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The Absence of Sparrows
A coming-of-age novel about a plague that brings the world to a halt -- and the boy who believes that his town's missing sparrows can save his family.
In the small town of Griever's Mill, eleven-year-old Ben Cameron is expecting to finish off his summer of relaxing and bird-watching without a hitch. But everything goes wrong when dark clouds roll in.
Old Man Crandall is the first to change -- human one minute and a glass statue the next. Soon it's happening across the world. Dark clouds fill the sky and, at random, people are turned into frozen versions of themselves. There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no one knows how to stop it.
With his mom on the verge of a breakdown, and his brother intent on following the dubious plans put forth by a nameless voice on the radio, Ben must hold out hope that his town's missing sparrows will return with everyone's souls before the glass plague takes them away forever.
In the small town of Griever's Mill, eleven-year-old Ben Cameron is expecting to finish off his summer of relaxing and bird-watching without a hitch. But everything goes wrong when dark clouds roll in.
Old Man Crandall is the first to change -- human one minute and a glass statue the next. Soon it's happening across the world. Dark clouds fill the sky and, at random, people are turned into frozen versions of themselves. There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no one knows how to stop it.
With his mom on the verge of a breakdown, and his brother intent on following the dubious plans put forth by a nameless voice on the radio, Ben must hold out hope that his town's missing sparrows will return with everyone's souls before the glass plague takes them away forever.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
24 people are currently reading
1648 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 15, 2020
Wow! This book will make you THINK!! About life, death, heaven, hell, angels, demons, God, Devil, the universe, meaning of life, & birds. lol I learned so many amazing things about so many kinds of birds from this book! I loved it so much! It was definitely suspenseful! I couldn’t put it down. The 2nd time I picked it up, I was at 34%, which is at page 133(out of 372). I finished the rest of the book in that one sitting. I LITERALLY couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened. We have 2 brothers Ben & Pete. Ben is our main character, & I loved him. He was such an amazing kid. Pete, however, annoyed me to no end lol I loved seeing Ben find his strength, & come out from the shadow of just being a “little brother”. I was so proud of him. He went through so much, & considering how bad that could have went, he made the best of his situation in the end. We have a huge mystery, definitely creepy vibes w/what is going on, & we even have some bullies. There’s also sorrow & the power of hope. Believing in something. I really loved this, & highly recommend it. 💜💜Also, such a beautiful paperback cover!!😍😍
Synopsis: In the small town of Griever's Mill, eleven-year-old Ben Cameron is expecting to finish off his summer of relaxing and bird-watching without a hitch. But everything goes wrong when dark clouds roll in.
Old Man Crandall is the first to change--human one minute and a glass statue the next. Soon it's happening across the world. Dark clouds fill the sky, and, at random, people turn into frozen versions of themselves. There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no one knows how to stop it.
With his mom on the verge of a breakdown, and his brother intent on following the dubious plans put forth by a nameless voice on the radio, Ben must hold out hope that his town's missing sparrows will return with everyone's souls before the glass plague takes them away forever.
Synopsis: In the small town of Griever's Mill, eleven-year-old Ben Cameron is expecting to finish off his summer of relaxing and bird-watching without a hitch. But everything goes wrong when dark clouds roll in.
Old Man Crandall is the first to change--human one minute and a glass statue the next. Soon it's happening across the world. Dark clouds fill the sky, and, at random, people turn into frozen versions of themselves. There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no one knows how to stop it.
With his mom on the verge of a breakdown, and his brother intent on following the dubious plans put forth by a nameless voice on the radio, Ben must hold out hope that his town's missing sparrows will return with everyone's souls before the glass plague takes them away forever.
June 23, 2019
This book was stunning, in content and prose. You don't see many truly frightening, horror middle-grade novels, and this definitely qualifies. But beyond being a scary apocalyptic novel, this book takes an honest look at grief, family and who you can turn to when things really get bad. This book drew me in from the first chapter, and I'm still thinking about it long after I finished it. One of my top middle-grade reads this year, I highly recommend this book.
December 11, 2019
I read a lot of middle grade fiction, and THE ABSENCE OF SPARROWS isn't just one of my favorite middle grade books of 2019, it's one of my favorites of any year. Typically I choose my middle grade reads based on what my kids (ages 12 and 10) read and rave about. In this case, my 12-year-old son told me, "Dad, you HAVE to read this so we can talk about it." How do you say no to that?
THE ABSENCE OF SPARROWS is apocalyptic in scale, but it's also laser-focused on the fates of just a handful of characters we come to care about over the course of the book. My son and I both identified strongly with the main character, Ben, a gentle, observant, and introspective 11-year-old boy who's really the heart and soul of the story. There's a line near the middle of the book where Ben says something to the effect of, "I have friends, just not full-time friends." I think that's something a lot of quiet and introspective kids can identify with.
The book is full of little gems of insight like this. The author deftly wrestles with matters of religion, fate, grief, family, anxiety, and family dynamics, often so skillfully and with such subtle grace that only upon a second read do you fully appreciate the wisdom of what's being said or asked.
I think that's because this is a story that really benefits from multiple readings, once to race through to the end to see what happens, then once again to absorb the skillful writing and quiet musings of the narrator, Ben.
Some reviewers have complained about the ending, but for me it was pitch perfect. I think the answers are there, even if they're intentionally left open to interpretation. But that makes sense to me, too -- sometimes all we can do is give our best guess about things we don't entirely understand. And anyway, the heart of this book is its characters -- who they are, who they become, and how the events of this story change them, for better and for worse. I wouldn't have wanted it to end any other way.
One final note: This story is excellent on audiobook as well!
THE ABSENCE OF SPARROWS is apocalyptic in scale, but it's also laser-focused on the fates of just a handful of characters we come to care about over the course of the book. My son and I both identified strongly with the main character, Ben, a gentle, observant, and introspective 11-year-old boy who's really the heart and soul of the story. There's a line near the middle of the book where Ben says something to the effect of, "I have friends, just not full-time friends." I think that's something a lot of quiet and introspective kids can identify with.
The book is full of little gems of insight like this. The author deftly wrestles with matters of religion, fate, grief, family, anxiety, and family dynamics, often so skillfully and with such subtle grace that only upon a second read do you fully appreciate the wisdom of what's being said or asked.
I think that's because this is a story that really benefits from multiple readings, once to race through to the end to see what happens, then once again to absorb the skillful writing and quiet musings of the narrator, Ben.
Some reviewers have complained about the ending, but for me it was pitch perfect. I think the answers are there, even if they're intentionally left open to interpretation. But that makes sense to me, too -- sometimes all we can do is give our best guess about things we don't entirely understand. And anyway, the heart of this book is its characters -- who they are, who they become, and how the events of this story change them, for better and for worse. I wouldn't have wanted it to end any other way.
One final note: This story is excellent on audiobook as well!
January 13, 2019
A thrilling story that will grab you from the very first page! The story begins with Ben and his brother , climbing onto the roof of their uncle’s garage for their regular seedpod tossing competition. Their game gets interrupted when unusually dark storm clouds roll in. When they climb down, they realize the clouds have caused their neighbor to turn to glass. They soon realize this glass plague has hit countries all around the world. Ben and his family try to carry on with their life, all while avoiding the looming plague clouds. With no way of knowing who will become glass next, this book will have you on the edge of your seat reading on to see what happens to Ben.
May 15, 2019
As I still process this book, I enjoy the concept and know my students will be frustrated with a fuzzy ending. Sometimes they need a fuzzy ending. This is one of those books that when you apply your own experiences to the story, it changes meaning. You feel for Ben, Pete, Mom, and Dad. A solid middle grade read with clean language and kids being kids.
August 4, 2019
This reads like a kids' version of a Stephen King novella... something like The Langoliers or The Mist.
October 28, 2019
Holy moly, did I love this story! The whole creepy, atmospheric Twilight Zone meets Alfred Hitchcock vibe kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. I read it along with my middle school book club and the students couldn't stop talking about it, especially the ending, which threw us all for a loop. In a totally good way. Can't wait to see what Kurt Kirchmeier writes next.
June 25, 2019
This book explores some deep issue regarding human existence, religion and science in an accessible and layered way. I found the family dynamics, especially the relationship between Peter and Ben, engrossing and real. And, I absolutely loved all the bird facts!
May 20, 2019
(Review from my son)
I'm 14, and I enjoy stories that deal with an ordinary person suddenly uprooted and throw into an extraordinary situation. An Absence of Sparrows not only accomplishes this in an exciting and realistic way, but it also does so originally, avoiding all of the clichés found in many stories. Similar to Kenneth Oppel's The Nest in terms of a brilliantly unique pot, An Absence of Sparrows deals with a desperate world frantically searching for a way to stop mysterious and deadly events that are occurring everywhere.
I especially enjoyed the essential 'human touch' the author gave to all his characters, and how he used his own interests (birds) to make the story unique. I hope he writes more stories like this one. The one thing that I would've liked is for the ending of the book to be a bit more conclusive.
I highly recommend this book for kids age 9-14 who enjoy mystery and suspense and just a good story.
I'm 14, and I enjoy stories that deal with an ordinary person suddenly uprooted and throw into an extraordinary situation. An Absence of Sparrows not only accomplishes this in an exciting and realistic way, but it also does so originally, avoiding all of the clichés found in many stories. Similar to Kenneth Oppel's The Nest in terms of a brilliantly unique pot, An Absence of Sparrows deals with a desperate world frantically searching for a way to stop mysterious and deadly events that are occurring everywhere.
I especially enjoyed the essential 'human touch' the author gave to all his characters, and how he used his own interests (birds) to make the story unique. I hope he writes more stories like this one. The one thing that I would've liked is for the ending of the book to be a bit more conclusive.
I highly recommend this book for kids age 9-14 who enjoy mystery and suspense and just a good story.
February 6, 2019
Thank you to the author for providing Collabookation a copy of The Absence of Sparrows to review.
Wow! This book gets right to the action, and stays steady all the way through. Ben and his brother are busy doing the things kids in the country do, coming up with new contests and keeping out of trouble. One day, when they're on the roof of their uncles auto repair shop, the sky darkens and a local community member turns to glass. Yup.
We soon find out this is a global phenomenon~ glassification. And it grows increasingly common, but oddly enough, doesn't affect children.
What starts off as a science fiction mystery turns into a survival story turns into a family drama. And it's a wonderful story to be a part of. I'm fighting the urge to say the book (ahem) FLEW by...sorry. It was somewhat lengthy (for mg), but with interesting events spread out and keeping the reader immersed in the world of catastrophe, family, and runins with the local bullies.
I loved this book, and I think many students who already love Hatchet or the Life As We Knew It trilogy will love it as well. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
Wow! This book gets right to the action, and stays steady all the way through. Ben and his brother are busy doing the things kids in the country do, coming up with new contests and keeping out of trouble. One day, when they're on the roof of their uncles auto repair shop, the sky darkens and a local community member turns to glass. Yup.
We soon find out this is a global phenomenon~ glassification. And it grows increasingly common, but oddly enough, doesn't affect children.
What starts off as a science fiction mystery turns into a survival story turns into a family drama. And it's a wonderful story to be a part of. I'm fighting the urge to say the book (ahem) FLEW by...sorry. It was somewhat lengthy (for mg), but with interesting events spread out and keeping the reader immersed in the world of catastrophe, family, and runins with the local bullies.
I loved this book, and I think many students who already love Hatchet or the Life As We Knew It trilogy will love it as well. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
June 12, 2019
Still thinking about the ending, which is the point, I am sure and I am not certain yet whether I am satisfied or dissatisfied. Whichever way I land, this was an immersive book with so much to admire. The tension builds slowly to such an intense level and results in a compelling urge to turn the pages.
I particularly enjoyed the relationship and interactions of the two young brothers. Ben, the younger and first person narrator of the story, is a quiet, observant and thoughtful child while his older brother Pete is an impulsive risk-taker who can hardly be still for a minute. The depiction of the competition between the two boys is spot on as is the dialog which provides an authentic you are there feel.
So many unanswered questions, this one gets kids talking and debating and handing it to each other. Interesting for certain! Kirchmeier is most definitely an author to watch for.
I particularly enjoyed the relationship and interactions of the two young brothers. Ben, the younger and first person narrator of the story, is a quiet, observant and thoughtful child while his older brother Pete is an impulsive risk-taker who can hardly be still for a minute. The depiction of the competition between the two boys is spot on as is the dialog which provides an authentic you are there feel.
So many unanswered questions, this one gets kids talking and debating and handing it to each other. Interesting for certain! Kirchmeier is most definitely an author to watch for.
May 20, 2019
This was a weird book. I like that the glass plague was never explained; the language was lovely to read, and I feel like having a concrete explanation would have ruined the dream-like feel. I still can't quite put my finger on why this didn't feel like a kids' book. It's appropriate for kids, but I just feel like it works for an adult audience. Reminded me of The Dreamers or The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
July 31, 2019
This story was poignant, heartbreaking, gripping and tense. The family relationships were well written. The tension between the brothers as they tried to determine the fate of their father, had a “Lord of the flies” intensity. There are some beautiful passages of language.
Life is inexplicable. Bad things happen to good people. But we need to hold on to hope and faith.
I’m in bed today with a chest infection. The compelling audiobook filled my day.
Life is inexplicable. Bad things happen to good people. But we need to hold on to hope and faith.
I’m in bed today with a chest infection. The compelling audiobook filled my day.
March 13, 2021
My students often ask about spooky books, so they’ll be very pleased when I introduce them to The Absence of Sparrows. When an insidious darkness appears across the world, people begin turning to glass, but what makes the situation truly terrifying is the randomness of who is glassified and who isn’t. My students won’t know this TV show, but I really felt this had an X-Files vibe in the very best of ways. Also, I’m really appreciative that the book explores the psychological impact on the Cameron family—this isn’t a sensationalized horror book, but one that portrays how different people react to and behave under stress. My kids will really be able to relate to this story because of what we’ve all had to go through this past year, but in such a way that will be cathartic.
February 29, 2020
A riveting page turner about moral ambiguity that will be adored by its young readers!
December 3, 2019
A creepy, atmospheric novel about Ben, an 11-year old bird-watcher who deals with his family falling apart in the midst of an unexplained, supernatural plague that randomly turns people into glass statues. The language is lushly written and conveys a dreamlike, Hitchcockian quality, as Ben deals with love, loss, and trauma. Recommended for middle grade readers ready for more complexity.
May 28, 2019
Great writing, interesting plot, scary but not too scary. The first half of the book had me turning pages and unable to put the book down, the second half had me intrigued, and the ending did not disappoint.
July 23, 2019
This book started with a bang and didn't really slow down. This was a quick and easy book to get through. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under 13 since some fairly scary things take place. I enjoyed the two main characters, Ben and Pete, since they were relatable. I enjoyed the bird information strategically placed throughout the novel.
It starts with the brothers hanging out on the roof of their uncle's garage when they see a man turn to glass. This phenomenon has happened throughout the world with scientists and researchers unsure why. When the problem hits close to home the brothers have a decision to make.
I can understand why some readers didn't like the end of the book. It wasn't what most of us were hoping to read. I also felt like I wanted the story to continue about Ben and Pete. That aside, this was a very enjoyable book. I would and will recommend.
It starts with the brothers hanging out on the roof of their uncle's garage when they see a man turn to glass. This phenomenon has happened throughout the world with scientists and researchers unsure why. When the problem hits close to home the brothers have a decision to make.
I can understand why some readers didn't like the end of the book. It wasn't what most of us were hoping to read. I also felt like I wanted the story to continue about Ben and Pete. That aside, this was a very enjoyable book. I would and will recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2019
To me, this is a slice-of-life story that takes place during an apocalypse, a slow burn with tension on every page.
Ben is intelligent and thoughtful. I especially love when he thinks about birds, a way to connect himself to the natural word under siege by a supernatural phenomenon.
The other characters are great, too. I became heartbroken for Ben's older brother, Pete, as he was being influenced by a mysterious voice on the radio. He's a good brother, but sometimes, good brothers lose their way.
Although this isn't an action-heavy survival story, I feared for Ben and his family in almost every scene. Each page turn brought them closer to danger, either from violent bullies or the glass plague.
An excellent, scary read.
Sidenote: Waxwings are irresponsible and in need of help. But they're birds, so it's fine. Nature is funny. Corvids and raptors are still the best.
Ben is intelligent and thoughtful. I especially love when he thinks about birds, a way to connect himself to the natural word under siege by a supernatural phenomenon.
The other characters are great, too. I became heartbroken for Ben's older brother, Pete, as he was being influenced by a mysterious voice on the radio. He's a good brother, but sometimes, good brothers lose their way.
Although this isn't an action-heavy survival story, I feared for Ben and his family in almost every scene. Each page turn brought them closer to danger, either from violent bullies or the glass plague.
An excellent, scary read.
Sidenote: Waxwings are irresponsible and in need of help. But they're birds, so it's fine. Nature is funny. Corvids and raptors are still the best.
August 18, 2019
The writing was beautiful and the concept was intriguing, but I didn’t completely love the story itself. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but the ending left me confused. After listening to the last three chapters a second time, it made more sense, but I just wished things ended differently. Although, I wasn’t completely satisfied with the resolution, I keep thinking about it as I continue to process this story.
One of my favorite lines from this book was,
“...from misfortune can come fortitude...the human spirit is possed of an uncanny propensity to overcome.”
One of my favorite lines from this book was,
“...from misfortune can come fortitude...the human spirit is possed of an uncanny propensity to overcome.”
May 7, 2019
I am a huge fan of dystopian literature and I was so glad to pick up a new middle grade book in that genre. I was immediately drawn into this book with the mystery of the birds and what was happening. This book had a great balance of heart break and hope.
I received this ARC as part of my Lit Review Crew.
I received this ARC as part of my Lit Review Crew.
September 29, 2019
A scary coming of age story. It’s spooky and ethereal and the main character is dealing with family issues and identity issues. I think this will be that book that everyone is going to be talking about.
July 29, 2019
Great read! I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of apocalyptic/middle grade reading... And bird knowledge.
Interesting concept!
Interesting concept!
August 18, 2019
Interesting book. Sort of a mix between paranormal mystery and just a book about people and growing up.
September 9, 2019
An excellent debut novel. Quite disturbing but with a lot of reflections on life, death, religion, right, wrong, family and loss. A book I will easily recommend to students in grade six and up.
November 1, 2019
At turns strange, foreboding, creepy, and frustrating - I really liked it! No easy answers, which will really frustrate some readers, but I love having something to think about and have kids debate.
June 4, 2021
Black skies, power outages, and random people turning to black glass suddenly start happening all over the world. At first, it is just a few moments and people, but the frequency increases. Ben and his older brother Pete were looking forward to a lazy summer, but it has gotten super stressful. And no one seems to know what is going on or why. As people close to them become affected by the plague, Ben and Pete are divided over what to do.
It's hard to summarize this without giving things away. I felt like this started off well, but it just kind of peters off and then takes a nose dive about halfway through. The author says in his note that he had trouble finishing it, and I think it shows. I was thinking that this was going to be an alternate reality story or have a fantasy or scifi answers, but then it when in a theological route which is originally stated as a theory by a source you really don't trust and it ends up working out. I was left at the end going, "That's it!?!" I really wasn't satisfied with the ending at all. And as someone who really believes in Christianity, I found the representation of Christians, God, and Satan in this to be very messed up. Really, the view presented ends up being cultural Christianity (no actual faith involved) and Deism in which God may have started things at one point but has no involvement now. The power structure ends up being Satan being more powerful than God, and humans just having to save themselves. It's a rather sad view. I know there are really people who believe this way, but it is represented as Christianity in the book and this isn't Christianity. I'd also have less issue with the made up Christianity if this were aimed at adults or teens who can better distinguish between what is real and what is the author's imagination, but this is aimed at kids. If it had been presented as a made up religion, I'd have less issue with it. I also had issues with the way the Mom's anxiety/depression is represented. She is so ashamed of her diagnosis she won't tell her kids, and she gets her meds from a different town to avoid rumors. And there's never really any clear message that she shouldn't have to worry about others knowing, or that it isn't something shameful. Another thing that bothered me was how the brothers started off as friends and ended up pretty much hating each other. It was sad. And though there's some resolution, you could feel like their relationship would never be fully restored. I think the premise of this was interesting and if it had been taken another direction with no spiritual elements I might have been ok with the story. As it is, I didn't like it and can't really recommend it.
Notes on content: About 6 minor swears. No sexual content. People are turning to glass, some are shattering, and the plot involves contemplating shattering some on purpose even after some return to human form. The main character loses close relatives to the plague. There are visions of dead bodies being eaten by crows, lots of blood, etc. One kid steps in an animal trap and has major damage to a leg. Another kid gets in a fight with a bully, steps on a rake, gets burned by a fire, and has other scrapes and cuts. The brothers have a couple fights that result in minor injuries. There are two bullies in town who are very cruel and kill animals for fun. The main character is 11 and decides to drink whiskey at one point to try and make the pain go away. He drinks to the point of passing out and wakes up in vomit and hung over, but doesn't really say he regrets drinking.
It's hard to summarize this without giving things away. I felt like this started off well, but it just kind of peters off and then takes a nose dive about halfway through. The author says in his note that he had trouble finishing it, and I think it shows. I was thinking that this was going to be an alternate reality story or have a fantasy or scifi answers, but then it when in a theological route which is originally stated as a theory by a source you really don't trust and it ends up working out. I was left at the end going, "That's it!?!" I really wasn't satisfied with the ending at all. And as someone who really believes in Christianity, I found the representation of Christians, God, and Satan in this to be very messed up. Really, the view presented ends up being cultural Christianity (no actual faith involved) and Deism in which God may have started things at one point but has no involvement now. The power structure ends up being Satan being more powerful than God, and humans just having to save themselves. It's a rather sad view. I know there are really people who believe this way, but it is represented as Christianity in the book and this isn't Christianity. I'd also have less issue with the made up Christianity if this were aimed at adults or teens who can better distinguish between what is real and what is the author's imagination, but this is aimed at kids. If it had been presented as a made up religion, I'd have less issue with it. I also had issues with the way the Mom's anxiety/depression is represented. She is so ashamed of her diagnosis she won't tell her kids, and she gets her meds from a different town to avoid rumors. And there's never really any clear message that she shouldn't have to worry about others knowing, or that it isn't something shameful. Another thing that bothered me was how the brothers started off as friends and ended up pretty much hating each other. It was sad. And though there's some resolution, you could feel like their relationship would never be fully restored. I think the premise of this was interesting and if it had been taken another direction with no spiritual elements I might have been ok with the story. As it is, I didn't like it and can't really recommend it.
Notes on content: About 6 minor swears. No sexual content. People are turning to glass, some are shattering, and the plot involves contemplating shattering some on purpose even after some return to human form. The main character loses close relatives to the plague. There are visions of dead bodies being eaten by crows, lots of blood, etc. One kid steps in an animal trap and has major damage to a leg. Another kid gets in a fight with a bully, steps on a rake, gets burned by a fire, and has other scrapes and cuts. The brothers have a couple fights that result in minor injuries. There are two bullies in town who are very cruel and kill animals for fun. The main character is 11 and decides to drink whiskey at one point to try and make the pain go away. He drinks to the point of passing out and wakes up in vomit and hung over, but doesn't really say he regrets drinking.
August 14, 2021
What do you think of when you hear the genre, "middle grade?" I immediately think that middle grade books are full of light, adventure, fun, and always close with a happy ending. However, this ending, I guess, definitely doesn't end in the way you would expect it to end while reading this book. It ended in a peaceful and truthful state. An ending that was finalized by something we didn't want, but had to endure either way...
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book. Action really does take off starting from the beginning. It's full of mystery, action, adventure, and truth. It seems like a very realistic way to act when you're in the midst of a plague. I guess that's what also grabbed my attention.
The characters, oh the characters, I give it a chef's kiss. I really, really, really, connected to the characters. Oh, how it broke me when you realize you're definitely not alone. Life can definitely flash before your eyes; your childhood could instantly go away before you're ready; your demeanor changes in the midst of panic and despair. You can really feel the characters: their hurt, pain, confusion, happiness, etc.
You'll learn from this book. It's true that life is full of ups and downs. You can struggle with your beliefs, with family relationships, with the loss of loved ones, with anxiety and depression, with doubt and hurt, and, ohhhhhh, so much more. One truth is that life goes on. Another is that you're not alone.
A hope we should have in mind, though, is that love and forgiveness will come, eventually. It will overpower hatred and evil. We have the power to love, forgive, and understand.
No, but really, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!
Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book. Action really does take off starting from the beginning. It's full of mystery, action, adventure, and truth. It seems like a very realistic way to act when you're in the midst of a plague. I guess that's what also grabbed my attention.
The characters, oh the characters, I give it a chef's kiss. I really, really, really, connected to the characters. Oh, how it broke me when you realize you're definitely not alone. Life can definitely flash before your eyes; your childhood could instantly go away before you're ready; your demeanor changes in the midst of panic and despair. You can really feel the characters: their hurt, pain, confusion, happiness, etc.
You'll learn from this book. It's true that life is full of ups and downs. You can struggle with your beliefs, with family relationships, with the loss of loved ones, with anxiety and depression, with doubt and hurt, and, ohhhhhh, so much more. One truth is that life goes on. Another is that you're not alone.
A hope we should have in mind, though, is that love and forgiveness will come, eventually. It will overpower hatred and evil. We have the power to love, forgive, and understand.
No, but really, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!
June 27, 2019
The Absence of Sparrows is a well-written story that perfectly suits the 9 years and up age group. The language is clear and not too wordy; the dialogue interesting and easily understood. As an adult, I could not help but become immersed in the story; and I can imagine a 10 year old engrossed in the story in order to find out what will happen.
The novel has a bit of an apocalyptic feel to it as it describes a plague that brings the world to a standstill. The main character, Ben Cameron, is a 10 year old boy who has to work through his emotions and reactions when it affects his own family. Not all his decisions are the correct ones – and these mistakes are what will endear the reader to him. As Ben Cameron goes through the process of doing what is right for him, he learns what is important to him – and how far he will go to stand up for what he believes.
Kirchmeier has written a coming-of-age novel that will hold young readers who enjoy futuristic novels in its grip. The young readers will adore all the facts about birds that have been inserted into the story – interesting facts that they are sure to share with their families. I enjoyed this Middle Grade story and would recommend it to any child looking for a story of courage and hope.
The novel has a bit of an apocalyptic feel to it as it describes a plague that brings the world to a standstill. The main character, Ben Cameron, is a 10 year old boy who has to work through his emotions and reactions when it affects his own family. Not all his decisions are the correct ones – and these mistakes are what will endear the reader to him. As Ben Cameron goes through the process of doing what is right for him, he learns what is important to him – and how far he will go to stand up for what he believes.
Kirchmeier has written a coming-of-age novel that will hold young readers who enjoy futuristic novels in its grip. The young readers will adore all the facts about birds that have been inserted into the story – interesting facts that they are sure to share with their families. I enjoyed this Middle Grade story and would recommend it to any child looking for a story of courage and hope.
September 2, 2020
This was a very interesting novel with a unique take on an apocalyptic disaster scenario where certain people are turned into black glass and frozen in place after these weird storms blow around all over the world. Sometimes the people come back but they aren't the same. It follows an eleven year old boy named Ben who is obsessed with birds and likes hanging out with his older brother Pete (who is actually just a year older). Things start happening early on in the book when a storm blows in and then people start getting zapped here and there and frozen in place.
I enjoyed the majority of this book. It's pretty intense for a kids book actually. There's a lot of moral ambiguity and a lot of morally gray characters or situations which you don't often find in middle grade. The set up is well done and there are a number of creepy scenes. Plus the disaster stuff is well done and feels very authentic.
You can also tell the author loves birds because there are a lot of bird facts laced throughout the story. I liked Ben as a main character. He's a sweet and smart boy, who is willing to go with his mom to get tea and talk about birds but also likes roughhousing with his older brother.
The big thing I didn't like about the book is the ambiguous ending. I think it's a little too ambiguous and I would have liked a little more resolution and a few more of my questions answered. I wonder if there might be a potential sequel? I don't think so but there's a lot you can expand on. I did like how dark the story went. It's pretty heartbreaking and tragic and I'm honestly impressed the author had the guts to do what he did.
Overall, I recommend this book for coming of age fans, horror fans, and apocalyptic tales fans. I think adults will like it just as much or maybe even more than middle grade kids.
I enjoyed the majority of this book. It's pretty intense for a kids book actually. There's a lot of moral ambiguity and a lot of morally gray characters or situations which you don't often find in middle grade. The set up is well done and there are a number of creepy scenes. Plus the disaster stuff is well done and feels very authentic.
You can also tell the author loves birds because there are a lot of bird facts laced throughout the story. I liked Ben as a main character. He's a sweet and smart boy, who is willing to go with his mom to get tea and talk about birds but also likes roughhousing with his older brother.
The big thing I didn't like about the book is the ambiguous ending. I think it's a little too ambiguous and I would have liked a little more resolution and a few more of my questions answered. I wonder if there might be a potential sequel? I don't think so but there's a lot you can expand on. I did like how dark the story went. It's pretty heartbreaking and tragic and I'm honestly impressed the author had the guts to do what he did.
Overall, I recommend this book for coming of age fans, horror fans, and apocalyptic tales fans. I think adults will like it just as much or maybe even more than middle grade kids.
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