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The Secret Language of Birds
From the award-winning author of Song for a Whale comes a poignant and heartwarming tale about a girl who discovers a pair of endangered birds about to lay eggs in the marshes of her summer camp...and the secret plan she hatches to help them.
Nina is used to feeling like the odd one out, both at school and in her large family. But while trying to fit in at summer camp, she discovers something even more two majestic birds have built a nest in the marsh behind an abandoned infirmary. They appear to be whooping cranes, but that’s impossible—Nina is an amateur bird-watcher, and all her resources tell her that those rare birds haven’t nested in Texas for over a hundred years.
When Nina reports the sighting to wildlife officials, more questions arise. Experts track all the endangered birds, but they can’t identify the female bird that Nina found. Who is she, and where did she come from?
With the help of some fellow campers, Nina sets out to discover who the mystery bird really is. As she gets closer to the truth, will she find a flock of her own?
This instant classic from award-winning author Lynne Kelly captures the coming-of-age moment of learning to spread your wings in a way you'll never forget.
Nina is used to feeling like the odd one out, both at school and in her large family. But while trying to fit in at summer camp, she discovers something even more two majestic birds have built a nest in the marsh behind an abandoned infirmary. They appear to be whooping cranes, but that’s impossible—Nina is an amateur bird-watcher, and all her resources tell her that those rare birds haven’t nested in Texas for over a hundred years.
When Nina reports the sighting to wildlife officials, more questions arise. Experts track all the endangered birds, but they can’t identify the female bird that Nina found. Who is she, and where did she come from?
With the help of some fellow campers, Nina sets out to discover who the mystery bird really is. As she gets closer to the truth, will she find a flock of her own?
This instant classic from award-winning author Lynne Kelly captures the coming-of-age moment of learning to spread your wings in a way you'll never forget.
240 pages, Library Binding
First published April 9, 2024
43 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Kelly
4 books410 followersLynne Kelly's career as a sign language interpreter has taken her everywhere from classrooms to hospitals to Alaskan cruises. Today, she lives near Houston, Texas with her adorable dogs, Abigail and Eloise. Her 2019 novel SONG FOR A WHALE, about a deaf girl named Iris who forms an unlikely bond with the “loneliest whale in the world,” has been described as “finely crafted,” “important,” and “uplifting” by reviewers from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. SONG FOR A WHALE received the 2020 Schneider Family Book Award and was named one of the best books of the year by New York Public Library.
Her next novel, THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRDS, will be released in April 2024.
Her next novel, THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRDS, will be released in April 2024.
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April 11, 2024Our first-person POV is Nina, thirteen, a tough year even when a person doesn't feel like the odd one in the middle of a boisterous family and at a boisterous school.
Nina tends to obsess about odd things, or what others consider odd. Her mother, in a desperate attempt to corral all that bursting emotion, manages Nina's life, and sends her to the summer camp run by her aunt, though promising she can return at once if she doesn't like it.
When Nina discovers a Cause in a nest of rare whooping cranes, and some actual friends, the story just soars. I just loved this tale--the heart, the observations, the care about animals. I wish this book had been around when I was an oddball Nina's age.
A must for those middle-school readers in a desperate search for someone like themselves.
Nina tends to obsess about odd things, or what others consider odd. Her mother, in a desperate attempt to corral all that bursting emotion, manages Nina's life, and sends her to the summer camp run by her aunt, though promising she can return at once if she doesn't like it.
When Nina discovers a Cause in a nest of rare whooping cranes, and some actual friends, the story just soars. I just loved this tale--the heart, the observations, the care about animals. I wish this book had been around when I was an oddball Nina's age.
A must for those middle-school readers in a desperate search for someone like themselves.
March 20, 2024
I loved this book!
Nina doesn’t feel like she really fits in anywhere. Not at school, nor with her large family, with whom she sometimes gets literally overlooked. Nina’s great passion is birdwatching, and her enthusiasm for it sometimes gets her in trouble with people who don’t understand when she gets excited. When Nina is offered a chance to spend the summer at her Aunt Audrey’s camp for girls, she jumps at it. Birdwatching to her heart’s content! Her experiences lead her to some wonderful surprises, and also to discoveries about herself and her place in the world…
A must-read for anyone who has ever felt like a “cuckoo chick in the wrong nest”, and wondered if they will ever really fit in, anywhere.
*Loved the shout-out to Buc-ee’s , a haven that any true Texan is familiar with!*
Nina doesn’t feel like she really fits in anywhere. Not at school, nor with her large family, with whom she sometimes gets literally overlooked. Nina’s great passion is birdwatching, and her enthusiasm for it sometimes gets her in trouble with people who don’t understand when she gets excited. When Nina is offered a chance to spend the summer at her Aunt Audrey’s camp for girls, she jumps at it. Birdwatching to her heart’s content! Her experiences lead her to some wonderful surprises, and also to discoveries about herself and her place in the world…
A must-read for anyone who has ever felt like a “cuckoo chick in the wrong nest”, and wondered if they will ever really fit in, anywhere.
*Loved the shout-out to Buc-ee’s , a haven that any true Texan is familiar with!*
January 24, 2024
This is the story of a family which begins with a somewhat unfortunate event, but overall this is a story of their daughter Nina and her Aunt, and the Camp which her Aunt owns. It is the summer that she decides to go to spend her summer at the camp. A summer that changes everything for her, and changes her, as well.
Nina is a bit of a loner, although she has tried to make friends at school, she seems to feel as though she doesn’t really fit in anywhere. She loves nature, especially birds. Her first few days and nights, she begins to get to know some of the girls at camp, but she still doesn’t feel comfortable with them - yet. A few of the older girls make fun of her for her knowledge of birds and label her with a new nickname - Wikipedia. After a while, a few of the girls she’s been getting to know convince her to go with them, a tradition that has been passed down, to go to ‘Josephine’s infirmary’ on the first full moon.
Once there, they check around the building, getting ready to add their names to the wall, when Nina’s flashlight landed on something tall and white outside, and Nina reacts by dropping the flashlight, which has all the girls gasping in reaction. When Nina picks up her flashlight pointing it in the same direction, whatever it was, it was still standing there, and a sharp screech pierced the night.
This is aimed at Middle School readers, but is an enjoyable read for all ages, and while I am not giving any clues as to what follows, the twist it takes is a sweet one, and it begins to give Nina an idea to follow, and so she does, and in many ways, it changes the way she views others, as well as herself.
Pub Date: 09 April 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press
March 12, 2024
It's no secret that after a more intense reading experience I tend to gravitate toward something to clean my literary palate. Award-winning author Lynne Kelly's "The Secret Language of Birds" has been just such an experience, a beautifully told story that warms the heart and captivates the mind with equal vigor.
The story centers around Nina, an oddball of sorts in both her large family and at school. Attempting to sort some things out, she decides to spend part of her Summer at her aunt Audrey's summer camp to the shock and slight dismay of her loving but somewhat detached parents.
Initially intending this to be merely a brief deviation from her Summer routine, Nina finds herself drawn toward a unique group of girls where it would seem she's just a little bit less odd. One night, they follow the camp tradition of heading out to investigate an allegedly haunted infirmary and thus begins a remarkably tender story once she discovers a pair of endangered birds about to lay eggs in the marshes behind the old, abandoned infirmary. Already an amateur birdwatcher herself, Nina suspects they're whooping cranes, though that seems impossible since whooping cranes haven't been seen in these parts for years.
Our story turns into a myriad of wonderful little branches to this literary tree. "The Secret Language of Birds" is part mystery, part coming-of-age, part story about friendship and finding one's place and one's identity.
The characters here are vividly brought to life by Kelly, some before we even truly meet them. One can practically see this precious little camp with doting Audrey, curious campers, protective camp counselors, a haunted infirmary, Miss Odetta, and those wonderful and mysterious birds.
As a reader with disabilities, I even found myself completely enchanted by how intelligently and respectfully Kelly weaves a deaf character into the occasion and deals with the issue of inclusion.
There's so much beauty here that even as the closing pages were winding down I found myself wanting to read it all over again.
"The Secret Language of Birds" is one for the collection, a delightful middle-grade novel with believable characters and a story destined to become a classic. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and can't wait to read it all over again.
The story centers around Nina, an oddball of sorts in both her large family and at school. Attempting to sort some things out, she decides to spend part of her Summer at her aunt Audrey's summer camp to the shock and slight dismay of her loving but somewhat detached parents.
Initially intending this to be merely a brief deviation from her Summer routine, Nina finds herself drawn toward a unique group of girls where it would seem she's just a little bit less odd. One night, they follow the camp tradition of heading out to investigate an allegedly haunted infirmary and thus begins a remarkably tender story once she discovers a pair of endangered birds about to lay eggs in the marshes behind the old, abandoned infirmary. Already an amateur birdwatcher herself, Nina suspects they're whooping cranes, though that seems impossible since whooping cranes haven't been seen in these parts for years.
Our story turns into a myriad of wonderful little branches to this literary tree. "The Secret Language of Birds" is part mystery, part coming-of-age, part story about friendship and finding one's place and one's identity.
The characters here are vividly brought to life by Kelly, some before we even truly meet them. One can practically see this precious little camp with doting Audrey, curious campers, protective camp counselors, a haunted infirmary, Miss Odetta, and those wonderful and mysterious birds.
As a reader with disabilities, I even found myself completely enchanted by how intelligently and respectfully Kelly weaves a deaf character into the occasion and deals with the issue of inclusion.
There's so much beauty here that even as the closing pages were winding down I found myself wanting to read it all over again.
"The Secret Language of Birds" is one for the collection, a delightful middle-grade novel with believable characters and a story destined to become a classic. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and can't wait to read it all over again.
February 3, 2025
Lynne Kelly's novels from this stage in her career all generated buzz for the Newbery awards, so The Secret Language of Birds was, to me, clearly worth a try. Thirteen-year-old Nina dives deep every time she finds a hobby. When she becomes interested in birds, she gobbles up facts on the internet, converting herself into a fly-by-night expert. She has always struggled to fit in with kids, but this summer her aunt Audrey invites Nina to the kids' camp she runs, Camp Bee Holler. It specializes in natural exploration, including birdwatching, so Nina might enjoy it.
Convincing Mom to loosen her white-knuckle grip on Nina takes some doing, but Nina is excited for camp. Her social anxieties ease after meeting her bunkmates: Georgie, Emma, and Ant. Unlike kids at school, these three take her idiosyncrasies in stride. In fact, each of them is a few steps outside the mainstream, so they nickname themselves the "Oddballs". One night, the Oddballs sneak out to a cabin on the camp's periphery where the ghost of a young girl is said to lurk. Visiting the place is secret camp tradition, but Nina spots a tall white bird in the adjacent marsh. She suspects it's an extremely rare whooping crane; has Nina stumbled onto a major find?
If anyone can wrangle online apps and other tech sources to prove the bird's species to conservation authorities, it's Nina. But what if there's more than one whooping crane? What if they're building a nest at Camp Bee Holler? Nina would like to tell the world, but because she found the bird while sneaking out against camp rules, she can't even tell Aunt Audrey. The Oddballs have to secretly collect data on the birds. Can they shield these endangered animals from a world that doesn't always treat them with reverence?
"Some people will never understand it, but I'm okay now with not fitting in. If I don't fit in somewhere, it means that isn't the place for me."
—Audrey, P. 195
The Secret Language of Birds barely misses out on excellence, but I rate it two and a half stars and nearly rounded up. Early on, the story seemed like a modern iteration of Dorthy Canfield Fisher's indispensable Understood Betsy, about a sickly, overprotected girl who realizes the only immunization against life's anxieties is to embrace the race and hope for the best, knowing pain will come. The Secret Language of Birds falters in that respect, stewing over safety concerns that aren't all that serious. It's no wonder Nina is fragile in relationships with other girls, when the messaging she gets is that danger is ever-present. I like the chapters with Iris, which have their own electricity, and the degree of freedom Nina finds at camp with the Oddballs. The Secret Language of Birds isn't a master work, but it's good, and Lynne Kelly is talented.
"See, sometimes you have to get quiet and stop listening to all the noise. Then what's really important will stand out. Good rule for life, too."
—The Secret Language of Birds, P. 82
Convincing Mom to loosen her white-knuckle grip on Nina takes some doing, but Nina is excited for camp. Her social anxieties ease after meeting her bunkmates: Georgie, Emma, and Ant. Unlike kids at school, these three take her idiosyncrasies in stride. In fact, each of them is a few steps outside the mainstream, so they nickname themselves the "Oddballs". One night, the Oddballs sneak out to a cabin on the camp's periphery where the ghost of a young girl is said to lurk. Visiting the place is secret camp tradition, but Nina spots a tall white bird in the adjacent marsh. She suspects it's an extremely rare whooping crane; has Nina stumbled onto a major find?
If anyone can wrangle online apps and other tech sources to prove the bird's species to conservation authorities, it's Nina. But what if there's more than one whooping crane? What if they're building a nest at Camp Bee Holler? Nina would like to tell the world, but because she found the bird while sneaking out against camp rules, she can't even tell Aunt Audrey. The Oddballs have to secretly collect data on the birds. Can they shield these endangered animals from a world that doesn't always treat them with reverence?
"Some people will never understand it, but I'm okay now with not fitting in. If I don't fit in somewhere, it means that isn't the place for me."
—Audrey, P. 195
The Secret Language of Birds barely misses out on excellence, but I rate it two and a half stars and nearly rounded up. Early on, the story seemed like a modern iteration of Dorthy Canfield Fisher's indispensable Understood Betsy, about a sickly, overprotected girl who realizes the only immunization against life's anxieties is to embrace the race and hope for the best, knowing pain will come. The Secret Language of Birds falters in that respect, stewing over safety concerns that aren't all that serious. It's no wonder Nina is fragile in relationships with other girls, when the messaging she gets is that danger is ever-present. I like the chapters with Iris, which have their own electricity, and the degree of freedom Nina finds at camp with the Oddballs. The Secret Language of Birds isn't a master work, but it's good, and Lynne Kelly is talented.
"See, sometimes you have to get quiet and stop listening to all the noise. Then what's really important will stand out. Good rule for life, too."
—The Secret Language of Birds, P. 82
August 12, 2024
Nina is at her aunt's summer camp held in Texas. On a secret visit at night to a "haunted" cabin, Nina discovers a bird that is endangered. She and her oddball group (their own name) decide to ban together and record the bird and its mate.
This is a beautifully told story about nature, friendship and being yourself. I read Song for a Whale (which I loved) and picked this one up when I noticed it is the same author. What I didn't realize is that Nina is a character from Song for a Whale. I wonder if I paid close enough attention to the minor characters this time around in anticipation of the next story.
A quick and lovely read.
This is a beautifully told story about nature, friendship and being yourself. I read Song for a Whale (which I loved) and picked this one up when I noticed it is the same author. What I didn't realize is that Nina is a character from Song for a Whale. I wonder if I paid close enough attention to the minor characters this time around in anticipation of the next story.
A quick and lovely read.
April 4, 2024
I read this second book by Lynne Kelly several years after reading Song for a Whale, and I was pleasantly surprised that she chose to have this protagonist drawn to animals, as well.
Nina, the middle child of five, a bit of an odd duck in her family and at school, accidentally gets left behind at a Buc-ees on a family trip. That incident sparked an interest in birds, and she takes to watching them at home, adding a bird app to her phone to help her identify birds by their songs. Her parents support her interest, ordering a trail cam for the yard so she can see what they do when she’s not around.
As her parents start to plan her summer for her, Nina is encouraged by her older sister to spend time somewhere where she’d fit in more, like at her Aunt Audrey’s summer camp. Nina thinks being outside in nature would be something she’d enjoy and her aunt is thrilled to have her visit.
At camp, Nina slowly makes friends with a group of girls who refer to themselves as the Oddballs, and their welcoming her into their group makes her (and them) feel a little less unusual.
On the night of the first full moon, there's a tradition at camp where the older students get everyone to visit the abandoned and haunted old infirmary. A girl named Josephine died many years before and they claim she haunts it. Outside the cabin, Nina drops her flashlight; she and her friends see something white off in the distance and hear a loud shriek. Ghosts, of course!
Nina wonders about what she saw, leading her back to the cabin in the daylight, where she realizes that whooping cranes are nesting nearby. But cranes don’t live in Texas any longer. With the help of the Oddballs and some equipment, the girls monitor the whooping cranes and their nest daily.
Their observations lead them to dig deeper, reconnecting her with an old "friend" and introducing her to scientists who monitor whooping cranes around the country.
I liked that Nina came into her own with a group of girls who enjoyed each other’s company and that these friends were equally committed to helping her monitor the cranes’ activities. I especially liked that Nina reconnected with Iris, from A Song for a Whale. That connection should make your students want to read that book, too. Different perspectives on their relationship! It would be fun to have a discussion with students after they'd read both books.
This is a sweet coming-of-age story about a kid who feels like she doesn’t fit in. I would recommend it to middle-grade teachers and librarians.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the author for letting me read an early copy. The book comes out next week.
Nina, the middle child of five, a bit of an odd duck in her family and at school, accidentally gets left behind at a Buc-ees on a family trip. That incident sparked an interest in birds, and she takes to watching them at home, adding a bird app to her phone to help her identify birds by their songs. Her parents support her interest, ordering a trail cam for the yard so she can see what they do when she’s not around.
As her parents start to plan her summer for her, Nina is encouraged by her older sister to spend time somewhere where she’d fit in more, like at her Aunt Audrey’s summer camp. Nina thinks being outside in nature would be something she’d enjoy and her aunt is thrilled to have her visit.
At camp, Nina slowly makes friends with a group of girls who refer to themselves as the Oddballs, and their welcoming her into their group makes her (and them) feel a little less unusual.
On the night of the first full moon, there's a tradition at camp where the older students get everyone to visit the abandoned and haunted old infirmary. A girl named Josephine died many years before and they claim she haunts it. Outside the cabin, Nina drops her flashlight; she and her friends see something white off in the distance and hear a loud shriek. Ghosts, of course!
Nina wonders about what she saw, leading her back to the cabin in the daylight, where she realizes that whooping cranes are nesting nearby. But cranes don’t live in Texas any longer. With the help of the Oddballs and some equipment, the girls monitor the whooping cranes and their nest daily.
Their observations lead them to dig deeper, reconnecting her with an old "friend" and introducing her to scientists who monitor whooping cranes around the country.
I liked that Nina came into her own with a group of girls who enjoyed each other’s company and that these friends were equally committed to helping her monitor the cranes’ activities. I especially liked that Nina reconnected with Iris, from A Song for a Whale. That connection should make your students want to read that book, too. Different perspectives on their relationship! It would be fun to have a discussion with students after they'd read both books.
This is a sweet coming-of-age story about a kid who feels like she doesn’t fit in. I would recommend it to middle-grade teachers and librarians.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the author for letting me read an early copy. The book comes out next week.
April 17, 2024
I loved Lynne Kelly’s debut “Song for a Whale” and loved her new book as well. Having Iris cameo in this one was so fun!
Kelly’s writing is easy, flowing, and full of empathy. From the first chapter, my heart was with Nina and I related to her struggles of feeling unseen. As a middle child and kind of socially awkward, I understood her desire to belong but also the ability to be by yourself. Her ‘Oddball’ gang accepted each other’s quirks and they were wonderful friends.
The summer camp setting was really fun and I loved every moment of the camp experiences. I actually would’ve loved a bit more of the girls’ interactions during camp and more than just their experiences with the cranes. The one scene of the girls talking about animal and human nipples and boobs felt a bit weird for a Middle Grade, but I guess girls do talk about that too haha. I also appreciated Aunty Audrey and her choosing a life outside of the expected norm but that matched her personality and values.
I’m not really a bird person, but this story made me appreciate the diversity and nuances of birds! Now I know a lot about whooping cranes! Overall, a sweet story about a girl finding her people and highlighting some birds!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic advance reader copy! All opinions are my own.
Kelly’s writing is easy, flowing, and full of empathy. From the first chapter, my heart was with Nina and I related to her struggles of feeling unseen. As a middle child and kind of socially awkward, I understood her desire to belong but also the ability to be by yourself. Her ‘Oddball’ gang accepted each other’s quirks and they were wonderful friends.
The summer camp setting was really fun and I loved every moment of the camp experiences. I actually would’ve loved a bit more of the girls’ interactions during camp and more than just their experiences with the cranes. The one scene of the girls talking about animal and human nipples and boobs felt a bit weird for a Middle Grade, but I guess girls do talk about that too haha. I also appreciated Aunty Audrey and her choosing a life outside of the expected norm but that matched her personality and values.
I’m not really a bird person, but this story made me appreciate the diversity and nuances of birds! Now I know a lot about whooping cranes! Overall, a sweet story about a girl finding her people and highlighting some birds!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic advance reader copy! All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in while on a plane trip. Nina's character is especially for anyone who has ever felt like the odd duck or the cuckoo chick in another's nest. She is the middle child in a loud and boisterous family, and her tendency to become impassioned about things (especially birds) sometimes gets her into trouble or gets her made fun of. When her older sister suggests that she attend summer camp with her aunt (who is often talked about by her parents with frowns), she takes time to consider and decides she wants to go.
Without getting into the details of the story (you should just read it), she goes to the camp and is immediately welcomed by her aunt Audrey, and later by three girls who call themselves the Oddballs. While she initially struggles with homesickness, when she discovers a rare bird, she is motivated to stay and help them. Throughout the process, she discovers her talents and strengths, and a place where she belongs.
I loved everything about this book. Nina makes mistakes, but she also learns from them. She discovers kinship with other people, and she learns that she doesn't have to be like her family for them to love her and vice versa. While this story is about an "oddball" who finds her place, I also loved how the author included a deaf character with thoughtfulness and compassion. One of the conversations Nina has with this character moved me to tears and made me think the author has experience with the hard-of-hearing community. As an aside, I looked her up after reading the book and learned she has been a special education teacher and now works as a sign language interpreter.
This was a coming-of-age story that was geared to middle school students, but I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to readers of all ages.
I received an advance review copy from Netgalley and the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Without getting into the details of the story (you should just read it), she goes to the camp and is immediately welcomed by her aunt Audrey, and later by three girls who call themselves the Oddballs. While she initially struggles with homesickness, when she discovers a rare bird, she is motivated to stay and help them. Throughout the process, she discovers her talents and strengths, and a place where she belongs.
I loved everything about this book. Nina makes mistakes, but she also learns from them. She discovers kinship with other people, and she learns that she doesn't have to be like her family for them to love her and vice versa. While this story is about an "oddball" who finds her place, I also loved how the author included a deaf character with thoughtfulness and compassion. One of the conversations Nina has with this character moved me to tears and made me think the author has experience with the hard-of-hearing community. As an aside, I looked her up after reading the book and learned she has been a special education teacher and now works as a sign language interpreter.
This was a coming-of-age story that was geared to middle school students, but I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to readers of all ages.
I received an advance review copy from Netgalley and the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2024
The writing was smooth, and Nina had a realistic and great personality. I really liked how Lynne Kelly connected both of her books with the character interactions, even though both of them have their own separate stories. It was really cool learning about whooping cranes as well. Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and messages of the book.
notes-on-unfinished-books
June 25, 2024I read three chapters.
The book is dedicated to the victims of the Uvalde school shooting, which casts an ominous feel over the book. I appreciated the hopeful tone of the opening chapters by contrast. I enjoyed reading about the main character's relationship with birds. It felt unique and I wanted to see where it went.
The book is dedicated to the victims of the Uvalde school shooting, which casts an ominous feel over the book. I appreciated the hopeful tone of the opening chapters by contrast. I enjoyed reading about the main character's relationship with birds. It felt unique and I wanted to see where it went.
March 19, 2024
Nina has a passion for birding. She is the middle child of a large family and often feels ignored and alone. She has trouble making friends at school, stumbling over words and intentions. But birding makes her feel special and in control. When she attends a summer camp run by her Aunt Audrey, she makes an amazing discovery: a pair of whooping cranes have nested in the marsh. Whooping cranes are extremely endangered and haven't nested in Texas for a hundred years. Along with her new camp friends, Nina tracks and researches whooping cranes, eagerly waiting to see the new hatchling.
The characters are a bit flat and Nina's friendship with Iris feels obsessive. But the story is entertaining and informative. Fans of A Song for a Whale will enjoy the connection to Iris's story. Readers who enjoy nature and animal stories will enjoy this one.
The characters are a bit flat and Nina's friendship with Iris feels obsessive. But the story is entertaining and informative. Fans of A Song for a Whale will enjoy the connection to Iris's story. Readers who enjoy nature and animal stories will enjoy this one.
February 29, 2024
I read this book out loud to my eleven-year-old daugher, and we were both wholly invested after the first page. Any book that starts with a Buc-ee's scene is a good one in my opinion. I introduced my daughter to Buc-ees (and Texas) last spring, and she loved being able to relate to the setting. Really, the book just kept getting better and better from there.
Nina is a middle child of a busy, big family. She feels forgotten (with good reason, because she did get left at Buc-ees), and senses a need for a change in her life. When her older sister explains to her the idea of zugunruhe, which is the German word for the way birds feel the need to migrate. Nina decides to give in to her own sense of zugunruhe (such a fun word and concept) and asks if she can spend the summer with her Aunt Audrey at a sleep-away camp in Bee Holler, Texas. At first she intends to stay only a few weeks, but soon she finds a reason to stay: the discovery of two endangered whooping cranes in a nearby marsh.
This book is an incredible coming-of-age story, with heart and excitement. The friendships and characters will make you want to settle in and stay at camp in Bee Holler along with Nina. Although I hadn't read the first of Lynne Kelly's books, Song For a Whale, my daughter had (and she highly recommended it, I just hadn't gotten around to reading it). Her love for Song For A Whale was what led me to this request book and I'm so grateful to have had the experience of reading this one along with her. When the main character of that book, Iris, made an appearance in The Secret Language of Birds, my daughter pulled the book off the shelf and reread it. These are the kinds of books I wish for her--ones that teach her something, make her think, and inspire her to be a better friend and human.
100% highly recommend!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Nina is a middle child of a busy, big family. She feels forgotten (with good reason, because she did get left at Buc-ees), and senses a need for a change in her life. When her older sister explains to her the idea of zugunruhe, which is the German word for the way birds feel the need to migrate. Nina decides to give in to her own sense of zugunruhe (such a fun word and concept) and asks if she can spend the summer with her Aunt Audrey at a sleep-away camp in Bee Holler, Texas. At first she intends to stay only a few weeks, but soon she finds a reason to stay: the discovery of two endangered whooping cranes in a nearby marsh.
This book is an incredible coming-of-age story, with heart and excitement. The friendships and characters will make you want to settle in and stay at camp in Bee Holler along with Nina. Although I hadn't read the first of Lynne Kelly's books, Song For a Whale, my daughter had (and she highly recommended it, I just hadn't gotten around to reading it). Her love for Song For A Whale was what led me to this request book and I'm so grateful to have had the experience of reading this one along with her. When the main character of that book, Iris, made an appearance in The Secret Language of Birds, my daughter pulled the book off the shelf and reread it. These are the kinds of books I wish for her--ones that teach her something, make her think, and inspire her to be a better friend and human.
100% highly recommend!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2024
Something you may not know about me is how much I love middle-grade books. Not only are they often quick reads, but I find them full of hope, incredibly emotional, and with an emphasis on the value of friendship. They offer life lessons that many adults have forgotten. I also find that middle-grade books are remarkable vessels for telling tales about the human condition. I tend to read them when I need to feel hopeful.
The Secret Language of Bird is a sweet coming-of-age story about friendship and finding a place to belong, and if that isn't one of the most relatable struggles, I don't know what is. The story was cute and engaging. I loved the summer camp setting.
If I have any complaints, it was not as emotional as I prefer. However, if you love middle-grade books, especially ones with animals, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Secret Language of Bird is a sweet coming-of-age story about friendship and finding a place to belong, and if that isn't one of the most relatable struggles, I don't know what is. The story was cute and engaging. I loved the summer camp setting.
If I have any complaints, it was not as emotional as I prefer. However, if you love middle-grade books, especially ones with animals, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2024
Hang onto your middle grade hearts. Lynne Kelly’s The Secret of Language of Birds will likely be at the top of your middle grade favorites list. This book is all the things we want a middle grade novel to be: interesting, exciting, relatable and full of characters that we can connect with and root for. Nina goes all in on her hobbies AND her emotions, something to be admired, but that can also get her into a bit of hot water. Her love of bird-watching fills her cup but sometimes makes her feel out of place. But when she heads to her Aunt Audrey’s summer camp, she starts to feel like she can finally belong…with people AND with birds. What started out as a nighttime camp ritual to visit a haunted infirmary ends up being the discovery of a lifetime. This book is for anyone with big emotions, an intense interest and who is trying his or her best to learn in all sorts of ways. I LOVED this book.
April 16, 2024
Nina feels out of place in the world. She has a fascination with birds that no one seems to share, and she can't seem to make any friends. All of this changes when she helps out at her aunt's summer camp. There she and a small group of oddball girls discover a pair of endangered birds about to lay eggs- something they haven't done in the area for 100 years. Nina and her new friends make it their mission to keep the birds a secret and make sure the eggs hatch.
I was drawn to this book because, like Nina, I was obsessed with animals as 13-year-old. And, like Nina, I too would spout out random facts and be met with reactions similar to Nina's peers. Being 13 is not easy, navigating social norms- and whether or not you want to follow them- is not easy. This book does a good job exploring that. I was so happy when Nina found the Oddballs - a group where she can be herself.
I also liked that we see how Nina has grown from Song for a Whale - Lynne Kelly's other book. Nina comes off as insensitive in that book, and this book acknowledges that while also explaining her actions and thoughts. This book expands on Nina's friendship with Iris and gives it hope for a second chance.
The only criticism I have is the pacing and the (lack) consequences to the Oddballs choices. I wanted to get to know Nina's life a bit more and her relationships- both with campers, staff, and her family. And once the Oddballs secret is reviled, I would have liked a longer exploration of their relationship with Aunt Audrey. They deliberately kept information from her, and while their reasoning for why is understandable, I think there could have been a couple more scenes of the girls gaining her trust back.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! It is very clear that Lynne Kelly cares for animals and also the discovery of self and wants to spread that onto young viewers.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn to this book because, like Nina, I was obsessed with animals as 13-year-old. And, like Nina, I too would spout out random facts and be met with reactions similar to Nina's peers. Being 13 is not easy, navigating social norms- and whether or not you want to follow them- is not easy. This book does a good job exploring that. I was so happy when Nina found the Oddballs - a group where she can be herself.
I also liked that we see how Nina has grown from Song for a Whale - Lynne Kelly's other book. Nina comes off as insensitive in that book, and this book acknowledges that while also explaining her actions and thoughts. This book expands on Nina's friendship with Iris and gives it hope for a second chance.
The only criticism I have is the pacing and the (lack) consequences to the Oddballs choices. I wanted to get to know Nina's life a bit more and her relationships- both with campers, staff, and her family. And once the Oddballs secret is reviled, I would have liked a longer exploration of their relationship with Aunt Audrey. They deliberately kept information from her, and while their reasoning for why is understandable, I think there could have been a couple more scenes of the girls gaining her trust back.
Overall, I enjoyed this book! It is very clear that Lynne Kelly cares for animals and also the discovery of self and wants to spread that onto young viewers.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2024
When Nina was learning about fossils, in summer camp, she learned that there were some things that never fossilized. There are some things we don't know about, because nothing remains. This touched her so much, and made her so sad, that the family came up with a saying about being sad “Fossil sad”.
Years later, when her parents want her to go away for the summer, they send her to her eclectic aunt, who owns a summer camp. Her mother says she can come home early, if she must, but she finds “the oddballs” a group of girls who don’t fit in anywhere either.
And it is while she is out exploring one of the abandoned buildings at the camp, with her oddball group, that she discovers a pair of whooping cranes.
WhenI read the description of this book, I couldn’t figure out what the big deal was. Why was everyone giving it five star reviews? But that is because I didn’t realize it was not just that she found the cranes, but that she felt a bonding with them, as well as with Josephine, the girl who was in the now abandoned building, and carved a whooping crane she observed 100 years ago, into the wooden wall.
I loved this book because Nina starts off odd-ball, and remains that way. There is no changing her. The growth is in learning about how to work well with others, as they keep a journal about the cranes. And her Aunt, who is also a bit of an odd ball as well, doesn’t have to change to be who she grew up to be either.
We don't all have to fit in boxes to grow. And neither does Nina. This was a really good book, and I had trouble putting it down.
This book came out in April, but I got it as an ARC, so thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Years later, when her parents want her to go away for the summer, they send her to her eclectic aunt, who owns a summer camp. Her mother says she can come home early, if she must, but she finds “the oddballs” a group of girls who don’t fit in anywhere either.
And it is while she is out exploring one of the abandoned buildings at the camp, with her oddball group, that she discovers a pair of whooping cranes.
WhenI read the description of this book, I couldn’t figure out what the big deal was. Why was everyone giving it five star reviews? But that is because I didn’t realize it was not just that she found the cranes, but that she felt a bonding with them, as well as with Josephine, the girl who was in the now abandoned building, and carved a whooping crane she observed 100 years ago, into the wooden wall.
I loved this book because Nina starts off odd-ball, and remains that way. There is no changing her. The growth is in learning about how to work well with others, as they keep a journal about the cranes. And her Aunt, who is also a bit of an odd ball as well, doesn’t have to change to be who she grew up to be either.
We don't all have to fit in boxes to grow. And neither does Nina. This was a really good book, and I had trouble putting it down.
This book came out in April, but I got it as an ARC, so thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 12, 2024
This is a story about a girl who doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere and her fascination with birds. I still haven't read Song of a Whale, but I know enough about that book to catch the connection.
Nina is a typical middle child who often feels overlooked in her busy family. She loves birds and spends a lot of her time birdwatching. Her mother sends her to the summer camp that her aunt runs, Bee Holler, which is a very cute name for a camp. She feels left out because she's not really a camper but is there to stay with her aunt and help out. She falls in with a group of campers that call themselves the Oddballs, and one night, she makes an amazing discovery - whooping cranes nesting near the camp! Those birds will change everything for Nina.
I love a story about a camp, especially when we get to follow oddball characters. It's a story of friendship, learning how to be a good friend, and falling in love with nature and the outdoors.
If you are a bird enthusiast or a kid who often feels awkward or left out, then this is a book you will likely enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Nina is a typical middle child who often feels overlooked in her busy family. She loves birds and spends a lot of her time birdwatching. Her mother sends her to the summer camp that her aunt runs, Bee Holler, which is a very cute name for a camp. She feels left out because she's not really a camper but is there to stay with her aunt and help out. She falls in with a group of campers that call themselves the Oddballs, and one night, she makes an amazing discovery - whooping cranes nesting near the camp! Those birds will change everything for Nina.
I love a story about a camp, especially when we get to follow oddball characters. It's a story of friendship, learning how to be a good friend, and falling in love with nature and the outdoors.
If you are a bird enthusiast or a kid who often feels awkward or left out, then this is a book you will likely enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
April 17, 2024
A young girl who struggles to fit in anywhere finds passion in bird watching and tries to help a pair of endangered birds she stumbles upon. Reminded me of HOOT and many of Hiaasen’s books in helping animals. Kelly has a great way with words and she knows how to keep the complexities of relationships and emotions at the forefront of her characters motivations. It’s lovely to read a book showing young girls interest in Nature and Sciences.
We get a glimpse at her previous book’s character, Iris, but not in a way which is reliant on having read SONG FOR A WHALE (though if you have - you will enjoy the involvement and added pieces of the story Nina shares)
I adore Kelly’s writing. This was the first book I was actively looking forward to this year and I tore through it. Highly recommend for all ages.
We get a glimpse at her previous book’s character, Iris, but not in a way which is reliant on having read SONG FOR A WHALE (though if you have - you will enjoy the involvement and added pieces of the story Nina shares)
I adore Kelly’s writing. This was the first book I was actively looking forward to this year and I tore through it. Highly recommend for all ages.
May 13, 2024
I love reading YA lit, and this book was a sweet surprise! There are two things I have learned to love since moving to Texas: Buc-ees (iykyk) and birding. This book made me feel like a true Texan because I understood and appreciated all the references about the state and its birds. I also would have loved to read this with MS girls when I was teaching ... Nina's migration from an anxious loner to a steadfast friend is like reading a masterclass in how to make friends and get out of your own head. Loved it!!
June 12, 2025
This was a beautiful book. If you’re looking for a story to sink into with a slower, more intentional pace, then you’ve found it. The setting was so cozy. I read it while listening to the birds outside, which added to the overall feel. This is a great middle grade novel with fantastic character development. Really good book.
July 6, 2024
Fantastic- loved how it seamlessly tied in the protagonist from, Song for a Whale. It made me interested enough to look up more information on Whooping Cranes. Great themes, setting, character development, and pacing. Not sure it is a Newbery contender, but think it will be a popular title for the 10-12 year-old group. Bonus- Terrific book jacket.
June 7, 2024
3.5 stars. Kelly’s book Song for a Whale is one of my top favorites. I was really looking forward to another from Kelly. This is a sweet coming of age story. And I liked Iris being in it.
August 9, 2024
Not enough male characters, but good plot. I liked that there was accurate information about the birds involved.
May 10, 2025
3.5 rounded up. Read aloud with my 7yo. This one was slower moving than Song for a Whale so sometimes kiddo would get distracted and grab a different book. It did pique his interest in summer camp and affirm his interests in birds and nature.
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May 18, 2024Good story for maybe a 6th grader. Story about curious and adventure girls. Lovely reverence for the natural world.
September 9, 2025
summer camp: love
maybe not following all the rules: love
bird watching and inclusive, self-proclaimed "odd balls": LOVE
maybe not following all the rules: love
bird watching and inclusive, self-proclaimed "odd balls": LOVE
October 28, 2024
Lynne Kelly is the best at writing the isolating loneliness of being a weird girl. "The Secret Language of Birds" was a great follow up to "Song For a Whale." It has such great and realistic characters and a wonderful message about how to stay true to yourself while you grow. I also love all the environmental messages in Kelly's stories. Even if this is a middle grade novel, it works for all ages and can help heal an adult's inner child. I can't wait to see what comes next from this author!
Read
May 11, 2024Really enjoyed this! I know exactly the kids I'd give this to, it's so sweet and endearing and I loved learning about birds :)
September 3, 2024
A shy girl follows her passion for bird watching in an inspirational story about connecting with nature and making new friends.
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