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Charlie's Raven
Charlie's beloved grandfather is ill, and Charlie will do anything to save him. He brings home Blue Sky, a lively baby raven, because his Native American friends claim the intelligent birds have powerful medicine. Grandfather, a naturalist, is intrigued and urges Charlie to keep a nature journal about Blue Sky. But caring for—and protecting—a wild creature is a huge responsibility. Charlie's observations teach him wondrous things about ravens—and some surprising lessons about humans. Jean Craighead George proves again why she is one of the most admired children's writers working today.
194 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2006
15 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Jean Craighead George
204 books1,517 followersJean Craighead George wrote over eighty popular books for young adults, including the Newbery Medal-winning Julie of the Wolves and the Newbery Honor book My Side of the Mountain. Most of her books deal with topics related to the environment and the natural world. While she mostly wrote children's fiction, she also wrote at least two guides to cooking with wild foods, and an autobiography, Journey Inward.
The mother of three children, (Twig C. George, Craig, and T. Luke George) Jean George was a grandmother who joyfully read to her grandchildren since the time they were born. Over the years Jean George kept one hundred and seventy-three pets, not including dogs and cats, in her home in Chappaqua, New York. "Most of these wild animals depart in autumn when the sun changes their behaviour and they feel the urge to migrate or go off alone. While they are with us, however, they become characters in my books, articles, and stories."
The mother of three children, (Twig C. George, Craig, and T. Luke George) Jean George was a grandmother who joyfully read to her grandchildren since the time they were born. Over the years Jean George kept one hundred and seventy-three pets, not including dogs and cats, in her home in Chappaqua, New York. "Most of these wild animals depart in autumn when the sun changes their behaviour and they feel the urge to migrate or go off alone. While they are with us, however, they become characters in my books, articles, and stories."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 22, 2020
I wanted to love Julie of the Wolves for obvious reasons, but the story fell flat for me when I read it in 2017.
I was nervous at the beginning of this one, too. The protagonist, Charlie, felt a little underdeveloped to me, and I was worried he'd be another dull character. He is dull, kind of. . . but the raven, Blue Sky, is so dynamic, the story grew and grew and grew, to the point where my girls were shouting at me to finish it.
I feel delighted writing this review. Truly, delighted! I have wanted, so badly, to have a relationship with this crazy naturalist writer, Jean Craighead George. I mean, what's not to love:
But, after her most famous story was a dud for me, I thought we'd never get along.
Apparently while Ms. George was alive, she “consider[ed] the Grand Tetons. . . a second home.” She invested much of her time there, and you don't ever doubt the authenticity of the setting or Charlie's naturalist grandfather.
It's a weird story, set right outside of one of my favorite places, Yellowstone National Park, and even though the characters are a little skimpy, the story is strong.
I say: four stars. My girls say: five.
What we agree on: we're all obsessed with ravens now.
I was nervous at the beginning of this one, too. The protagonist, Charlie, felt a little underdeveloped to me, and I was worried he'd be another dull character. He is dull, kind of. . . but the raven, Blue Sky, is so dynamic, the story grew and grew and grew, to the point where my girls were shouting at me to finish it.
I feel delighted writing this review. Truly, delighted! I have wanted, so badly, to have a relationship with this crazy naturalist writer, Jean Craighead George. I mean, what's not to love:
But, after her most famous story was a dud for me, I thought we'd never get along.
Apparently while Ms. George was alive, she “consider[ed] the Grand Tetons. . . a second home.” She invested much of her time there, and you don't ever doubt the authenticity of the setting or Charlie's naturalist grandfather.
It's a weird story, set right outside of one of my favorite places, Yellowstone National Park, and even though the characters are a little skimpy, the story is strong.
I say: four stars. My girls say: five.
What we agree on: we're all obsessed with ravens now.
September 13, 2019
You might think I've fallen into a slough of despond and am just going for an easy read.
Wrong, although it IS an easy read, Jean Craighead George's books always come loaded for bear.
Charlie is a young (13ish) American Indian boy who spends his summers with his grandparents out in the boonies. His ailing grandfather, a retired naturalist, begins to teach Charlie about ravens when Charlie commits the sin of stealing a hatchling from a nest.
While Grandpa and Charlie are also teaching US about ravens (actually really fascinating), we learn about the ways a contemporary American Indian family manages to blend western life while adhering to the important tribal relationships and rituals..
The story itself is nicely paced, engaging, quite full of clues (to a child) as to how to learn new things (as well as to be a helpful young person in a household), a good rainy-afternoon read as well as a great read-aloud to a sophisticated younger child (or a friend or spouse). And not didactic.
Wrong, although it IS an easy read, Jean Craighead George's books always come loaded for bear.
Charlie is a young (13ish) American Indian boy who spends his summers with his grandparents out in the boonies. His ailing grandfather, a retired naturalist, begins to teach Charlie about ravens when Charlie commits the sin of stealing a hatchling from a nest.
While Grandpa and Charlie are also teaching US about ravens (actually really fascinating), we learn about the ways a contemporary American Indian family manages to blend western life while adhering to the important tribal relationships and rituals..
The story itself is nicely paced, engaging, quite full of clues (to a child) as to how to learn new things (as well as to be a helpful young person in a household), a good rainy-afternoon read as well as a great read-aloud to a sophisticated younger child (or a friend or spouse). And not didactic.
October 26, 2021
I find myself entirely at odds with most other reviewers of this book. To begin with, I found both the story and the characters to be contrived, especially the grandfather and also Charlie's friend Singing Bird. I also found myself questioning the legitimacy of her assumptions about aboriginal culture and traditions and found some of it uncomfortable reading. A quick survey of her other works reinforced those concerns. Perhaps her thinking is just dated; the folks we have mislabeled as "Indians" and "Eskimos" have made a lot of progress toward restoring their damaged heritage over past few years.
I frequently read books aimed at children and young adults and very often find them enjoyable, but this one really did not work for me. I wonder if any other readers share my concerns?
I frequently read books aimed at children and young adults and very often find them enjoyable, but this one really did not work for me. I wonder if any other readers share my concerns?
December 7, 2016
Very touching........
I am 11, and I read it twice. Its so touching!!!!
I love this book for its lesson of endurance and responsibility.
I once took care of a raven. It died, but I know how Charlie feels( not really, but somewhat). Ravens are looked at as evil (as you're going to see in the book),but they aren't. They are smart, cute, and loving.
I love this book!!!☺
I am 11, and I read it twice. Its so touching!!!!
I love this book for its lesson of endurance and responsibility.
I once took care of a raven. It died, but I know how Charlie feels( not really, but somewhat). Ravens are looked at as evil (as you're going to see in the book),but they aren't. They are smart, cute, and loving.
I love this book!!!☺
April 5, 2014
After hearing from a Sioux Indian friend that ravens can cure illnesses, Charlie brings a baby raven home to study with the help of his ailing naturalist grandfather. This is an enjoyable story about the many relationships Charlie has in his life, including the ones he builds with the birds he is studying. While reading this novel I was traveling in California and sat down to lunch one day when a raven flew into the bush next to me. We regarded each other for a long while and it made me appreciate this story even more!
February 6, 2013
At first I was mad at Charlie for taking the baby raven, but I didn't know the full story. This is a delightful story that details the scientific method and the importance of ecology and taking care of nature. I could see children becoming interested in nature and science after reading this book. It makes me want to "write it down" as Blue Sky says to Charlie and his Grandpa. I need to find my perfectly round rock.
November 4, 2024
I loved this book Reading some good old fashion books makes me happy. When I read this I thought oh I want a rave for my birthday but then when I realized that they are distant neighbors I thought well my neighbors might do the same thing i would recommend this book to those who love classic books.
November 11, 2008
Very good book, I loved it. The boy's grandfather is sick and he believes that a raven can cure his grandfather. The boy finds a raven and raises it, but will his grandfather get better? Read this book to find out!
Read
December 22, 2011 I would read it again. Seriously its that good.
January 9, 2013
It was sad but I liked it
April 30, 2015
A slow pace story that also brings tears.
December 12, 2019
“Seeking the perfect, round stone”
This penetrating YA read offers much valuable information about Ravens; its quietly riveting plot line--which emphasizes the delicate interaction between man and bird--will capture your mind, imagination and eventually your heart. Ornithologists will cheer while just ordinary readers will be amazed at the knowledge which is presented within its 190 pages. Another way this fictional story gently educates is offered in the various tales of Teton Sioux Indians—related calmly by a young Native American girl and her family.
Charlie attends school in town (Jackson, WY) but lives for the summers spent on his grandparents’ property in the wilds. There his life meshes with that of Singing Bird and her family who reside in a handmade teepee and share Native American lore with white visitors. But Charlie is privately worried about his Granddad’s health, which is clearly failing. Spurred on by a Sioux tale of how ravens can cure humans, Charlie decides to capture a baby raven, to see if that helps his beloved grandfather. Of course he does not verbalize this fantasy to his parents or grandparents.
Granddad, a former ornithologist, urges Charlie to take scientific notes and observations of the nestling, whom he names Blue Sky. Soon Charlie is busy filling in various columns: GOOD, BAD and later MYSTERIOUS. Sincerely dedicated to taking accurate, unbiased notes Charlie discovers that not all of the raven’s actions fit easily into one of his 3 columns. Even more: Granddad urges him to consider the thesis that ravens actually Help humankind. But as real affection develops between Charlie and Blue Sky, he realizes that their nasty neighbor, Mr. Spinder, is out to kill as many ravens as possible. What motivates such vicious action and raven-hatred? Literary tension builds as we fear that one of our beloved characters will perish. How can Charlie prevent the unthinkable? For readers aged 14 and up. Insightful with the subtle stalking of death....
December 12, 2019
March 8, 2022
Charlie’s grandparents live on their ranch outside of Jackson, near Yellowstone, Charlie was living with them during the summer so he could be of help. His grandad was a retired naturalist who was well respected and known, but was no longer able to travel, hike and continue his nature studies due to age and illness.
Charlie had been told by his Teton Sioux classmate and neighbour, Singing Bird, that ravens could cure. He finally finds a nest and is able to capture a hatchling and bring it back to his grandad. He firmly believes the bird has curative powers.
His grandad tells Charlie that he needs to return it to the nest, as the birds are a protected species. When Charlie points out that his grandad can legally keep the bird for study purposes and Charlie proposes to study the bird and any relation that develops between human and bird contact, Grandad agrees to keeping it. He also gives Charlie the responsibility of taking detailed notes and that he will also need to write a report on the findings.
The book goes on to tell of the relationship between the bird and the relationship that develops between other ravens that live in the area. It is a good read in the style of the writing and the information regarding raven behaviour. Known to be a smart bird with problem solving skills and the ability to communicate, I found it interesting reading. Also learning about some of the Sioux customs and lore added to my enjoyment.
Charlie had been told by his Teton Sioux classmate and neighbour, Singing Bird, that ravens could cure. He finally finds a nest and is able to capture a hatchling and bring it back to his grandad. He firmly believes the bird has curative powers.
His grandad tells Charlie that he needs to return it to the nest, as the birds are a protected species. When Charlie points out that his grandad can legally keep the bird for study purposes and Charlie proposes to study the bird and any relation that develops between human and bird contact, Grandad agrees to keeping it. He also gives Charlie the responsibility of taking detailed notes and that he will also need to write a report on the findings.
The book goes on to tell of the relationship between the bird and the relationship that develops between other ravens that live in the area. It is a good read in the style of the writing and the information regarding raven behaviour. Known to be a smart bird with problem solving skills and the ability to communicate, I found it interesting reading. Also learning about some of the Sioux customs and lore added to my enjoyment.
May 5, 2017
At times the plot and characters became secondary to observations of the raven, but still enjoyable.
Charlie loves spending time at his grandparent's house right up close to the Teton Mountains. He spends all of his summers there, ever since his family moved to town, and soaks up all he can of the natural beauty and wildlife. His grandfather was a scientist and naturalist, but lately his health has deteriorated.
Charlie had heard of the old Native American story that Raven can heal people. He's determined to find a raven to heal his grandfather. He actually finds one, too--a chick he takes from its nest and names Blue Sky. Young Blue Sky is not only smart, he does seem to be helping Granddad regain some strength and vitality.
As he learns about raising a raven, and protecting him from all sorts of danger, Charlie also tries to determine if ravens are good or bad.
* * * * *
Blue Sky is really the star of this book--all the other characters, including Charlie, are supporting players. Not as strongly written as some of her others in that respect. Fascinating and entertaining to observe raven behavior along with Charlie, though, and find out how incredibly smart they are.
I always feel like I've learned something valuable after reading a book by Jean Craighead George.
I blog at: www.ofbooksandblooms.com
Charlie loves spending time at his grandparent's house right up close to the Teton Mountains. He spends all of his summers there, ever since his family moved to town, and soaks up all he can of the natural beauty and wildlife. His grandfather was a scientist and naturalist, but lately his health has deteriorated.
Charlie had heard of the old Native American story that Raven can heal people. He's determined to find a raven to heal his grandfather. He actually finds one, too--a chick he takes from its nest and names Blue Sky. Young Blue Sky is not only smart, he does seem to be helping Granddad regain some strength and vitality.
As he learns about raising a raven, and protecting him from all sorts of danger, Charlie also tries to determine if ravens are good or bad.
* * * * *
Blue Sky is really the star of this book--all the other characters, including Charlie, are supporting players. Not as strongly written as some of her others in that respect. Fascinating and entertaining to observe raven behavior along with Charlie, though, and find out how incredibly smart they are.
I always feel like I've learned something valuable after reading a book by Jean Craighead George.
I blog at: www.ofbooksandblooms.com
December 12, 2020
I think this book was great because at the start it was very interesting like how Charlie takes in Blue Sky the raven and studies him because he wants to know if ravens are good or bad. Then his grandpa has to take orange pills, and Grandpa says "I don't want to eat the pills", so Blue Sky takes them away. In the middle of the book, Blue Sky takes his sister onto their roof, and they call her Pinecone, and they also call their roof "The Raven Daycare." Charlie thinks this is mysterious, so he further goes with his operation, and they find out that Ravens are friends with Mountain Lions, Wolves and Bears. They then find that out by Charlie's friend Singing Bird's story. But once Blue Sky starts calling "KEK KEK KEK KEK KEK," which is the Raven sound for danger. Then they see a mountain lion pounce on Charlie's grandmother, fortunately she survives. At the end Charlie deems Ravens as "Mysterious" because they are unpredictable, and he wraps up the operation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2022
Charlies Raven by Jean Craighead George
Charlies Raven is about a boy who got a raven to try to cure his Granddad. Charlie and his grandfather do research on this raven, Charlie was trying to figure out if this raven would cure his grandfather. Charlie and his grandfather did research on this bird to see if it was supernatural or not. I think this author's style in writing was good. I liked how the author would put what he would write down on the pages. For example, on page 86 the author said “August 5, Charlie wrote. Four more young ravens have joined the center on Grandads roof. They come and go all day. Three now spend the night in that blue spruce that grows near the pump house. That makes them our very own ravens- our residents.” I liked this book and if you are interested in birds and outdoors, I think you would like this book also. I’d give this book a three and a half stars because it wasn’t my favorite.
Charlies Raven is about a boy who got a raven to try to cure his Granddad. Charlie and his grandfather do research on this raven, Charlie was trying to figure out if this raven would cure his grandfather. Charlie and his grandfather did research on this bird to see if it was supernatural or not. I think this author's style in writing was good. I liked how the author would put what he would write down on the pages. For example, on page 86 the author said “August 5, Charlie wrote. Four more young ravens have joined the center on Grandads roof. They come and go all day. Three now spend the night in that blue spruce that grows near the pump house. That makes them our very own ravens- our residents.” I liked this book and if you are interested in birds and outdoors, I think you would like this book also. I’d give this book a three and a half stars because it wasn’t my favorite.
September 18, 2023
This book is about a boy named Charlie, it takes place in Teton range, Wyoming.
The main characters are Charlie, grandad, grandma sally, and a raven called Blue Sky.
The Beginning of the story starts with Charlie at his granddad‘s cabin and Charlie found out there’s a lot of ravens around. So there’s a neighbor named Mr. Spinder, and Mr. Spinder likes to shoot birds like ravens. Charlie then went outside and met a Indian woman named Singing Bird. In the middle of the story, Charlie was invited to a party.
The main characters are Charlie, grandad, grandma sally, and a raven called Blue Sky.
The Beginning of the story starts with Charlie at his granddad‘s cabin and Charlie found out there’s a lot of ravens around. So there’s a neighbor named Mr. Spinder, and Mr. Spinder likes to shoot birds like ravens. Charlie then went outside and met a Indian woman named Singing Bird. In the middle of the story, Charlie was invited to a party.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2018
A Native American storyteller tells a boy a story about raven’s being able to cure sick people and so begin’s Charlie’s journey with Blue Sky. I thought this book did a nice job touching on various aspects of Native American culture and did a good job describing the scientific process that one should use when looking at something objectively. Also, I think you could see the joy found in being a naturalist.
October 30, 2022
When Charlie's grandfather gets sick, he decides he needs to find a baby raven to bring to bring to him to help heal him because of a Native American legend he heard from his friend at school. Although it is only a legend, as Charlie's raven spends more time with his grandpa, he actually does start improving, but having his raven changes Charlie in ways he never could have anticipated.
A sweet story, and I can see why it had been chosen for Battle of the Books.
A sweet story, and I can see why it had been chosen for Battle of the Books.
April 23, 2020
Read this one aloud to my son as part of our quarantine schooling efforts. It was a lovely book. Lots of great things for my 5th grader to think about. Could not make it through the last chapter, I was crying too hard to read.
Some violence, no sex, mild language, themes of animals killing other animals and people hunting and butchering animals.
Some violence, no sex, mild language, themes of animals killing other animals and people hunting and butchering animals.
December 4, 2020
This month I have read Charlies Raven by Jean Craighead George. The setting is at Grandads house. The main characters are Charlie and Grandad. Grandad had a heart attack and is trying to recover because he is really sick. Charlie heard a tale that ravens cure so he found a ravens nest and took a baby and brought it back to Grandad to help cure him. Will he get better? I rate this book a three out of five stars because it was a slower book and I guess now I know that I like action packed books. It still was a good story if you like to go at a slower pace and if you would like to know a little about ravens.
October 30, 2021
After having read Jean Craighead George's "The Talking Earth," I was excited to read another one of her books because I loved it. I started this one and wasn't thrilled with it. The pace was slow. I almost abandoned it, but I'm glad I kept at it. It did become interesting and there were ideas to learn about animal behavior.
April 26, 2024
Charlie adopts (birdnaps?) a baby raven to improve his grandfather's heath because of a native American story told to him by his best friend. The raven, Blue Sky becomes a big part of his life.
The story is fictional but realistic. It is heartwarming at times, but realistically there are also anxious and sad moments.
The story is fictional but realistic. It is heartwarming at times, but realistically there are also anxious and sad moments.
February 5, 2019
Charlie brings home a tiny baby Raven and it changes his life in big amazing way. when Charlie’s grandpa becomes sick Charlie thinks the Raven can fix it can he ? I love this book so much I am gonna read it again for sure, maybe after I am done with the Review :)
June 23, 2021
Ironically, I think I loved this a lot more as an adult than I did the first time I read it. I'm sad that Jean Craighead George didn't resonate with me as a child the way her writing does now. I'd forgotten how emotional this book was. 2nd book recently that's made me cry.
May 22, 2022
This was a somewhat slow moving story, but I loved the naturalist theme. Charlie's excitement for learning more about ravens through observation and interaction was hopefully inspiring to my own boys!
April 3, 2024
Part of my 5th grader’s book club. Definitely learned a lot about ravens, but my group didn’t find the plot compelling. I think there are some good lessons about native cultures and dealing with loss. We had a good time listening to ravens sounds during our discussion.
October 27, 2025
I loved reading this little novel. Although an easy read, it has a lot of depth and the characters are incredible. I think every child who loves nature would love this book. Sad ending, but well worth it.
April 16, 2019
I loved this book! Great story for young and old.
July 3, 2019
Read aloud to my kiddos and we all enjoyed it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews