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Bird in a Box
Otis, Willie, and Hibernia are three children with a lot in they've all lost a loved one, they each have secret dreams, and they won't stop fighting for what they want. And they're also a lot like their hero, famed boxer Joe Louis. Throughout this moving novel, their lives gradually converge to form friendship, family, and love. Their trials and triumphs echo those of Joe Louis, as he fights to become the heavyweight boxing champion.
Andrea Pinkney masterfully weaves in factual information about Joe Louis and actual radio commentary from his fights, enriching the narrative of this uniquely rendered and beautifully written novel.
Andrea Pinkney masterfully weaves in factual information about Joe Louis and actual radio commentary from his fights, enriching the narrative of this uniquely rendered and beautifully written novel.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
35 people are currently reading
1341 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Davis Pinkney
59 books307 followersAndrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Duke Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winner.
Pinkney's newest books include Meet the Obamas and Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride, which has garnered three starred reviews and has been named one of the "Best Books of 2009" by School Library Journal. In 2010, Andrea's book entitled Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down, was published on the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins of 1960.
Her mother is a teacher and her father is a great storyteller, so growing up surrounded by books and stories is what inspired Andrea Davis Pinkney to choose a career as an author. The first official story she remembers writing was in second grade — it was about her family. Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Connecticut. She went to Syracuse University, where she majored in journalism. After college, she followed her dream and worked as an editor for Essence magazine, but after watching her husband, Caldecott Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, illustrate children's books, she decided to switch jobs and became involved in book publishing.
Andrea Davis Pinkney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/andrea-d...
Pinkney's newest books include Meet the Obamas and Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride, which has garnered three starred reviews and has been named one of the "Best Books of 2009" by School Library Journal. In 2010, Andrea's book entitled Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down, was published on the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins of 1960.
Her mother is a teacher and her father is a great storyteller, so growing up surrounded by books and stories is what inspired Andrea Davis Pinkney to choose a career as an author. The first official story she remembers writing was in second grade — it was about her family. Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Connecticut. She went to Syracuse University, where she majored in journalism. After college, she followed her dream and worked as an editor for Essence magazine, but after watching her husband, Caldecott Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, illustrate children's books, she decided to switch jobs and became involved in book publishing.
Andrea Davis Pinkney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/andrea-d...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
February 26, 2011
Set in 1936, at the height of the Great Depression, Bird in the Box is described by the author as "mostly a book about the power of the human spirit, and of how one man's triumph brought glory to so many people." This moving novel weaves together the story of three different children in Elmira, New York: the sassy Hibernia, the daughter of a reverend, whose mama ran away to New York City right after she was born with dreams of being a jazz singer; Willie, who lives with his abusive, drunk father and his suffering mama while he dreams of being a boxer like his idol Joe Louis; and Otis, an orphan whose parents were killed in a tragic accident, and who keeps their memories alive by remembering his father's riddle-jokes. All three children idolize Joe Lewis, the Brown Bomber. As Otis' ma tells him,
"When Joe Louis fights, it's more than just throwing punches, Otis. That boy's fighting for the pride of Negroes. When he loses, every colored man loses a little piece of his own pride."
Andrea Pinkney captures the unique voice of each of the three narrators, whose lives converge at the Mercy home for Negro Orphans, where Willie's mother sends him to escape the abuse of his violent fathers. At Mercy, he becomes friends with Otis, as the two bond over Otis' Philco radio. Hibernia meets the boys while singing with the church choir at a special holiday performance for the orphans. A stray cat the boys name Bird joins their ersatz family, and before you know it, they're all gathered by the radio listening to Joe Louis' championship fight. By using actual transcripts from radio broadcasts of Joe Louis' boxing matches, Pinkney provides an immediacy to her descriptions, as we can feel the excitement of the children listening to the matches on the radio.
This book is filled with appealing characters, from the three children to the supporting cast, from the strict Reverend to the kind Lila, who works at the orphanage. Pinkney skillfully weaves in historical information about Joe Louis, a key figure in African-American history, and as Pinkney describes him in her author's note, "a strong and beautiful symbol of hope." The author's note includes biographical information on Joe Louis, as well as information on her great-grandfather, an amateur boxer in Elmira, New York, who was the model for the character of Willie in this novel.
"When Joe Louis fights, it's more than just throwing punches, Otis. That boy's fighting for the pride of Negroes. When he loses, every colored man loses a little piece of his own pride."
Andrea Pinkney captures the unique voice of each of the three narrators, whose lives converge at the Mercy home for Negro Orphans, where Willie's mother sends him to escape the abuse of his violent fathers. At Mercy, he becomes friends with Otis, as the two bond over Otis' Philco radio. Hibernia meets the boys while singing with the church choir at a special holiday performance for the orphans. A stray cat the boys name Bird joins their ersatz family, and before you know it, they're all gathered by the radio listening to Joe Louis' championship fight. By using actual transcripts from radio broadcasts of Joe Louis' boxing matches, Pinkney provides an immediacy to her descriptions, as we can feel the excitement of the children listening to the matches on the radio.
This book is filled with appealing characters, from the three children to the supporting cast, from the strict Reverend to the kind Lila, who works at the orphanage. Pinkney skillfully weaves in historical information about Joe Louis, a key figure in African-American history, and as Pinkney describes him in her author's note, "a strong and beautiful symbol of hope." The author's note includes biographical information on Joe Louis, as well as information on her great-grandfather, an amateur boxer in Elmira, New York, who was the model for the character of Willie in this novel.
May 3, 2011
While Hibernia is annoying, she has a distinctive voice, in contrast to Otis and Willie, whom I kept mixing up. The voices of Otis and Willie blended together. I knew that one of them had scarred hands and that the other was an actual orphan but I could rarely remember who was who. Furthermore there was no character development, no growth in maturity and Otis was a saint. As it was Otis and Willie had to grow up fast, but then their growth stagnated. I'm not even sure why Hibernia was in the story to be perfectly honest. She wasn't living at the orphanage and I think her character would have been more interesting if she was actually an orphan and set off to pursue her dreams. I wasn't thrilled by the dialogue and descriptions either. Phrases such as "[i]t's as if a mighty hand is yanking the room to its feet." (pg. 253) and "Carmen turns her voice in popcorn blips. I backflip the melody into flatted riffs." (pg. 228) made the book seem like it was trying to hard to be creative with words. I don't even know what a 'flatted riff' is. The flashbacks were stiff and I didn't understand why the story couldn't just start at the beginning instead of a year later, as a teaser it was rather ineffective. Finally the narrative would abruptly end at points and never be revisited such as when *SPOILER, highlight to read*: The boys get the radio back from the bleach man. I refuse to believe the bleach man wouldn't know it was them, so why was no mention made of their punishment?*End spoiler*
Occasionally the creative wording/descriptions worked well such as when Hibernia "put pepper on that tune." (pg. 227). I loved the details about the radio though. I really did get the impression that this was the "Golden Age of Radio" the commentators had personality and it was easy to see through the author's words how the radio programs affected the listeners. The variety of programs was shown ranging from jazz music, to of course, the Joe Louis fights. The other historical tidbits gel quite well with the fictional characters, places and events, there is a real sense of time and place. The illustrations were lovely, simple but expressive. The only character who became fully fleshed out (in my opinion) was Lila, the orphanage worker. She was a doll, tough when needed but always ready to give the children a hug, she has a tough past but doesn't wallow in depression. Although I would like to know why she randomly showed up at Hibernia's church...
Bird in a Box left more questions in my mind than answers except when it came to the importance of radio during the 1930s. Storylines were abruptly ended and the three children had interesting backgrounds but remained flat with no development. I don't much about the 1930s but all the facts seemed to be in order to me, the town of Elmira, New York came to life. A town that was filled with people who wanted to work but couldn't find jobs and yet still mustered up the cheer to DRESS UP (I mean that in the best of ways) for church. Personally, I wish the story had actually taken place in the more exciting New York City but at least Elmira developed a presence in my mind (and I could understand Hibernia's frustration with the town). A hit or miss read I think
Occasionally the creative wording/descriptions worked well such as when Hibernia "put pepper on that tune." (pg. 227). I loved the details about the radio though. I really did get the impression that this was the "Golden Age of Radio" the commentators had personality and it was easy to see through the author's words how the radio programs affected the listeners. The variety of programs was shown ranging from jazz music, to of course, the Joe Louis fights. The other historical tidbits gel quite well with the fictional characters, places and events, there is a real sense of time and place. The illustrations were lovely, simple but expressive. The only character who became fully fleshed out (in my opinion) was Lila, the orphanage worker. She was a doll, tough when needed but always ready to give the children a hug, she has a tough past but doesn't wallow in depression. Although I would like to know why she randomly showed up at Hibernia's church...
Bird in a Box left more questions in my mind than answers except when it came to the importance of radio during the 1930s. Storylines were abruptly ended and the three children had interesting backgrounds but remained flat with no development. I don't much about the 1930s but all the facts seemed to be in order to me, the town of Elmira, New York came to life. A town that was filled with people who wanted to work but couldn't find jobs and yet still mustered up the cheer to DRESS UP (I mean that in the best of ways) for church. Personally, I wish the story had actually taken place in the more exciting New York City but at least Elmira developed a presence in my mind (and I could understand Hibernia's frustration with the town). A hit or miss read I think
April 14, 2011
The story takes place in 1936,during the middle of the great depression. The three main characters, are 12yr old Otis, Willie and Hibernia. At the beginning the three have yet to meet. All of them are fans of Joe Louis. The author enterwines some of the fights throughout the story. With so much going wrong the great fighter gives the three someone to hope and believe in.
Hibernia lives with her father a reverend. Her mother left to follow her dream to sing at the Savoy. Willie is forced to leave home after a terrible incident with his abusive father. Soon Otis must go live at Mercy Home For Negro Orphans as well. That's where the two meet.
The chapters alternate between the three characters. Sometimes this can be tricky, especially when dealing with more then two characters. The author runs the risk of not developing the characters or storylines enough. After one characters scene would end, I'd still have questions. When the story returned to that particular character, it was already onto something new.
After the last awful encounter with his father, Willie goes to live at Mercy. When he arrives Lily, the woman working there, tells him he needs some salve. The next time Willie appears there's drastic change without an explanation. The salve didn't work. This happens more then once. It felt like I was missing important parts of the story. Hibernia's father is set in his ways and very strict. Yet one day he simply decides to open up and talk about Hibernia's mother. Again, I wondered about the why of this.
The characters voices were blending together. I think part of it had to do with the short chapters, but I had a difficult time distinguishing between Otis and Willie.
Pinkney has a great body of work. All the books I've read by her I've loved. I went into Bird in a Box (a book I was really looking forward to ) wondering not if but how much I would enjoy it. So I was surprised, that it simply didn't work for me.
Bird is Box is being very well recieved by other bloggers. It also got a starred Kirkus review
Hibernia lives with her father a reverend. Her mother left to follow her dream to sing at the Savoy. Willie is forced to leave home after a terrible incident with his abusive father. Soon Otis must go live at Mercy Home For Negro Orphans as well. That's where the two meet.
The chapters alternate between the three characters. Sometimes this can be tricky, especially when dealing with more then two characters. The author runs the risk of not developing the characters or storylines enough. After one characters scene would end, I'd still have questions. When the story returned to that particular character, it was already onto something new.
After the last awful encounter with his father, Willie goes to live at Mercy. When he arrives Lily, the woman working there, tells him he needs some salve. The next time Willie appears there's drastic change without an explanation. The salve didn't work. This happens more then once. It felt like I was missing important parts of the story. Hibernia's father is set in his ways and very strict. Yet one day he simply decides to open up and talk about Hibernia's mother. Again, I wondered about the why of this.
The characters voices were blending together. I think part of it had to do with the short chapters, but I had a difficult time distinguishing between Otis and Willie.
Pinkney has a great body of work. All the books I've read by her I've loved. I went into Bird in a Box (a book I was really looking forward to ) wondering not if but how much I would enjoy it. So I was surprised, that it simply didn't work for me.
Bird is Box is being very well recieved by other bloggers. It also got a starred Kirkus review
July 1, 2023
Me gustó más el contexto histórico que la historia en sí misma. Creo que tiene muchos momentos que se pudieron potenciar aún más para tener un impacto mayor en el lector. Lo bueno es que se lee rápido, es entretenida y no requiere de un nivel muy avanzado de inglés para poder entenderla. Además, de sus tres personajes principales, Hibernia y Otis me parecieron bien construidos, pero pudieron brillar más.
February 7, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book, as every chapter showed different perspectives on the same situation (Hibernia, Otis & Will). The book started off slightly confusing, however, once I found connections between all three characters, it was easier to understand. This book definitely emphasises a lot on racism and no freedom to do what you wish (Bird In a Box). I recommend this book to anyone that likes to read stories about racist issues and the right to receive freedom. I also recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about friendship and strong connections that are formed through tough times.
September 28, 2011
Hibernia, Otis, and Willie take turns narrating this short novel set in 1937. The three young characters refuse to be defeated by difficult circumstances and as things move along their stories being to intertwine. In the background is the blossoming of jazz on the radio and the rise to fame of boxing star Joe Louis.
April 17, 2011
I really do think MG books can and should develop characters.
January 7, 2020
The book Bird in a Box covers the overall theme of boxing and the famed boxer Joe Lewis in Depression era New York City. The beginning of the book prepares the reader for the journey they will go on in the rest of the story, introducing them to three main characters, Hibernia, Otis, and Willie. Bird in a Box is a story about how people can overcome their difficulties and find purpose in their lives. It covers feelings of abandonment as well as pain and loss. The story is told in the point of view of three African American children, each about 12 years old, who were living in New York at the time this story takes place. All of the kids aspire to be like Joe Lewis. At the end of this story, I like how the author answered some of the "suggested" questions that were presented in the book, but I would have liked to see the story continue. As an avid reader, I did not think this book was particularly impressive. There are many parallels between the rebellious nature of children and the spirit of persistence, implying that "even when life beats you down, you still have to get up and fight." The story focuses on the idea of having an idol throughout history as Joe Louis is the kids' idol. In the book, Joe Lewis represented the hope of the African American community at the point where they were considered second-class citizens and were being condemned. To conclude, I think all kinds of students would enjoy Bird in a Box, the story delights the reader and create a whole world new world that is relevant and accessible to anyone who chooses to read it.
March 21, 2022
I think I received an early version, as mine has a yellow cover and only reaches 245 pages total. The book started out with potential to be a fantastic read, however by the time I was mid way through...my thoughts were "what's the point". The Author was overly redundant and repetitious without ever coming to the point of each character. It felt like a long overdraw chapter, that was cut up into bits and pieces. The book left me feeling incomplete, as if I wanted to know "now what". I'm surprised this became as popular as it did. I suppose the movie is better than the book, which is a rarity but I'm thinking nothing could be as bad as the book.
May 16, 2018
This book is shelved in the juvenile section of our library, but is one that adults will also appreciate. Set during the Great Depression and featuring three children who become connected partly through love of radio and boxing/ Joe Louis. Hibernia listens to Harlem's Savoy Ballroom music on the radio and aspires to sing there. Otis listens constantly to the radio which reminds him of his parents and Willie, recovering from tragedy, loves boxing. You won't forget this book.
September 11, 2023
Wonderful story! Three young narrators find power and joy in their shared experiences in following their dreams. The thrill of Joe Louis's becoming the heavyweight champion is the background event. The story is all about hope, determination, and friendships that change lives. A nice companion book would be The Berlin Boxing Club, which also centers around Joe Louis and how his boxing career affected so many people all over the world.8
April 28, 2019
I had some annoyance with the narration, especially with the overuse of weird similes, but it really captured the excitement of everyone caring about a fight and a fighter and listening over the radio.
October 13, 2019
A middle grade novel set in the Great Depression following three African-American characters who are interested in singing and boxing. The book identified some major historical figures like Joe Louis, Duke Ellington, and Madame CJ Walker. It takes place in Elmira, New York.
January 7, 2020
A good read-alike for kids who liked The War That Saved My Life. Three children during the Depression escape their heartfelt troubles by listening on the radio, especially to broadcasts of Joe Louis fights. Friendship and hardship and love.
February 19, 2020
This book tells the story of three unlikely friends that meet during the Great Depression. The three children are able to meet and become friends because of the boxer, Joe Louis, which binds them together by their race and culture.
Want to read
July 15, 2017The voices of the two boys are confused in my mind, their stories have blended together. I'm having a hard time relating to the girl but I'd like to understand her perspective by the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2018
LOVED this so much!
July 30, 2018
Very good historical fiction targeted for middle schoolers / junior high kids.
August 22, 2018
Enlightening perspective on Joe Louis and his impact throughout America through a fictional story told from the view of three children.
October 4, 2018
Fantastic book! Loved how the book switched back and forth between characters and their lives.
February 13, 2019
A great pick for middle grade historical, realistic fiction. Likeable central characters and compelling events will draw readers in. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, too.
March 20, 2019
This is a sweet historical fiction about three kids who love Joe Louis. Would be good for anyone who wants historical fiction and maybe is interested in boxing.
July 25, 2019
Listened to unabridged audio version with the Lovies. Great historical fiction: relatable characters, play-by-play of the boxing matches; language descriptive, factual and lacking judgment.
December 5, 2019
Book relating to the great depression. Would be a great read for middle/high school.
Read
December 26, 20191936 depression era
April 15, 2021
from what i remember, i absolutely LOVED this book! i read this during class.
November 11, 2021
This was beautiful and really fun to read.
August 19, 2022
African American
Joe Louis
Joe Louis
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2017
Some books really shine not just because of great characters, setting, and execution, but because the author's passion is palpable on each page. This is one of those books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews