Uplift

by Jessica Mann, Steve Habersang (illustrator)

When her high mountain wilderness is threatened by humans, a rebellious young bird must teach others how to work together to save their common home. An inspiring, lyrical coming-of-age story with heart and purpose. For teen through adult readers.

Winner of:
- National Indie Excellence Award Winner
- IBPA Silver medal winner
- Readers’ Favorite Bronze medal winner
- NYC Big Book Award winner
- Indies Today runner up award
- Hollywood Book Festival runner up award

Born high in a spruce tree, Columbina and her brothers grow up listening to ancestral tales through long winters and harvesting pine seeds in summer. But Columbina begins to question her clan's traditions and forms bonds with creatures beyond her species. When she uncovers a looming threat from the mysterious Tall Ones, she must decide how far she'll go to protect her world. A richly imaginative novel told through avian eyes, Uplift explores the strength of community, the power of interconnection, and the impact of environmental change. It may just change the way you see birds forever.

With original pen-and-ink illustrations by Steve Habersang

"A remarkable work… a standout novel that deserves to be cherished and shared.” ―IBPA Book Awards

“Poignant, lyrical, and elegantly written… Mann’s story doesn’t just take flight, it soars” —BlueInk Starred review

“Emotionally stirring story with appeal to adults as well as younger readers… Well-crafted universe and characters lift this tale to entertaining heights.”
—Indie Reader “IR Approved” review

"A riveting must-read… A compelling and moving story with an important message." ―Psychology Today

“A beautiful portrait of nature’s cycles… An immersive debut with an environmentally conscious message.” —Publishers Weekly/BookLife

“Exceptionally beautiful and inspiring story… Highly recommended to anyone looking for a heartfelt story.” —Online Book Club 5-stars

"Enchanting and enlightening… Highly recommended read for its captivating narrative and important central message." ―Readers' Favorite 5-stars

“Reading like part ancient myth and part experimental fiction, Uplift is a great read for a cold winter’s night” —The Nature Conservancy

“All creatures have the capacity to do either harm or good is exemplified in this eco conscious novel… An enchanting allegorical story.” —Foreword/Clarion

Profits from the sale of Uplift will be donated to organizations dedicated to protecting birds and nature.

Genres: Contemporary, Nature

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

I’m an award-winning writer and naturalist based in Teton Valley, Idaho and Ojai, CA.

Weaving together emotion, science, and mythology into realistic animal fiction, my unique stories are told from the point of view of animals to let readers ”see” through the eyes of wild birds and animals. The result is both entertaining and inspiring!

As a Master Naturalist, I work to protect wildlife and educate people about the natural world. I had a successful 35-year career in environmental health, where I founded Green Futures Unlimited and taught at the University of California- San Diego.

I am donating profits from the sale of my books to organizations dedicated to protecting birds and nature.

Visit my website (www.jessicamann.org) to learn more about me or the book.

With thanks and gratitude for your support.
-Jessica

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was delightful. I know it was about birds but it was very enjoyable. I couldn't stop reading it because it was a new perspective than I'm used to.

I'm leaving this review voluntarily it was an Arc from NetGalley

[Angie Boyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and insightful
When you read as much as I do, it is really unusual for my reaction to a book to be "Wow! This is different!" I do not believe I have ever read a book where NONE of the characters is human, and not all of them are even animals! This does not keep the reader from relating to them and sympathizing with them as their habitat and lives are threatened by the Tall Ones (humans).
Columbina is a Clark's Nutcracker bird, and the book follows her life from the day of her birth as she uses her egg tooth to break the eggshell to enter the big world. As she grows she makes connections with other nutcrackers, other birds, and even with Albrea, a Whitebark pine. There is even a grizzly bear. The birds depend on Albrea as their source of food, and Albrea in turn depends on the birds to assure she will have offspring when they bury seeds for future meals and forget to return to some of them. The interactions of the various avian characters is charming and gave me great enjoyment. As the book progresses through the encroachments of the Tall Ones, though, the birds' situation became so bad that I said, "No! No! Don't leave me on the down note." Never fear. some promising things happen, and I closed the book with a smile on my face.
I look forward to recommending the book to a wide group of people, ranging from a middle-school-aged neighbor to my group of retired booklovers.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and the author.

[Cynthia Plank · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! ‘Uplift’ takes us to beautiful and fascinating places we can only imagine. Starkly stunning alpine landscapes are described, through the seasons, from the eyes, ears and minds of the creatures that live there. Columbina, a precocious Clark’s Nutcracker befriends Halcyon, a wise and empathetic Kingfisher and the tale that weaves from this unlikely encounter introduces us to a wonderful collection of animals, insects, trees and eventually, human presence, surviving together in a fragile and intricate environment. The personalities of the creatures are completely believable - what it might be like to be a freshly born bird looking up at the world from inside a crowded nest, or flying with your clan from tree to tree in desperate search of food, or trying to figure out what might be the cause of lakes drying up or what is that noisy and smelly thing churning up snow. The story leads to an inevitable confrontation between man and forest creatures and the ending is heartbreaking as well as heartwarming - leaving the reader uplifted and enlightened. Reading this book is pure joy.

[Cat Hutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful from the beginning, the vocabulary in this so-called children’s book is far beyond the average children’s novel. Ideal to read aloud as a bedtime/booktime story, this novel reads melodically and teaches life’s essential toolkit of attitudes: resilience, kindness, respect. Both spiritual and poetic in its nature, Uplift will uplift its readers and listeners, for those too young to read but never too young to hear its soulful message of community and love. Although its subtext (humans:bad) has been done many times before (we all know the famous refrain from ‘Animal Farm’), Uplift, unlike Orwell’s classic, is not a dystopian novel and does not harbor the cold horridness which other moral tales of a similar ilk do. Uplift is a hopeful reflection of humanity’s influence on our own beautiful natural environment; a necessary fable for our present global ecological crises.

[Caitlynn Akin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging tale portraying the circle of life, “Uplift” gives a unique perspective of the tribulations and resilience of nature. The story is written from a bird’s view as it follows a clan of them over the course of a few years. One such young bird plays a leading role in the story as she teaches other creatures in her forest that life is bigger than the individual. Through the young bird’s journey, the author beautifully displays themes of how nature is all interconnected and how one is not simply good or evil, but that one can learn to change in response to life’s lessons.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 2 out of 5]

'Born Free' and 'My Side of the Mountain' were the conservation books of my childhood, and I still remember how they captivated me with their landscapes and characters. I'd place this book in the same category, with rich themes and informative narrative.

But the characters just didn't connect. Mainly, this was due to the head-hopping: constantly shifting points of view always takes me out of a story.

It says important things in a lovely way, but it never managed to compel my interest. I'm also left unsure who the target audience is. The story would be good for MG, but the language and pacing are wrong; there is not enough depth of emotion to capture YA interest; the themes work for adults but they are overly simplified, as if trying to appeal to children.

[Tim Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally captivating and credible story told from the point of view of various bird characters and of a tree . Although not a fan of fantasy and despite a somewhat skeptical start to reading this book I quickly became entranced by the main character in particular.
Jessica has done a wonderful job with this bold and different story , and has succeeded admirably In her goals detailed in the afterword. I eagerly look forward to further offerings from this talented author.

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fable somewhat in the style of Aesop, in which the pedagogical intent is evident but remains an enjoyable read.

Una favola anche un po' sullo stile Esopo in cui l'intento pedagogico é evidente ma resta una lettura piacevole.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The silence of the birds (or An allegory of ecological empathy)

Jessica Mann’s Uplift transforms ecological allegory into a fable of interdependence, tracing the spiritual and environmental awakening of a young Clark’s Nutcracker named Columbina. Mann situates her tale within a rendered mountain ecosystem where instinct, memory, and myth converge. The novel’s apparent simplicity—a bird’s coming-of-age—conceals a layered meditation on survival, curiosity, and the porous boundaries between species. Through Columbina’s defiance of inherited codes and her unholy alliances with creatures such as Halcyon, a boisterous kingfisher, Mann constructs a symbolic microcosm of coexistence in crisis. The prose, deceptively plain yet rhythmically lyrical, evokes the cadences of natural cycles, mirroring the oscillation between destruction and renewal that defines both the wilderness and its inhabitants.

While Uplift is clearly indebted to the allegorical mode, its tone oscillates between pastoral lyricism and philosophical inquiry, avoiding sentimentality through a disciplined attention to ecological realism. The “Tall Ones”—human figures who imperil the birds’ habitat—operate less as villains than as emblems of ambivalent progress, mirroring Columbina’s own moral uncertainty as she grapples with notions of duty, kinship, and agency. Mann’s anthropomorphism is precise rather than ornamental: her animals retain their species-specific logic, while their introspections reveal complex forms of intelligence and emotional nuance. The narrative’s cyclical structure, shaped by the seasons and punctuated by moments of exile, discovery, and return, extends its ethical reach beyond plot, suggesting that growth—individual or collective—emerges from dissonance rather than harmony.

What distinguishes Uplift from conventional environmental fiction is its refusal of easy resolution. Mann’s mountain world is both sanctuary and battleground, where coexistence is achieved not through innocence but through recognition of shared fragility. The novel’s final gesture—Columbina’s renewed faith in the possibility of cross-species solidarity—feels less utopian than hard-earned. Through a delicate balance of lyric description, psychological depth, and mythic resonance, Uplift achieves what its title promises: an elevation not only of spirit but of perception. Mann’s accomplishment lies in crafting a narrative that is at once enchanting and unsettling, an eco-philosophical fable that urges readers to reconsider the grammar of empathy that binds all living things.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPLIFT
by Jessica Mann
Genre: Literary Fiction / Eco-Fable
Rating: ★★★★½

Jessica Mann’s Uplift is a luminous, quietly powerful eco-fable that gives voice to the natural world in a way that is intimate and universal. Told from the perspective of Columbina, a young Clark’s Nutcracker, the story transports readers into a mountain wilderness teeming with life, danger, and the fragile balance between survival and change.

Columbina’s journey—from a dutiful fledgling bound by tradition to an independent spirit questioning her clan’s rigid rules—forms the tone of the novel. Along the way, she’s joined by a quick-witted kingfisher, a restless hummingbird, and a contemplative dragonfly. Together, they face a crisis as drought and human interference threaten the home that sustains them all.

Mann’s prose is lyrical yet precise, rich with natural detail and emotional resonance. Her descriptions shimmer with sensory depth, evoking the pulse of the wild while reflecting on identity, community, and transformation. The story unfolds slowly, offering reflection rather than spectacle, though the final human-nature confrontation feels slightly condensed.

Still, Uplift succeeds beautifully as both a coming-of-age tale and a meditation on coexistence. Mann writes with empathy and restraint, crafting a story that uplifts without preaching and inspires without illusion.

Verdict: A beautifully crafted and thought-provoking debut that soars gracefully and purposefully. Jessica Mann’s Uplift leaves readers looking skyward—hopeful, humbled, and changed.

[Caroline Musyoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplift by Jessica Mann is a creative and thoughtful novel that shows the beauty of nature
through the eyes of a bird called Columbina, a Clark’s Nutcracker. The story is told from
Columbina’s point of view, giving readers a fresh look at the forest and how deforestation affects
it. Mann mixes wonder, realism, and emotion in her writing, exploring ideas like survival,
curiosity, and living together peacefully.

The mountain setting in the book feels full of life, with sounds and movement everywhere. The
animals are described with warmth and intelligence, making them feel real. Mann’s careful
research keeps the birds’ natural behavior accurate, while her storytelling helps readers feel
close to their challenges and victories. Columbina’s friendships with other birds like Halcyon the
kingfisher and Calliope the hummingbird break the usual rules and show how working together
across differences can be powerful.

Instead of blaming humans for harming nature, Mann presents them as complex beings called
the “Tall Ones” whose progress comes with difficult choices. The story ends with hope, as
Columbina’s bravery and kindness bring others together and spark new beginnings.
With its poetic language, deep understanding of nature, and emotional heart, Uplift is a magical
story that honors the connection between all living things. It leaves readers feeling inspired and
more aware of the world around them.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading Uplift this weekend and enjoyed it very much. I think of it as a fable, because the characters are forest animals and plants who teach us important lessons in the course of their adventures. Jessica is a naturalist and the story is supported by accurate descriptions of animal behavior, climate and other natural phenomena. The book's heroine, a young Clark's Nutcracker named Columbina, is highly intelligent; she is able to foresee disastrous events and enlist other creatures to help her avert them. It's unusual to read a book told entirely from the point of view of animals, but I quickly became absorbed by the story, and the animals' unique voices rang true to me. Scientists are learning more every day about the abilities of trees to communicate with each other, altruism and cooperation between animals and many other aspects of nature that were once believed impossible. Jessica uses real science and familiar species to encourage us to work together to address climate change and habitat loss.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplift is a beautifully imagined and emotionally resonant tale that blends mythic storytelling with the urgency of environmental stewardship. Jessica Mann brings readers into the world of Clark’s Nutcrackers with such clarity and tenderness that the boundary between human and nonhuman perspectives seems to dissolve. Columbina is a compelling heroine, intelligent, curious, and courageous beyond her years, whose journey captures both the wonder and the fragility of the wilderness she calls home.

Mann’s writing is rich and lyrical, offering a vivid tapestry of friendship, tradition, and sacrifice. The novel’s exploration of cooperation, interdependence, and the courage to challenge inherited beliefs feels timely and profound. Uplift is more than a wilderness adventure, it is a moving testimony to the power of unity in the face of destruction, and a story that invites readers to reconsider the living world with renewed empathy and awe.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Mann’s Uplift is a touching, entertaining and family friendly novel that invites us into the high mountain wilderness and takes us on an adventure we won’t quickly forget.

Although the cast is mainly animals, Mann humanizes her non-human characters, but manages to keep their animalistic mannerisms- a sign of thorough research and time spent observing her subjects in the wild. For example, although she humanizes Columbina’s family through dialogue and plot details, Mann keeps their mannerisms bird-like (e.g, tilting their heads when interacting with each other).

This may seem small, but to bird watchers, it’s a sign that Mann properly researched her subjects before making characters out of them.

The story is gripping from start to finish. And I found myself rooting for Columbina as she united the forest against a common threat.

[Marina Richie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more novels like Jessica’s that are richly imagined and told from animal and tree perspectives in a wild setting. Columbina the Clark’s Nutcracker stars as a strong female bird character. Albius the ancient whitebark pine speaks in a dreaming way that fits my concept of what an elder and wise tree might think and observe. There’s also a kingfisher named Halcyon (!). Clever plot turns kept me turning the pages. Ultimately, Uplift offers a warning to stop our human-centered actions of destruction at the expense of the living world that sustains all. And like the title, we do feel uplifted by the end to do our part for the other than human world. -- Marina Richie, author, Halcyon Journey, In Search of the Belted Kingfisher, winner of the 2024 John Burroughs medal.

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told from the perspective of Columbina, a curious Nutcracker, detailing the relationship with her family and clan, along with other birds. It is her curiosity which causes her to befriend other birds, such as Calliope the hummingbird and Halcyon the kingfisher, despite her family’s tradition that species don’t mix. This fostering of co-operation spreads, benefiting other birds. It also hints at the destructive nature of human beings, or the tall ones, as they cause fires, pollution and avalanches. Hope is signified at the end with the planting of a seed and the sprouting of a new ancient tree. Despite the slow pace, this book is beautifully written and offers a thought-provoking view of nature and life’s interconnectedness.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplift is a wonderfully imaginative book that gives much respect to the earth and forests. First of all, telling the story from the viewpoint of a Clark Nut Cracker was a stroke of genius. As readers, we become acutely aware of life from their end, and we see the impact of deforestation in ways that we otherwise couldn’t. But Mann also gives life to these characters in a beautiful way. We watch Columbina and her family grow together, and we listen to their folklore and bedtime stories. This attaches us to the characters, making us root for them just as we would root for humans.

Young and old readers alike would love this story. I definitely did.

[Charles Malumba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of a Disney movie with the way it brings animal characters to life. It's vivid and thoroughly researched, with backstories that immerse us in the characters' worlds and real animal experiences brought to life through Jessica Mann's incredible storytelling. From prose to poetry, Mann spared no expense in weaving together a beautiful tale about nature and humanity's impact on it. It was enjoyable from the first page to the last. I can imagine a sequel to this, perhaps from the perspective of a deer or wolf, as their habitats are being encroached on by humanity as well.

Excited to see more from this author.

[Jaidyn Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful story about family and change.

I absolutely loved this book. The descriptions of the forest and the birds and other creatures that live there are vivid and colorful. The prose is beautiful and expertly written. This story of a young female Nutcracker bird will surely leave you smiling, laughing, and crying. In a world where Mother Nature reigns and creatures believe things will never change, one little bird dares to prove them wrong.

[Scovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story about birds and siblings growing together in a bird world from a bird's perspective reminded me of Disney movies.The author wrote this story so well with a gentle storyline; I found it very interesting, and it took me back to my childhood watching movies about birds.I love a good story that is well paced and has a cozy feel; I found myself being curious and really interested.I loved how this book felt nostalgic, and it really had me interested.

[Natalie Liddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. How wonderful to explore from a non human view.
Very clever book. Incredible detail and story telling.
Moments of wonder but also serious too.
I know I will read this again, probably more than once . A very unique but charming read

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from the perspective of birds this is a lovely read. Very unusual but compelling. I really enjoyed it a lot and I'm sure it's one I will re read and get something different from next time. Thanks to the author, NetGalley and publisher for there ARC

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have 0 complaints about this book. I was very excited to combine my love of reading and birds/wilderness together for Columbina’s story!

This quick read had everything. Symbolism, rivalry, diversity, forgiveness, acceptance.. you name it. Would recommend to everyone.

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

I have a new outlook on the journey to save our beloved high needle pines and all the birds they help

[Heather Wilkens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this well-researched and beautiful coming-of-age story. I'll never look at birds (or beavers or bears) in the same way!

[Erin McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy. This is such a positive story told through the eyes of a bird. This book is not only enjoyable to read, but also contains a strong message of friendship, acceptance of others, and the importance of preserving nature.