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Red-Tailed Rescue #1
Red-Tailed Rescue
The lives of one highly educated red-tailed hawk named Orville and Kate, a 12-year-old girl, intersect one day on South Dakota ranchland. Orville has a slight vision problem due to faulty DNA, and Kate needs a friend. When Orville crash lands into the side of the Flannery’s home, Kate and her parents rescue him and take him to the local vet for treatment.
With Orville’s broken leg nearly healed, he and Kate go fishing. He flies back, carrying the fishing pole in his talons, as part of his physical therapy, while she walks alone across the vast prairie. Only she does not arrive.
Her parents gone for the Labor Day Weekend, leaving a slightly addled grandmother at home, creates a desperate situation for Kate. Orville and his schoolmates with a police dog named Deputy Grace, and the county sheriff’s department must combine forces to find Kate before it’s too late.
With Orville’s broken leg nearly healed, he and Kate go fishing. He flies back, carrying the fishing pole in his talons, as part of his physical therapy, while she walks alone across the vast prairie. Only she does not arrive.
Her parents gone for the Labor Day Weekend, leaving a slightly addled grandmother at home, creates a desperate situation for Kate. Orville and his schoolmates with a police dog named Deputy Grace, and the county sheriff’s department must combine forces to find Kate before it’s too late.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2014
23 people are currently reading
1271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 17, 2014
I received this book from Goodreads.
What a wonderful and heartwarming story!
Red-Tailed Rescue is about the strong friendship between a book-loving South Dakota girl named Kate and an educated and brave red hawk named Orville.
They meet by accident when Orville's eyesight fails him while hunting a rabbit and slams into the side of the house, breaking his leg. Kate and her parents quickly get Orville to the vet too have his leg mended. Orville is brought back to the Fennery house where he is nurtured and cared for by Kate. Thus, begins the charming friendship that will ultimately save Kate's life.
I liked this book for a number of reasons but the most touching to me was how it sucked me back to my childhood. I've never been to South Dakota but the small-town-out-in-the-country-devouring-books-on-a-sunny-day feeling was close to home.
If you grew up without a cellphone attached to your ear and was outside the house more then inside in your childhood, this book you will enjoy.
Not only is this a great story for children of all ages it also is based off of many important life lessons. And, like any book, you can always learn a thing or two that you didn't know before.
What a wonderful and heartwarming story!
Red-Tailed Rescue is about the strong friendship between a book-loving South Dakota girl named Kate and an educated and brave red hawk named Orville.
They meet by accident when Orville's eyesight fails him while hunting a rabbit and slams into the side of the house, breaking his leg. Kate and her parents quickly get Orville to the vet too have his leg mended. Orville is brought back to the Fennery house where he is nurtured and cared for by Kate. Thus, begins the charming friendship that will ultimately save Kate's life.
I liked this book for a number of reasons but the most touching to me was how it sucked me back to my childhood. I've never been to South Dakota but the small-town-out-in-the-country-devouring-books-on-a-sunny-day feeling was close to home.
If you grew up without a cellphone attached to your ear and was outside the house more then inside in your childhood, this book you will enjoy.
Not only is this a great story for children of all ages it also is based off of many important life lessons. And, like any book, you can always learn a thing or two that you didn't know before.
November 30, 2014
I loved this book! Orvi,is just adorable, he is a Red Tailed Hawk,who has an accident, and is rescued by Kate Flannery,and her folks. While Orvi is gaining his strength, he and Kate, become inseparable, she reads to him, and he listens. Orville, has friends, RT,Boyd Higgins,who is in charge,of a flying corps,that Orvie, is part of.
During the Summer, ,Kates parents go away for Labour Day Weekend, leaving her home,with her gramma,Flannery, an relaxing afternoon, fishing,goes terribly wrong,for Kate. So its upto Orville,his friends, a police dog, called Deputy Grace,and the local Sherrif,to come to the rescue,,
This is for everyone, who loves animals, nature,and a great story, full of beautiful descriptive writing, you can not fail,to fall in love with Orville,, It is wonderful, and yes,, it made me cry,, not sad tears,, but the kind you get, when something wonderful has happened, ,
During the Summer, ,Kates parents go away for Labour Day Weekend, leaving her home,with her gramma,Flannery, an relaxing afternoon, fishing,goes terribly wrong,for Kate. So its upto Orville,his friends, a police dog, called Deputy Grace,and the local Sherrif,to come to the rescue,,
This is for everyone, who loves animals, nature,and a great story, full of beautiful descriptive writing, you can not fail,to fall in love with Orville,, It is wonderful, and yes,, it made me cry,, not sad tears,, but the kind you get, when something wonderful has happened, ,
August 29, 2015
I JUST FINISHED THIS BOOK AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO JOHN IRBY FOR SHARING THIS BOOK. I LOVED IT! I WAS NOT EXPECTING IT TO BE THE KIND OF BOOK IT IS, NOT SAYING :) I JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH KATE AND ORVILLE OF COURSE RIGHT AWAY. I LOVE SOME OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS OF THE BOOK AS WELL.
THIS WAS A VERY REFRESHING AND SWEET BOOK. I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WITH A LOVE FOR ANIMALS AND A LITTLE MAGIC IN THEIR HEART.
THIS WAS A VERY REFRESHING AND SWEET BOOK. I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WITH A LOVE FOR ANIMALS AND A LITTLE MAGIC IN THEIR HEART.
December 22, 2014
I received a great copy of this book and now that I've finished it i can say that i loved the book and can say that it was totally worth my time and found it hard to put down.
It's about a girl Kate and a red-tailed hawk Orville who strike up a friendship after he broke his leg in a crash. But when Kate goes missing Orville does everything he can to find and help her.
I loved how this book showed the detailed relationship between them and also how Kate and Orville managed to communicate.
Would definitely recommend people to read this book.
It's about a girl Kate and a red-tailed hawk Orville who strike up a friendship after he broke his leg in a crash. But when Kate goes missing Orville does everything he can to find and help her.
I loved how this book showed the detailed relationship between them and also how Kate and Orville managed to communicate.
Would definitely recommend people to read this book.
November 12, 2014
I love hawks
This book is wonderful! I love Orville and the other hawks. I live in the country and everywhere I go I usually see a hawk flying. They are magnificent birds and this book, though fiction put them in a good light.
This book is wonderful! I love Orville and the other hawks. I live in the country and everywhere I go I usually see a hawk flying. They are magnificent birds and this book, though fiction put them in a good light.
December 17, 2014
I just read the preview for Red-Tailed Rescue (available on Amazon), and I can't wait to read the rest! The first few chapters prove not only that Mr. Irby has a lovely sense of humour and a fine flair for capturing images on the page but also that he knows how to whet a reader's appetite -- I have decided this book will make a great Christmas present, but am pretty sure it will be one of my biggest tests of willpower to keep from reading the rest of it before I give it to the intended recipient! Yes, of course, I know a book will not lose its "freshness" through being read by more than one person, but in this case, the biggest part of the gift for this particular recipient will be allowing her to be the first to discover what happens :^) Once I've read the rest of the book, I will update this review -- so no stars only means I just haven't read it yet. (Perhaps if we are both lucky, St. Nikolaus will bring it to her in her shoe on Dec 6!)
(Update)
THIS BOOK READS LIKE IT IS ALREADY A CLASSIC!
Well, this book earned highest praise from the younger set: "I loved it! It needed to go on and on, forever! It's one of those books that you are sad when it is over, because it was so good." Considering she devoured it as soon as she received it, then loaned it to me to read, but then borrowed it back again to re-read (but then did re-lend it in short order), I can truly attest to her sincere delight with the book.
I heartily concur with her assessment. I loved this story! It is perfect for those long summer days when all you want to do is to laze on your favourite picnic blanket with a thermos of cold lemonade and a great book -- who knows what great adventure would befall you next?
An adventurous girl growing up in South Dakota, Kate would understand that, completely! She is an avid reader who loves the outdoors, too. The adventure in Red-Tailed Rescue begins on just such a book-reading excursion, but soon an unexpected visitor arrives in a somewhat unsettling manner. Kate finds herself helping out a new friend, a red-tailed hawk named Orville. Orville was a star pupil headed for the coveted position of Commended Flyer of the South Dakota Hawk Squadron, but he had a devastating secret: Orville has something different about his eyes that sets him apart from other hawks and that threatens his success with the Squadron.
We revisit hawk flight school alongside Orville in a flashback to his advanced education under the watchful eye of RT Boyd Higgins, Orville's teacher, who is strict and demanding, but fair and caring. Despite his approaching retirement, Higgins continues to work hard in order to prepare his young charges for the demands and dangers of the world. Through his eyes, we see the hopes and frustrations familiar to great teachers everywhere as they seek to cultivate the talents and confidence of a group of students with varying skills. However, Higgins' students are keenly respectful and highly motivated to learn (Interesting to note that young hawks aren't distracted by phones, video games, TVs, computers, and other gadgets as they delve into algebra, physics, flight maneuvers, and the other subjects vital to hawk survival!), and we are treated to an insider's look at the world of hawk education that was hidden to the human world until now.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, so it must suffice to say that I loved how the author truly captured me with his story -- from the moment I began reading, his imagery transported me into Kate and Orville's world, and his easy-to-identify-with characters opened my heart to the lessons the story teaches about the strength of friendship, diversity, and perserverence, and how they can help overcome adversity. All of his characters are warmly written, with a great sense of humour -- I love how the individuality of even the non-main characters shines through in the little things they do: Gramma's rhyming game she and Kate share as well as her stubborn independence; Deputy Grace's loyalty and open-heartedness that doesn't hold a grudge, despite misunderstandings; and Doc Walters' MacGyver tendencies with innovative paperclip uses, just to name a few.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes adventures and animals. While it is a YA book, it will certainly be enjoyed by all ages; although it is a completely original and ingenious story, it shares a certain flavour of the classic animal tales like the Redwall books, the Jungle Book, Watership Down, or The Plague Dogs, with a touch of Chicken Run and My Side of the Mountain thrown in for good measure. This book belongs in the collection of every school and public library!
(Update)
THIS BOOK READS LIKE IT IS ALREADY A CLASSIC!
Well, this book earned highest praise from the younger set: "I loved it! It needed to go on and on, forever! It's one of those books that you are sad when it is over, because it was so good." Considering she devoured it as soon as she received it, then loaned it to me to read, but then borrowed it back again to re-read (but then did re-lend it in short order), I can truly attest to her sincere delight with the book.
I heartily concur with her assessment. I loved this story! It is perfect for those long summer days when all you want to do is to laze on your favourite picnic blanket with a thermos of cold lemonade and a great book -- who knows what great adventure would befall you next?
An adventurous girl growing up in South Dakota, Kate would understand that, completely! She is an avid reader who loves the outdoors, too. The adventure in Red-Tailed Rescue begins on just such a book-reading excursion, but soon an unexpected visitor arrives in a somewhat unsettling manner. Kate finds herself helping out a new friend, a red-tailed hawk named Orville. Orville was a star pupil headed for the coveted position of Commended Flyer of the South Dakota Hawk Squadron, but he had a devastating secret: Orville has something different about his eyes that sets him apart from other hawks and that threatens his success with the Squadron.
We revisit hawk flight school alongside Orville in a flashback to his advanced education under the watchful eye of RT Boyd Higgins, Orville's teacher, who is strict and demanding, but fair and caring. Despite his approaching retirement, Higgins continues to work hard in order to prepare his young charges for the demands and dangers of the world. Through his eyes, we see the hopes and frustrations familiar to great teachers everywhere as they seek to cultivate the talents and confidence of a group of students with varying skills. However, Higgins' students are keenly respectful and highly motivated to learn (Interesting to note that young hawks aren't distracted by phones, video games, TVs, computers, and other gadgets as they delve into algebra, physics, flight maneuvers, and the other subjects vital to hawk survival!), and we are treated to an insider's look at the world of hawk education that was hidden to the human world until now.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, so it must suffice to say that I loved how the author truly captured me with his story -- from the moment I began reading, his imagery transported me into Kate and Orville's world, and his easy-to-identify-with characters opened my heart to the lessons the story teaches about the strength of friendship, diversity, and perserverence, and how they can help overcome adversity. All of his characters are warmly written, with a great sense of humour -- I love how the individuality of even the non-main characters shines through in the little things they do: Gramma's rhyming game she and Kate share as well as her stubborn independence; Deputy Grace's loyalty and open-heartedness that doesn't hold a grudge, despite misunderstandings; and Doc Walters' MacGyver tendencies with innovative paperclip uses, just to name a few.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes adventures and animals. While it is a YA book, it will certainly be enjoyed by all ages; although it is a completely original and ingenious story, it shares a certain flavour of the classic animal tales like the Redwall books, the Jungle Book, Watership Down, or The Plague Dogs, with a touch of Chicken Run and My Side of the Mountain thrown in for good measure. This book belongs in the collection of every school and public library!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 10, 2017Red-Tailed Rescue review
Animal stories. Who can resist them? Especially when young people are engaged. This novel is listed as a YA book, yet in reading it I was overwhelmed by the lovely details which appeal even to me, a senior. I'm a sucker for a great story involving animals of all sorts. And here's one involving birds of prey, no less.
The reader will immediately see that Irby has not offered the normal critter story with syrupy episodes of a four-legged or fang-toothed protagonist (or dual-clawed one). Here we have predatory hawks roaming the countryside of South Dakota and telling us what they see and think, and the inquiring mind of a studious young girl, who befriends one of those hawks when it is injured on the family property. This is a very well written novel. Irby has the talent to create and explain the world he puts us into. Beholding a landscape from the point of view of a wild animal is always intriguing; after all, that's what we all want in wilderness stories using animals.
But Irby does something else: he gives us a picture of red-tailed hawks who use many of the same things humans use. Computers, phones, reading of classic books, understandings of our cultures, communications in our wordscapes. One senior hawk begins his day by looking outside his bedroom past the window curtains. There is a flight school for junior hawks and a graduating process like humans have. You might ask, What? This may throw the occasional reader off, these human accouterments of the hawk world, but it is called anthropomorphism, applying the attributes of human likenesses to animals. It works for me, and it enriches the experience. Those turned off by this can have their bed-knobs and broomstick fantasies. This is critter lore (backed up by a human teen) that I like most. Kudos, John Irby.
August 10, 2016
According to his profile, John Irby is a retired teacher. I'm not at all surprised, because his heartwarming tale is full of educational tidbits. (Once a teacher, always a teacher, right?) He skillfully incorporates information, some of which I'd guess reinforces lessons learned in middle school or thereabouts, and manages to do so in such a seamless way, kids might not even notice.
What they will notice is the imaginative representation of the hawk community... of the caring way they're shown to interact, and how hard they have to study and work to learn how to be effective fliers and hunters. What they will love, I think, is the relationship that develops between an injured hawk and a young girl who rescues and cares for him. Their imagination will soar when that hawk... and other hawks... later try to rescue her.
It's a delightful tale. To tell the truth, I'm not really sure what age group is the target audience for this book, though. I'd guess avid readers from third or fourth grade, possibly, up to about twelve or thirteen. Younger children might also enjoy it as an ongoing bedtime story, but adults should be prepared to answer some questions that might arise about some of the educational material.
Bottom line? Good stuff! It's a wonderful children's story, and I'd give it a strong three and a half to four stars.
What they will notice is the imaginative representation of the hawk community... of the caring way they're shown to interact, and how hard they have to study and work to learn how to be effective fliers and hunters. What they will love, I think, is the relationship that develops between an injured hawk and a young girl who rescues and cares for him. Their imagination will soar when that hawk... and other hawks... later try to rescue her.
It's a delightful tale. To tell the truth, I'm not really sure what age group is the target audience for this book, though. I'd guess avid readers from third or fourth grade, possibly, up to about twelve or thirteen. Younger children might also enjoy it as an ongoing bedtime story, but adults should be prepared to answer some questions that might arise about some of the educational material.
Bottom line? Good stuff! It's a wonderful children's story, and I'd give it a strong three and a half to four stars.
February 11, 2015
This is a story about a young girl who befriends a red-tailed hawk who is injured on her parents property.
Kate is a very intelligent girl who doesn't have many friends. She lives on a farm with her parents and grandmother in South Dakota. She loves to read and spends her free time reading books.
Orville is a red-tailed hawk who also is intelligent and has graduated from Flight School. He has a sight problem and because of that, he is injured at Kate's house. Kate and her grandma help Orville in his recuperation. During a fishing trip, the girl and the hawk separate on the way home. Orville arrives but Kate doesn't. Between Orville's hawk friends and Kate's family and friends, she is found.
I love books like this where there is a good story line, very picturesque writing (I feel I was there)and no magic or strange creatures. I like how Mr. Irby wove Orville's history along side Kate's, and how the humans seem to understand what the birds were thinking--the use of verbal sounds and eyes (not the way some books make the animals actually talk).
I would recommend this book to everyone that loves the outdoors, scenic areas, wildlife and a great story.
Kate is a very intelligent girl who doesn't have many friends. She lives on a farm with her parents and grandmother in South Dakota. She loves to read and spends her free time reading books.
Orville is a red-tailed hawk who also is intelligent and has graduated from Flight School. He has a sight problem and because of that, he is injured at Kate's house. Kate and her grandma help Orville in his recuperation. During a fishing trip, the girl and the hawk separate on the way home. Orville arrives but Kate doesn't. Between Orville's hawk friends and Kate's family and friends, she is found.
I love books like this where there is a good story line, very picturesque writing (I feel I was there)and no magic or strange creatures. I like how Mr. Irby wove Orville's history along side Kate's, and how the humans seem to understand what the birds were thinking--the use of verbal sounds and eyes (not the way some books make the animals actually talk).
I would recommend this book to everyone that loves the outdoors, scenic areas, wildlife and a great story.
February 23, 2015
Mr. Irby has written a great book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It is the story of an “almost thirteen” year old girl, Kate,that lives on a ranch out of town and feels that her previously friendly schoolmates have changed their minds about her and ignore her. It is also the story of Orville, a red tailed hawk whose eyes are rounder than other hawks and his eye sockets are also tilted downward which isn’t normal for a hawk. Orville lives in a society similar to ours and was one of the best flyers in flight school – except he sometimes miscalculated his trajectory to the target and could end up losing his prey. One day he did just that and slammed into a wall of Kate’s house. The result was a broken leg. After his veterinary care (a cast)Kate becomes his nurse and physical therapist and after a while they become very close friends. One day after an adventure to a stream to catch dinner Orville comes home without Kate.
This is a story of friendship, trust and lessons learned. I loved Orville, and Kate’s reactions to his squawking. It is a very enjoyable book to read and then read again at another time.
December 21, 2014
What a truly old fashioned story telling. Give yourself a treat and read this book. Without knowing anything about the storyline Kate was as enjoyable to me as Scout, ironically from "To Kill A Mockingbird." I haven't felt so engulfed by a book n the longest time. There are two stories being told at the same time.
Many adults and Young Adults would enjoy this book. The author is a storyteller that I hope will write many more books.
Many adults and Young Adults would enjoy this book. The author is a storyteller that I hope will write many more books.
April 22, 2015
Really good read. Holds your interest, hard to put down. Great ending. The description brings you right into South Dakota and the river and the well as if you were there yourself. Definitely a book to share with others.
September 23, 2015
Red Tailed Rescue
This was a cool book. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I got into it I liked it. I would recommend it to anyone that likes animals and cares enough about them to help save them and understand them.
This was a cool book. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I got into it I liked it. I would recommend it to anyone that likes animals and cares enough about them to help save them and understand them.
November 21, 2014
I rated it five stares John your welcome.
June 24, 2014
Take time
just take the time
to sit quietly and see nature. e
we all rush around and don't stop to enjoy life. keep r
writing and I'll
be here to enjoy your
stories thanks.
just take the time
to sit quietly and see nature. e
we all rush around and don't stop to enjoy life. keep r
writing and I'll
be here to enjoy your
stories thanks.
January 1, 2016
Red-Tailed Rescue is a wonderful story of a young girl that rescues a hawk names Orville and he in turn rescues her. It is a beautiful story with an animal hero.
Want to read
August 1, 2014A huge thanks to John for sending me the first few chapters. I can't wait to have a good read. I will update and review after
September 26, 2014
FTC disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.
December 19, 2014
thourgly enjoyed this story, i will give this book to my oldest grandaughter to read.thanks for the win
July 20, 2020
I am afraid of birds. So why did I buy this book? Don't get me wrong, I'm very glad I did, but I have no idea what was going through my mind. This is a story about a 12-year-old named Kate and a hawk with genetic problems. This all takes place on a ranch in South Dakota, wide open spaces and solitude. Even though I am still afraid of birds, I think I'm in love with Orville, Annabelle and Higgins. I do not know if a hawk can mate with an owl and have a viable chick, but after reading this story, I sure hope it is possible. I also sympathize with Kate and the bullying she has had to put up with. She is a reader, but she has a very clear idea of what she wants to be when she is of age. This is one of those books that slowly sucks you in, and when you realize that parts of it are impossible, you really don't want to know that. If I ever get to South Dakota, I want to see 35 hawks working to pull a young girl out of a well. I loved the book!
July 19, 2017
This was a wonderfully surprising read, and a greatly creative work by John Irby. Exceedingly well-written. And, a fine education about Red Tailed Hawks. What a creative idea to write this wonderful story, weaving in facts and fantasy, and especially since the story line involved humans as much as the Red Tailed Hawks. It's a story for any age group; it's fun, engaging, and there are philosophical lessons and deep meaning to be extracted by the reader. The editing was perfect, which is so refreshing and rare to find in e-books. This is one to re-read every now and again, and I suspect I'd extract more from it with each read.
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August 8, 2020Orville and Kate
When I came across the cover of the book with the hawk on it, I bought it straight away, even i had a ton of other books in the line, since I love birds. I had to find out what Mr John Irby was writing about the Red-Tailed hawk. Well, writing myself about Condors. I am happy that I did.
I think it's a must read for all bird lovers with interacting with humans. and even of 'speaking' to them.
I would give the book more stares, if it would be possible. Brilliantly written. Easy to read.
All in all, a brilliant book.
I would love to tell you more of the story, but it's best you get it and read it for yourself.
When I came across the cover of the book with the hawk on it, I bought it straight away, even i had a ton of other books in the line, since I love birds. I had to find out what Mr John Irby was writing about the Red-Tailed hawk. Well, writing myself about Condors. I am happy that I did.
I think it's a must read for all bird lovers with interacting with humans. and even of 'speaking' to them.
I would give the book more stares, if it would be possible. Brilliantly written. Easy to read.
All in all, a brilliant book.
I would love to tell you more of the story, but it's best you get it and read it for yourself.
April 27, 2021
When I came across the cover of the book with the hawk on it, I bought it straight away, even i had a ton of other books in the line, since I love birds. I had to find out what Mr John Irby was writing about the Red-Tailed hawk. Well, writing myself about Condors. I am happy that I did.
I think it's a must read for all bird lovers with interacting with humans. and even of 'speaking' to them.
I would give the book more stares, if it would be possible. Brilliantly written. Easy to read.
All in all, a brilliant book.
I would love to tell you more of the story, but it's best you get it and read it for yourself.
I think it's a must read for all bird lovers with interacting with humans. and even of 'speaking' to them.
I would give the book more stares, if it would be possible. Brilliantly written. Easy to read.
All in all, a brilliant book.
I would love to tell you more of the story, but it's best you get it and read it for yourself.
September 5, 2017
Red-Tailed Rescue
An enjoyable light hearted read which pricks your imagination. If only we could communicate with animals in this way I'm sure we would be the richer for it.
An enjoyable light hearted read which pricks your imagination. If only we could communicate with animals in this way I'm sure we would be the richer for it.
June 9, 2020
Loved the description of the personality of the hawk,and the relationship with the girl.
August 11, 2016
This has been my favorite of all the books I have read in 2016. No kidding. Now, I'll tell you why:
1. The hawks were incredible. I loved how developed they were as characters. Somehow, it made perfect sense for the hawks to have their own school and train with military precision for adult hawk life.
2. The humans were interesting and quirky, from Kate the obsessive reader to her grandmother's habit of speaking in rhyming couplets.
3. My favorite part was that the adult humans not only could communicate with the hawks, but accepted that they could communicate with them. This was what really made me smile. The hawks and humans developed lasting friendships during the course of this book.
My final thoughts are that I recommend this book both as a book lover and animal person. Read it. Enjoy it as the highly entertaining work of fiction that it is.
And hey, maybe there really is a flight school for red-tailed hawks somewhere in the Dakotas...
1. The hawks were incredible. I loved how developed they were as characters. Somehow, it made perfect sense for the hawks to have their own school and train with military precision for adult hawk life.
2. The humans were interesting and quirky, from Kate the obsessive reader to her grandmother's habit of speaking in rhyming couplets.
3. My favorite part was that the adult humans not only could communicate with the hawks, but accepted that they could communicate with them. This was what really made me smile. The hawks and humans developed lasting friendships during the course of this book.
My final thoughts are that I recommend this book both as a book lover and animal person. Read it. Enjoy it as the highly entertaining work of fiction that it is.
And hey, maybe there really is a flight school for red-tailed hawks somewhere in the Dakotas...
May 2, 2015
Well written but too flowery
This book was soured by too much fantasy. Hawks with flight schools and ranks?
What could have been a good story was lost in a realm of make believe. The story is too babyish for preteens and too advanced for fourth graders. It didn't wash and I am a Fantasy lover.
I wanted to like this book but couldn't wrap my mind around the sudden changes from real life to fantasy hawk land.
This book was soured by too much fantasy. Hawks with flight schools and ranks?
What could have been a good story was lost in a realm of make believe. The story is too babyish for preteens and too advanced for fourth graders. It didn't wash and I am a Fantasy lover.
I wanted to like this book but couldn't wrap my mind around the sudden changes from real life to fantasy hawk land.
May 12, 2019
I had a preconceived idea of what this tale would be about. Boy, was I wrong! This is a wonderful story from two quite different points of view. One, the human side and second, the hawk side. The author, John Irby, has beautifully captured not just the story of young Kate but also the hero of this book, the Red-Tailed Hawk , Orville.
A truly brilliant story that should bring a smile to even the most hardened non-believer of nature at its best.
A truly brilliant story that should bring a smile to even the most hardened non-believer of nature at its best.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews