africa for research, Arden is asked to take care of his Parrot. She has been begging for a pet, but this is not what she had in mind. As she gets to know the bird she overcomes fear and anxiety and learns that he may be even smarter than anyone thought. Arden, like her uncle is a bit of a science nerd and tries to approach the bird's unusual behavior with scientific study. is is studying to get into the science bowl. Although Levy takes literary license in this respect, it provides a great STEM subplot. The story is heartwarming and thoughtful. I recommend this book for animal lovers, science fans and and for kids dealing with anxiety or bullies.

[Paisley Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, this bird is a lot smarter than people would expect, reason #1, he busted Arden’s bullies, reason #2, he can read and do math equations, and #3, he can speak and understand people!

P.S. African greys are awesome!