Scarlet Ibis

by Gill Lewis

Red asks, 'Will we always be together?' 'Always,' I say. 'Just you and me in that little boat, watching the scarlet ibis flying back to the Caroni Swamp.'

Scarlet's used to looking after her brother, Red. He's special - different. Every night she tells him his favourite story - about the day they'll fly far away to the Caroni Swamp in Trinidad, where thousands of birds fill the sky. But when Scarlet and Red are split up and sent to live with different foster families, Scarlet knows she's got to do whatever it takes to get her brother back ...

A wonderfully moving new novel from the author of Sky Hawk and White Dolphin.

Genres: Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Juvenile, Novels, Family

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2014

About the author

Before she could walk, Gill Lewis was discovered force-feeding bread to a sick hedgehog under the rose bushes. Now her stories reflect her passion for wild animals in wild places. She draws inspiration from many of the people she has had the fortune to meet during her work as a vet, both at home and abroad. Gill Lewis has a masters degree in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University and won the 2009 course prize for most promising writer. Her first novel was snapped up for publication within hours of being offered to publishers. She lives in Somerset with her young family and a motley crew of pets. She writes from a shed in the garden, in the company of spiders.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story of a young girl struggling to care for her autistic younger brother and her mother, who sleeps and smokes her way through the days. She tries her hardest to keep the family together, she goes to great lengths to make sure social services do not take them away from their mother. This book is a must read, it will melt your heart reading the lengths she goes to.

[grace🌼 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book was really interesting, and it was emotional, Scarlet wants to fight for her freedom but will she get that freedom?

[Alice Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved this book. The story of a resilient girl who is the primary carer for her Mum and autistic brother, Red, was close to home for me and would be for some other children. It’s such an inspiring read of with a wonderful ending. I love the incorporation of birds and how they can comfort people in the darkest of times and bring families together.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A children’s book worthy of the string of awards it has won. Perfectly crafted. Just beautiful.

Recommended for students Gr 4-Gr 6.

[Amy Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heart-warming story that really shows the strength of the bond between family, no matter where or who you are. Read in 1 sitting, a delight to read. The way Lewis deals with some difficult issues, in such a heart-warming way, made me enjoy this book even more!

[Kevin Keating · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Got it by accident. Read it anyway and found it to be kinda like a beach book. Kept me turning the pages just to hear how the story ends, but the characters got a little annoying.

[Gerda ♡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ļoti izcila grāmata! Neraudāju, bet dažām sirdīm noteikti liks sāpēt! ⭐️
Beigas, protams, pašas labākās🤍🤍🤍

[Christine Biles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scarlet Ibis was, by no surprise, a very enjoyable book to read. I was drawn to this book after reading another of Gill Lewis’ novels, ‘Sky Hawk’. Similarly to her other novels, The Scarlet Ibis includes powerful imagery and description of the setting, characters and emotions surrounding them. The care taken in the description encapsulate the reader in the story making the you feel truly part of their world. The use of language familiar to the age range this novel has been written makes for an easily accessible story. Yes the text includes specific language to the narrative but this language is not so foreign that it upsets the flow of the reading.
I Particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the many different relationships throughout the story. The story is focused around Scarlet and her younger brother Red, due to the inability of their mother to look after them, Scarlet has taken on the role of carer for her younger brother, she understands him like no one else and he relies on her. Their bond is unbreakable and is evident throughout through Scarlets determination to find and be reunited with her brother. Other relationship threads of families and friendships are consistent throughout, centring around the main character and her journey. Thinking about school use this book could be used in KS2 to highlight the difference in family structure and the different challenges that some young people face, the acts of kindness by stranger, and challenging the stereotypes all key aspects of the current PSHE guidelines.
This is a super read one I believe children to gain a great deal from.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all of those young readers who want a tear-jerker, this book has all the feels. Scarlet is a thirteen year old with the weight of her whole family on her shoulders. Her mom is slowly drifting further away into her own world while Scarlet keeps herself occupied as the primary care-giver for her younger brother with asperger's syndrome. Scarlet is completely devoted to her brother Red and their relationship is the heart of the book. When a fire in the apartment threatens to separate the whole family into medical and foster situations the reader feels the anguish of young Scarlet as she tries to keep everyone together.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this out out loud to my daughter. It was a great book to read with a fifth grader. It opened up eyes to understanding foster care, different households, and autism. The main characters name was Scarlet and her brother loves to collect bird feathers. This is just a small detail, but it’s important to them. I would recommend this book for sure.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 word summary: Girl feels completely responsible for autistic brother and depressed mother.

#shortchangedstoryofMadamePopescu #kidsdeservetobekids #penguins

🦔🦔🦔🦔 I've decided this one is well worth my time and yours too.

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Ibis is a wonderful example of how middle-grade/KS2 fiction can be enjoyed by anyone no matter what their age.
12 year old Scarlet doesn't have an easy life. She's never known her dad, her Mum suffers from depression, and her younger brother Red has Asperger's/autism and relies heavily on her tomake the world a safe place for him. Scarlet does this by sindulging Red's passion for birds - telling him stories about the day they'll go to Trinidad and see all the wonderful birds there (especially the Scarlet Ibis), saving her money totake him to the zoo, and helping him collect bird feathers and even care for a baby pigeon who is nesting outside his window. But things with her Mum are getting harder, and after a dangerous accident, Scarlet and Red are taken into care and separated (because of his'special needs'). Scarlet struggles to cope with the sudden changes in her life, her complex feelings towards her Mum, and being separated from Red. No one will tell her where he is, but Scarlet is smart and determined, and won't let anything get in the way of finding Red, even as she begins to see new hope for herself with her foster family.

Scarlet Ibis had everything I love in middle grade fiction- a strong, smart girl protagonist, wonderful secondary characters, relationships which were complex and sometimes difficult but warm and genuine nonetheless, and fantastic description and sense of places.

[Lucy Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet, a 12-year-old girl looks after her mother and younger brother Red. Her mother is severely ill, but not a ‘brave cancer fighter’ as the author describes it, but an illness that the family gets no support for yet many judgments, as result the family is cast aside and seems lonely. Red means the world to Scarlet, they have a special bond. Red is branded with many labels by the social services but Scarlet understands him and helps him thrive. He has a passion for birds and collects feathers as well as looking after a young pigeon chick. His favourite bird is Scarlet Ibis and Scarlet tells him stories of the two of them at Caroni Swamp in a little boat watching thousands of birds in the sky. Scarlet is the only one to understand how important birds are to Red. The beautifully complex character of Red and the relationship with his brave, independent sister drives this gripping thought provoking read.
English:
• Explore the different points of view in the story: Red, Scarlet, the penguin and Madame Popescu.
• Many opportunities to discuss the story deeper, what the characters are feeling, and what was the story that Madame Popescu told that we never find out.
• Newspaper article: “Young boy abducted from Children’s care home.”
Science:
• Birds and migration patterns (could link to Circle by Jeannie Baker)
• Bird names and different plumages, camouflage

[Kerrie Dunn-Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart felt novel about the struggles of young carer, 12 year old, Scarlet. Gill Lewis managed to create such a strong connection to the characters that I found myself being brought to tears more than once during the read. Hugely recommended!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eine berührende Geschichte mit erschreckend realem Hintergrund.

[Kierstenb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story that I liked the most was “The Scarlet Ibis”. I liked this book because, there was a lot of feelings toward Brother and Doodle and it made you feel like you were there with them and you could feel how they were both feeling towards each other, and, there were a lot of situations that you could learn from.
What happened in “The Scarlet Ibis” is, there is this mom, dad, and son that they just called Brother in the story, and, they have another kid and they named him Doodle, but when Doodle was born he was different than anyone else. Doodle was born with a heart condition where his heart was smaller so it made him unable to do something’s that other people could do easily. So, when Doodle was born, everyone thought that he was going to die and that he wouldn’t make it for that long, and Brother did not like Doodle because he wanted a “normal” brother that could do things but he thought Doodle was a disappointment because he couldn’t do those things.
I think that both Brother and Doodle change throughout the story? How did they change throughout the story? Well, in the beginning, Brother did not like Doodle and did not want anything to do with Doodle, but going into the middle of the story, Brother notices that Doodle is actually capable of doing things and he starts hanging out with Doodle more and even teaches him how to walk, and at the end of the story, you can tell that Brother and Doodle have a stronger bond together and Brother enjoys Doodle and doesn’t see him as a disappointment anymore. How Doodle changed wasn’t necessarily personality wise, but physically. Doodle was very weak in the beginning of the story, and he found out that everyone thought he wasn’t going to make it far which made him feel very sad and upset, but, in the middle of the story with the help of Brother, he started becoming more stronger, he learned how to walk and sort of swim. During the ending of the story, he was able to run a little bit more but not much, but Doodle was still able to do more things physically than he could in the beginning. So, Brother’s personality changed more, and, Doodle changed more physically, but together when they got more closer to each other and had each other they both became closer and acted better towards each other. How Brother and Doodle develop the theme is, with them becoming closer with each other and with Brother accepting Doodle for who he is could teach a big lesson. It could teach you that you shouldn’t just down somebody and just put somebody down because they’re “different”, just because they’re different doesn’t mean that they will never be able to do “normal” things, you just have to give them a chance.
So, Brother developed by giving Doodle a chance, by actually helping him out and hanging out with Doodle and accepting him for who he is. How Doodle developed was more physically, he became more stronger as the story went on and enjoyed learning new things and enjoyed being able to do things he thought he could never do before.

[Amy Clausen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When a fire leaves twelve-year-old Scarlet in a different foster home than her autistic little brother, she tracks a bird to find her way back to him in this deeply moving illustrated novel from the author of Moon Bear.
Twelve-year-old Scarlet doesn't have an easy life. She's never known her dad, her mom suffers from depression, and her younger brother Red has Asperger's and relies heavily on her to make the world a safe place for him. Scarlet does this by indulging Red's passion for birds, telling him stories about the day they'll go to Trinidad and see all the wonderful birds there (especially his beloved Scarlet Ibis), saving her money to take him to the zoo, helping him collect bird feathers, and even caring for a baby pigeon who is nesting outside his window.
But things with her mom are getting harder, and after a dangerous accident, Scarlet and Red are taken into foster care and separated. As Scarlet struggles to cope with the sudden changes in her life and her complex feelings towards her mom, the one thing she won't give up on is finding Red. Nothing is going to get in her way--even if it might destroy the new possibilities offered to her by her foster family."

-Narrated by Scarlet, the sister of Red who has Asperger syndrome
-Scarlet and Red are portrayed realistically, though Red is missing for much of the story, after Scarlet and Red are removed from their home (neglect) and Scarlet is placed with a foster family and Red is placed in a group home. In the end, Scarlet’s foster family agrees to also take in Red.
-Red has a unique interest in birds and collects bird feathers, which plays a significant role in the story.
-The main focus of the book appears to be to include a character with a disability whose presence and disability impacts the story.
-Red is White and Scarlet is biracial (Black and White)
-Awards won: Dolly Gray Award, Little Rebels Children’s Book Award
-Children’s Chapter Book; 570L Lexile; Accelerated Reader 3.8

[Paula Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtfully written book. I thoroughly recommend it for teens and adults, but the main focus of the story is the lived experiences of a young carer trying to hold her family together in challenging circumstances. Our 9 year old has just discovered Gill Lewis and is working her way through all of the books by this author, and I am reading them alongside her, although she is a few books ahead of me. She is in the middle of White Dolphin, and I am very pleased that I took the opportunity and skipped ahead and read this one before her. It is a brilliantly written book, and is a heartbreaking experience to read. It includes Gill Lewis’ trademark beautiful descriptions of the natural world, but the descriptions of the experiences of the protagonists are so well done that the fear and the desperation are all too real. I am not ready to shatter the innocence of my children by sharing this book with them at this time. The time will come soon enough when they are mature enough for the experience of reading this book and we will then be able to discuss the themes together.

[Liz Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might have been aimed at junior or early teens but I couldn't put it down . It seemed so human if you know what I mean and I felt upset for the children. Splitting siblings up into foster care causes long term damage although it can be difficult to find platings for 3 or more siblings . The worst thing was not telling Scarlet what was going on and keeping everything a secret . She should have been involved in what was going on and informed and reassured about the plan of care for herself , Red and her mother . The jump at the end of the book to the swamp and seeing the Red Ibis was weird . Were they grown up ? Did their father get in contact ? Did their mother take them ? Did the foster family go on holiday there ? Odd ! What happened to the Bird lady ? In trying to help she got the rough end of the deal and no one showed her any sympathy or care except for Scarlet. The story unfortunately is probably more true to life and that's sad .

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Scarlet Ibis finds herself carer for her mother and younger brother. Her mother is struggling with mental illness, and her brother struggles to fit in and is obsessed with birds and feathers.
Try as she might, Scarlet cannot hold her little family together when a house fire destroys their home. She is separated from her mother and brother and is desperate to find her brother, who she knows needs her.
Children can find themselves in the role of carer for people unable to care for themselves or their children. These young people may hide their roles and responsibilities because they fear that if ‘experts’ find out what’s happening, the family may be split up. They often go unsupported until there is a crisis. It is a great read that provides a window into these children’s lives.
The illustration gives depth to the story's world.
Recommended for all readers aged more than ten years.

[White House Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Scarlet has a whole lot of responsibility. She must make sure she has enough money for food and she must make sure her brother Red is taken care of. Red is very special (he has Asperger’s Syndrome) and has special needs, each month she saves just enough to buy zoo tickets for Red to see his beloved birds.
Scarlet and Red’s Mom is ill and tragedy strike their little family …they lose their home to fire. Scarlet and Red’s world is turned upside down when they are sent to separate foster homes. Will their little family ever be the same? A delightful story about love, trust, friendship, and the need for family. A must read for bird lovers of all ages.

[Joc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it would have gotten 5 stars if the story line had been improved. For one, what happened to all those birds? What did Scarlet think of that forceful taking away? I get that this book is written from her perspective, but surely she would have wanted to know, and would have had her own opinion. What was the point of throwing that into the story? Just to make the ending bittersweet? Life does not have a perfect ending, but that thing contributed nothing whatsoever to the story, and simply did not belong to the story. I feel that the author forced it into the story just as a lot of people had forced Scarlet into various things...

[Rose Siegmund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a tear jerker. I wasn't expecting the Brother to want to kill doodle but as a little kids I guess it's something you could be embaressed about. My god brother also has brain development issues and as a kid it was sometimes embaressing for me how people would treat my brother differently and i just wanted to scream at them to teach him normal. I found it very smart to have the little brother be the narrerator and have him grow up throughout the years. The scarlet ibis maybe was a symbol for doodle and the life that he was blessed with, a beautiful unique one that might end shorter then others.

[Barbara Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet has way too much responsibilities and worries for a girl her age. But life does ask you how many troubles you should have, it just dishes it out, and Scarlet has won the lottery here. Her mother is depressed to the point that she barely functions. Her brother Red is autistic and needs lots of care and supervision. So its up to Scarlet to care for both of them. Together she and bird-obsessed Red dream about their absent father and his homeland of Trinidad.
This is a quick read, a moving, realistic novel, and an award winning book that you should read.

[Serendipity Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 12 years old, Scarlet cares for her autistic brother and severely depressed mother. This tenuous situation leads to her and her brother to foster care, a situation that separates them all and initiates Scarlet's attempt to reunite them. The writing is done from Scarlet's perspective, guiding the reader through an empathetic journey that makes her actions and "acting out" understandable and logical. This unique and much needed perspective is refreshing and a true gift from the author for anyone, especially those with foster children in their lives.

[Zoey Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scarlet Ibis by Gill Lewis was awarded the Dolly Gray Children's award. This book is about a bird who is sick and lands in a 'bleeding tree' with decaying flowers all over it the older brother then begins to recount all the things that happened up until his brothers birth. The strongpoint of this book is the message it gives and how it portrays a sensitive topic through animals rather than people. This book would be helpful to a student who has a sibling with a disability or that has experienced a death in their life.

[Zachary Rhodanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has won the Dolly Gray Award. Scarlet Ibis is a story about how befriending birds can help heal Red, a little boy with complex difficulties. In Scarlet's troubled life only one thing matters and that is keeping her little brother Red safe. But that's easier said than done as Red is hard to manage and Scarlet's mum is no help. Scarlet Ibis is a great book that expresses the power of family love no matter what life throws at them. This book is very realistic and some readers may be able to relate to what Scarlet goes through.

[Cassandra Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award recognizes authors, illustrations, and publishers of high-quality books that portray individuals with disabilities. A story about Scarlet and her younger brother, Red, who has autism. A book about sibling love, fitting in, foster care, and a house fire that will entertain and keep the readers interested. Teachers can have students understand the diversity among students. Everyone is different, and this is a great way to introduce different people and lives.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read anything like this book. This book was unique and exciting and it took me into a world that I never thought I would see. Ever. I never thought I would read a book that could take me into the shoes of a girl who is in foster care and being taken away from her only brother who has different problems like autism. Thank you Gill Lewis for letting me take steps in other peoples (Characters) shoes!

[Jada Somich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this fantastic read from the Dolly Gray Award. Scarlet is 12 years old and takes care of her autistic brother and severely depressed mother. Scarlet and her brother are placed in foster care due to this tenuous situation, which leads to their separation and Scarlet's attempt to reunite them. It is written from Scarlet's perspective, providing an empathetic journey that helps the reader understand and relate to her actions. Everyone, especially those with foster children in their lives, will appreciate the unique and much-needed perspective offered by the author. I think this whole storyline was fantastic. The words, the illustrations, the entire book came together through Scarlet's perspective. Something that interested me was how realistic it was, it shows all the sides of the world that some people might not see in their everyday lives or even imagine. I would use this in my classroom to teach disabilities. I would do an activity to show that people with disabilities are more like us than different than us, just like shown in this book. Within the activity, they can do similarities and differences to get a feel for those themselves, as well.