What do you think?
Rate this book
Uplift
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.
Born in a spruce tree to a proud clan of Clark's Nutcrackers, Columbina and her brothers spend long winter nights in the nest, listening to the elders recite the ancient tales, while in summer they collect the rich seeds of the ancient pines that they depend on for survival.
But Columbina, with her sharp intellect and deep curiosity, begins to question the old ways and traditions of the clan. She befriends others—birds and animals not of her own kind—and learns of the Tall Ones, fearsome creatures from the southland who bring death and destruction. And while her family remains in denial, Columbina realizes the growing peril.
How much is Columbina willing to risk for others? And can she lead them against the danger threatening their common home?
A rich, mythical story told through nonhuman eyes about the bonds of family and the joys of friendship. It may just change the way you see birds forever.
Born in a spruce tree to a proud clan of Clark's Nutcrackers, Columbina and her brothers spend long winter nights in the nest, listening to the elders recite the ancient tales, while in summer they collect the rich seeds of the ancient pines that they depend on for survival.
But Columbina, with her sharp intellect and deep curiosity, begins to question the old ways and traditions of the clan. She befriends others—birds and animals not of her own kind—and learns of the Tall Ones, fearsome creatures from the southland who bring death and destruction. And while her family remains in denial, Columbina realizes the growing peril.
How much is Columbina willing to risk for others? And can she lead them against the danger threatening their common home?
A rich, mythical story told through nonhuman eyes about the bonds of family and the joys of friendship. It may just change the way you see birds forever.
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2024
11 people are currently reading
6128 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Mann
1 book37 followersI’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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 11, 2025
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
I'm leaving this review voluntarily it was an Arc from NetGalley
February 6, 2026
I never thought a narrative from a bird's perspective could leave me enlightened in more ways than one. Columbina, a nutcracker, is a representation of challenging and questioning rules and structures found in our day-to-day lives. It is also a narrative that shows how our actions may affect those around us if we aren’t considerate. Most of all, it is an indication of why nature should be respected and preserved. I loved reading this book, as it holds a different perspective. It reminded me of the animation epic. I highly recommend it.
October 26, 2025
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.
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.
December 1, 2024
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.
October 20, 2025
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.
January 6, 2026
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.
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.
February 6, 2026
UPLIFT presents itself as an earnest, reflective work that leans into themes of growth, resilience, and emotional recalibration. The book’s greatest strength is its sincerity: the prose feels intentional and measured, inviting readers to slow down and sit with the ideas rather than rush toward conclusions. Mann’s voice carries a sense of care that makes the reading experience feel supportive rather than prescriptive, which will likely resonate with readers who appreciate subtlety and emotional intelligence.
That said, the book’s gentler approach may not work for everyone. At times, the pacing feels restrained, and readers looking for sharp narrative turns or highly dramatic momentum may find the experience a bit understated. Some concepts are revisited more than once, which reinforces the message but can feel repetitive for readers who grasp the core ideas quickly. Still, this repetition may be helpful for those who prefer reinforcement and reflection over narrative urgency.
Overall, UPLIFT is best suited for readers who enjoy thoughtful, introspective reading and are open to a quieter kind of impact. It doesn’t aim to dazzle or overwhelm; instead, it offers steady encouragement and space to reflect. It stands as a sincere contribution that prioritises emotional resonance over spectacle, and readers seeking that balance are likely to find it rewarding.
That said, the book’s gentler approach may not work for everyone. At times, the pacing feels restrained, and readers looking for sharp narrative turns or highly dramatic momentum may find the experience a bit understated. Some concepts are revisited more than once, which reinforces the message but can feel repetitive for readers who grasp the core ideas quickly. Still, this repetition may be helpful for those who prefer reinforcement and reflection over narrative urgency.
Overall, UPLIFT is best suited for readers who enjoy thoughtful, introspective reading and are open to a quieter kind of impact. It doesn’t aim to dazzle or overwhelm; instead, it offers steady encouragement and space to reflect. It stands as a sincere contribution that prioritises emotional resonance over spectacle, and readers seeking that balance are likely to find it rewarding.
February 7, 2026
Uplift is an interesting book that talks about how birds live. Columbina who is a nutcracker grows up differently from the other members of her community. She proves to be very curious about the way of life of other birds. Her father who was among the leaders of her clan seem to not appreciate columbina’s curiosity.
The book has really enabled me to see the importance of believing in one’s values as columbina despite her father’s different opinions she still holds her curiosity and love for other species. The book has made me understand that society differences are created by the members as we get to see in the end that the nutcracker become open minded and end up holding a burial for a hummingbird.
I feel a sense of belonging even when considering different in my friend group. I have also gotten the confidence to protect what I believe in and what I admire.
The book has really enabled me to see the importance of believing in one’s values as columbina despite her father’s different opinions she still holds her curiosity and love for other species. The book has made me understand that society differences are created by the members as we get to see in the end that the nutcracker become open minded and end up holding a burial for a hummingbird.
I feel a sense of belonging even when considering different in my friend group. I have also gotten the confidence to protect what I believe in and what I admire.
October 27, 2025
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.
September 3, 2025
'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.
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.
November 19, 2024
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.
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.
December 13, 2024
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.
January 21, 2025
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!
October 20, 2025
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.
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.
February 7, 2026
Some stories argue loudly. Others lower their voice and wait quietly. Uplift belongs to the second kind. It is a quiet book about how life depends on other life. It looks at nature not as a background, but as a living system where every being matters.
The book focuses on Columbina, a Clark’s Nutcracker bird living in the high mountains. She grew up listening to stories about her ancestors and the natural order of the world. She learns that all species depend on each other to survive. These stories give her comfort. They also set limits. Columbina is different from the others. She asks questions. She notices what does not fit. When she hears about forests falling and fewer birds returning, she does not forget. Others choose to.
Her family faced a big problem when humans started moving into their territory. They are destroying the forest and the water. Columbina decides to break old traditions. Instead of only looking out for her own kind, she makes friends with other species. They work together to protect their home.
The book gives a strong message that animals are smart and feel things. Don't take them for granted. It challenges the idea that only humans matter. It shows birds planning, remembering, and fighting for their home. This aligns with the current scientific understanding of bird brains. It pushes back against the idea that nature is just there for people to use.
The writing is clear and easy to read. Short chapters. Simple words. No hard science terms. It suits teens and adults who like nature stories. The book does not explain or lecture. And you do not need a science background to understand its message.
It’s a good book for anyone who cares about nature and wants to see the world from a different perspective. It'll definitely change how the reader looks at forests, birds, and silence.
The book focuses on Columbina, a Clark’s Nutcracker bird living in the high mountains. She grew up listening to stories about her ancestors and the natural order of the world. She learns that all species depend on each other to survive. These stories give her comfort. They also set limits. Columbina is different from the others. She asks questions. She notices what does not fit. When she hears about forests falling and fewer birds returning, she does not forget. Others choose to.
Her family faced a big problem when humans started moving into their territory. They are destroying the forest and the water. Columbina decides to break old traditions. Instead of only looking out for her own kind, she makes friends with other species. They work together to protect their home.
The book gives a strong message that animals are smart and feel things. Don't take them for granted. It challenges the idea that only humans matter. It shows birds planning, remembering, and fighting for their home. This aligns with the current scientific understanding of bird brains. It pushes back against the idea that nature is just there for people to use.
The writing is clear and easy to read. Short chapters. Simple words. No hard science terms. It suits teens and adults who like nature stories. The book does not explain or lecture. And you do not need a science background to understand its message.
It’s a good book for anyone who cares about nature and wants to see the world from a different perspective. It'll definitely change how the reader looks at forests, birds, and silence.
October 9, 2025
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.
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.
October 22, 2025
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.
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.
January 30, 2026
Uplift is a beautifully imagined and emotionally resonant novel that tells its story entirely through avian eyes, and somehow makes that perspective feel both magical and deeply human. Set high in a mountain wilderness, the book follows Columbina, a young bird who begins to question her clan’s traditions and the rigid boundaries between species, just as an unseen threat from the “Tall Ones” begins to close in.
What starts as a gentle coming-of-age story grows into something richer and more meaningful: a meditation on community, cooperation, and the courage it takes to challenge inherited beliefs. Columbina is a compelling and sympathetic protagonist, and her relationships with her brothers and the other forest creatures give the story both warmth and emotional weight.
Mann’s writing is lyrical without being heavy, and the natural world feels vividly alive on every page. The seasonal rhythms of the mountain, the daily rituals of the birds, and the quiet beauty of their shared world are rendered with care and imagination. At the same time, the book never loses sight of its larger themes - environmental responsibility, interconnection, and the idea that survival depends on learning to work together.
Uplift is the kind of story that stays with you after you finish it. Thoughtful, hopeful, and quietly powerful, it’s an enchanting read for teens and adults alike and one that may genuinely change the way you look at the natural world around you.
What starts as a gentle coming-of-age story grows into something richer and more meaningful: a meditation on community, cooperation, and the courage it takes to challenge inherited beliefs. Columbina is a compelling and sympathetic protagonist, and her relationships with her brothers and the other forest creatures give the story both warmth and emotional weight.
Mann’s writing is lyrical without being heavy, and the natural world feels vividly alive on every page. The seasonal rhythms of the mountain, the daily rituals of the birds, and the quiet beauty of their shared world are rendered with care and imagination. At the same time, the book never loses sight of its larger themes - environmental responsibility, interconnection, and the idea that survival depends on learning to work together.
Uplift is the kind of story that stays with you after you finish it. Thoughtful, hopeful, and quietly powerful, it’s an enchanting read for teens and adults alike and one that may genuinely change the way you look at the natural world around you.
February 9, 2026
Uplift, written by Jessica Mann, is a work of eco-fiction that speaks through birds, trees, insects, and water. The protagonist in the book is a bird named Columbina. She is a Clark’s Nutcracker living in the high mountains. Her life is usually about finding seeds and following old family traditions. Everything changes when humans start destroying her forest with machines and noise. Columbina realizes that the old stories aren't enough to save them. She has to team up with other animals to protect their home.
The author is a naturalist and has written the story mostly from the point of view of animals and one old tree. She doesn't make the animals act like humans. They act like real animals with deep emotions. This point of view allows readers to understand a unique world of wild birds and animals.
The book shows how hard it is for a group to change. The parents stick to old stories. They do not want to believe humans are the real problem. Columbina pushes them to see the truth. She makes friends with other birds and insects to save everything she loves.
The book moves slowly as it spends time on feelings and small moments. That can feel quiet if you want fast action. But the slow pace fits the story. It lets you feel the mountain air and the long view of nature. This book is for readers who like nature stories. It is for people who think about how humans fit or do not fit in the wild.
The author is a naturalist and has written the story mostly from the point of view of animals and one old tree. She doesn't make the animals act like humans. They act like real animals with deep emotions. This point of view allows readers to understand a unique world of wild birds and animals.
The book shows how hard it is for a group to change. The parents stick to old stories. They do not want to believe humans are the real problem. Columbina pushes them to see the truth. She makes friends with other birds and insects to save everything she loves.
The book moves slowly as it spends time on feelings and small moments. That can feel quiet if you want fast action. But the slow pace fits the story. It lets you feel the mountain air and the long view of nature. This book is for readers who like nature stories. It is for people who think about how humans fit or do not fit in the wild.
February 5, 2026
Seeing the Forest Through Avian Eyes
UPLIFT tells a gentle but purposeful story through the eyes of a young bird growing up in a high mountain wilderness. Columbina’s world is shaped by tradition, family, and seasonal rhythms, yet she begins to question the limits placed on her and her clan. That curiosity becomes more urgent when she senses a growing threat from the Tall Ones. The opening chapters ease readers into this avian perspective in a way that feels natural and inviting.
As the story unfolds, UPLIFT becomes less about a single character and more about connection. Columbina’s willingness to form bonds beyond her species gives the novel its emotional core. The relationships between birds, and later with other forest creatures, highlight themes of cooperation and shared responsibility. Environmental danger is present throughout, but it is woven into the narrative quietly rather than delivered as a lecture.
What makes UPLIFT especially engaging is its tone. The writing is lyrical without being heavy, and the world feels carefully observed and alive. Though the characters are animals, their struggles with belonging, courage, and change feel familiar. Suitable for teen and adult readers alike, the book offers a thoughtful reminder that survival often depends on listening, adapting, and working together.
UPLIFT tells a gentle but purposeful story through the eyes of a young bird growing up in a high mountain wilderness. Columbina’s world is shaped by tradition, family, and seasonal rhythms, yet she begins to question the limits placed on her and her clan. That curiosity becomes more urgent when she senses a growing threat from the Tall Ones. The opening chapters ease readers into this avian perspective in a way that feels natural and inviting.
As the story unfolds, UPLIFT becomes less about a single character and more about connection. Columbina’s willingness to form bonds beyond her species gives the novel its emotional core. The relationships between birds, and later with other forest creatures, highlight themes of cooperation and shared responsibility. Environmental danger is present throughout, but it is woven into the narrative quietly rather than delivered as a lecture.
What makes UPLIFT especially engaging is its tone. The writing is lyrical without being heavy, and the world feels carefully observed and alive. Though the characters are animals, their struggles with belonging, courage, and change feel familiar. Suitable for teen and adult readers alike, the book offers a thoughtful reminder that survival often depends on listening, adapting, and working together.
February 25, 2026
UPLIFT
Fraxinus and Dinella are exited to welcome their young ones, Columbina being their first. She is amazed by the new world she now finds herself in, her parents being her only familiar source of comfort. She grows, fast, into a bold, adventurous and beautiful little nutcracker. Defying her parents, she explores the world making herself friends of other kinds.
The author masterfully blends fantasy and her knowledge of the winged ones into a captivating narrative. The story is rich in culture, shedding light on various bird species, their habitat and their general way of life. The kingfisher, Halcyon, is an interesting example, misunderstood by other kinds for his boastful nature blinding them of his kind heart and sincerely friendly nature. Columbina, however, was an exeption. The two grew close even to work together to help save the entire ecosystem.
The story explores the theme of family, the nutcrackers cherish their own, working hard together to ensure their clan’s continuity. Sorrow and grief are also woven in the narrative as Calliope is saddened by the loss of his young ones, realising the importance of working together even among those of different kinds. His young ones would probably be with him. This story is captivating and very educational, especially to young ones growing up as it instills good morals.
Fraxinus and Dinella are exited to welcome their young ones, Columbina being their first. She is amazed by the new world she now finds herself in, her parents being her only familiar source of comfort. She grows, fast, into a bold, adventurous and beautiful little nutcracker. Defying her parents, she explores the world making herself friends of other kinds.
The author masterfully blends fantasy and her knowledge of the winged ones into a captivating narrative. The story is rich in culture, shedding light on various bird species, their habitat and their general way of life. The kingfisher, Halcyon, is an interesting example, misunderstood by other kinds for his boastful nature blinding them of his kind heart and sincerely friendly nature. Columbina, however, was an exeption. The two grew close even to work together to help save the entire ecosystem.
The story explores the theme of family, the nutcrackers cherish their own, working hard together to ensure their clan’s continuity. Sorrow and grief are also woven in the narrative as Calliope is saddened by the loss of his young ones, realising the importance of working together even among those of different kinds. His young ones would probably be with him. This story is captivating and very educational, especially to young ones growing up as it instills good morals.
November 5, 2024
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.
February 3, 2026
Uplift was such a pleasant surprise.
There were moments in this book where I was truly gutted and others where I felt the text really resonated with my inner world.
I was really pulled in by the opening lines from the perspective of the tree.
From then on, I kept picking the book back back up for short but consistent reads.
Two quotes that to represent the writing style:
"Suddenly one of the flock spotted a large dragonfly patrolling the shoreline, his body flashing an enticing blue and green in the sunlight."
"And though they honor me for my long life, I honor the for bringing me the gift of the world."
I think this would make for an excellent middle grade/high school book discussion. Great for a library collection. I also would have a book club about it myself.
Themes are very direct. However, there is a plot and healthy dose of character development to pull you through the points the author has intended to make with this story.
Thank you for sharing your work with me!
There were moments in this book where I was truly gutted and others where I felt the text really resonated with my inner world.
I was really pulled in by the opening lines from the perspective of the tree.
From then on, I kept picking the book back back up for short but consistent reads.
Two quotes that to represent the writing style:
"Suddenly one of the flock spotted a large dragonfly patrolling the shoreline, his body flashing an enticing blue and green in the sunlight."
"And though they honor me for my long life, I honor the for bringing me the gift of the world."
I think this would make for an excellent middle grade/high school book discussion. Great for a library collection. I also would have a book club about it myself.
Themes are very direct. However, there is a plot and healthy dose of character development to pull you through the points the author has intended to make with this story.
Thank you for sharing your work with me!
December 11, 2025
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.
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.
February 4, 2026
Uplift feels like an old fireside tale carried into the present on feathered wings. What I admired most is how naturally the world is seen through Columbina’s eyes curious, questioning, a little defiant, yet rooted in the rhythms of family and season.
The story never lectures. The danger of the Tall Ones arrives the way real threats do: slowly, half ignored, wrapped in the comfort of tradition. Columbina’s awakening is gentle rather than heroic, built from small acts of noticing and unlikely friendships with creatures outside her clan.
Mann writes with a patient reverence for the living world. The forests breathe, the pines remember, and even the arguments among birds carry the warmth of recognizable human worry. By the end, I found myself looking at ordinary sparrows and jays with a new, respectful unease.
A quiet, hopeful fable about courage, community, and learning to defend a home we all share.
The story never lectures. The danger of the Tall Ones arrives the way real threats do: slowly, half ignored, wrapped in the comfort of tradition. Columbina’s awakening is gentle rather than heroic, built from small acts of noticing and unlikely friendships with creatures outside her clan.
Mann writes with a patient reverence for the living world. The forests breathe, the pines remember, and even the arguments among birds carry the warmth of recognizable human worry. By the end, I found myself looking at ordinary sparrows and jays with a new, respectful unease.
A quiet, hopeful fable about courage, community, and learning to defend a home we all share.
October 5, 2025
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.
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.
October 30, 2024
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.
October 16, 2025
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.
October 5, 2025
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.
Young and old readers alike would love this story. I definitely did.
October 5, 2025
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.
Excited to see more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews