Flight of the Puffin

by Ann Braden

One small act of kindness ripples out to connect four kids in this stirring novel by the author of the beloved The Benefits of Being an Octopus.

Libby comes from a long line of bullies. She wants to be different, but sometimes that doesn’t work out. Now she's suspended again.

On the opposite side of the country lives Vincent, a kid who loves the mathematician Katherine Johnson and being a non-conformist, who’s trying hard not to get stuffed into lockers at his new school. But that’s not working out too well either.  

Nearby is T, who couldn’t take living at home anymore and is determined to survive on a rainy sidewalk.

And then there’s Jack, a big-hearted kid so engaged in the fight to keep his small rural school open that he’s lost focus on the ones who need him most.

Four kids. Four different lives. And then… one card with a message of hope takes flight and starts a chain reaction, helping each kid summon the thing they need, whether it’s bravery, empathy, or understanding. But best of all, it makes each one realize they matter -- and that they're not flying solo anymore.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, LGBT, Young Adult, Family, Contemporary

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

Ann Braden writes books about kids learning to stand up for themselves even when it’s hard. Her debut middle grade novel, THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS, was called one of “the essential middle school reads from the last decade” by Edutopia, and FLIGHT OF THE PUFFIN sparked a coast-to-coast read aloud with tens of thousands of students taking part. Her newest book, OPINIONS AND OPOSSUMS, was a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Ann founded the Local Love Brigade, which sends love postcards to those who are facing hate. She also founded GunSenseVT, a grassroots group which helped pass landmark common ground gun safety legislation. Previously a middle school teacher, Ann lives in southern Vermont with her husband, two kids, and two insatiable cats.
Find out more on her website.

Reviews

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

This was a good, but slightly didactic, middle-school novel about embracing diversity and being a positive force for change.

I was totally enchanted by the index card notes and know there have been similar campaigns run to spread love and positivity. I didn't feel like I got particularly attached to any characters because they weren't written with any real depth that I could anchor myself to. Still a book with lovely messages and a stunning cover.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone else wish they had colored pencils and index cards handy at the end of this book? I loved the message of kindness and the ripple effect it creates. One person can make a difference!

[Rowan :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Why do you need other people’s approval to feel good about yourself?”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Genre: Realistic fiction, middle grade 🌎🏫

Content Warnings:🚨Death (of brother), accidental death, bullying, child abuse, harassment, transphobia, difficult family relationships, child death, animal death (bird)🚨

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

i mean, the message was good but character development and depth was essentially nonexistent so it was just hard to really relate and get invested in this

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Ann Braden, and to NetGalley for sharing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. As I sit with tears streaming down my face, I can't help think how much a book like this is needed in the world. I can't wait to get this in the hands of middle school students when it comes out in May.

[Cassie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby is navigating a life where her family has expectations that she is far from meeting. After quitting softball, no one in her family has really given her the attention and/or the affection she desires; especially when it comes to her love for the arts. Libby is invisible to her family for who she really is. As girls in Libby’s school are constantly judging her based off past actions, or her family’s actions, Libby decides to take matters into her own hands - with a stack of colorful post cards she leaves like one sentence reminders to those who might need it. “My parents might see themselves as strong and sturdy like concrete. Too bad I’m that dandelion sprouting through the cracks.”

Jack is from small town, country side, Vermont where he goes to a one room school house still. After losing his little brother Alex a year prior - there are a lot of things that are constantly reminding him of Alex even when he doesn’t necessarily want them to. Jack has taken on as a mentor to a young boy named Joey who reminds him a lot of his little brother. When a lady from the state of education comes in to try and take their school house away, Jack is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their school doesn’t shut down.

Vincent is a boy in his own world, and he likes it there, until it gets very lonely. Vincent is constantly being bullied for how different he enjoys being, and doesn’t sway from staying true to himself, but sadly that started to come with consequences - staying strong all day only works until you absolutely can’t strong anymore. “Except that once you figure out who you are, can you really forget about that? And how long can you last trying to pretend you’re someone you’re not? But how long can anyone take being lonely?” THEN Vincent receives Libby’s postcard.

T is the part in verse in the story. T is such a mystery for quite some time. We are introduced to T in a variety of small poems where we can infer that T feels invisible. Later on realizing that T has left everything behind and is on their own. T is connected to Vincent by handing Vincent a shirt during a bullying incident. Then Vincent repays the act of kindness by bringing T and Peko food.

As the story continues and the postcards keep getting left around town, Libby talks with a lady at the store who brings in Vincent’s story of being bullied and almost as if he is bringing it upon himself. Libby has a hard time biting her lip in regards to this lady “defending the bullies” like - let’s just go with the flow of everything so you don’t get bullied. This ignites Libby’s fire even more to continue with the postcards, even asking the lady for the address to send one to Vincent in Seattle. T is connected to Vincent by handing Vincent a shirt during a bullying incident. Then Vincent repays the act of kindness by bringing T and Peko food. Vincent sees Jack on the news during the school board meeting and decides to return the act of kindness by sending him a postcard letting him know he is not alone. 4 separate kids all across the country experiencing life in different ways, yet so similar. Feeling all alone. Feeling like they’re invisible. Nobody seeing them for who they truly are, and appreciating that. Then started just random acts of kindness in hopes that someone, somewhere, will listen.

This is a story to be read aloud. To be discussed. To be truly digested by kids everywhere. In times where we are unsure of what to believe, sometimes who we are, what we are, what we stand for - this story reminds us to have hope and believe; and to understand you are never truly alone in your struggles.

“I always knew you were brave, but I’m so glad you’re this kind of brave.”

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multi person viewpoints, beautiful story on being yourself and spreading love to others.

[Kris McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flight of the Puffin

To state that the next novel by Ann Braden, The Flight of the Puffin, delivers is an absolute understatement. I loved this book from the first page until its last. I was immediately connected to and invested in each of the four characters’ lives. Each chapter was titled one of the main characters’ names- Libby, Jack, Vincent, or T and I truly loved this way to navigate the story. As the story unfolded, there were four mini-stories within one book. As I dove into each of the character’s chapters I learned more about his/her/their own life stories, as well as what each one was grappling with ranging from bullying to a tragic loss, a desire to “color outside the box,” and/or a quest to live one’s own truth.

I ebbed and flowed, back and forth, happily from one character to another learning about each one individually. While at first, there was no clear connection between or among them- things began to change about halfway through the story. I can remember thinking to myself at that point that I was getting to know Libby, Jack, and Vincent well, but T was still a bit of a mystery to me. Each chapter about T was written in beautiful verse, with limited yet subtle clues about T’s life. Then, it happened, an event involving Vincent led to an unexpected crossing of the two character’s pathways. It was at that point in the story, that the four characters begin to become beautifully woven together, as only Ann Braden can do. The simplest things such as index cards, quotes, and deliberate acts of kindness began to be the catalysts to connect these four together and change their lives forever.

Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait for it to be in the world for others to see themselves, learn how every person matters, and understand that no act of kindness is too small. Each character is given his/her/their own time and space throughout the pages of the book, however, they are also beautifully woven together in a way that is inspiring and hopeful. Ann truly captured and delivered the idea of how one person’s small act of kindness can “ripple” out into the universe and impact so many other people in such a positive and heartwarming way.

[Gary Anderson]

Ann Braden’s Flight of the Puffin is a wonderful middle-grade novel about the power of kindness. Four kids separated by geography but united by their needs for compassion decide to choose kindness and courage as their coping strategies. Then they find themselves connected to each other in surprising ways.

Braden first introduces each character separately. Their troubles with parents, bullies, teachers, and identity generate empathy as we understand more about the causes and effects of their conflicts. No spoilers here but as Jack, Libby, T, and Vincent take steps to heal themselves and each other, there is no way to put down this powerful book.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book right here has moved me to the core. We need to put more love into the world. We need to start listening to what our younger generation is feeling and thinking because they are what is right with the world. Every human should read this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to EdelweissPlus and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.

OK-Before we even get into anything about this book, you need to open up a new tab on your computer, go to whatever site you use for purchasing books for your library/collection, and add this book. Maybe even two copies. Go. Do it now. Seriously. Because once you read this, and once any of your staff or student's read this, you're going to need more copies. It's that good.

Braden more than delivered with her debut novel The Benefits of Being an Octopus. For those wondering, her sophomore work lived up to all of the expectations readers will have. This was a lovely, poetic, moving story of what it means to find yourself, be yourself, and realize that sometimes change, while challenging, can be a good thing. Told from the points of view of 4 different middle schoolers, this story is about what happens when you aren't what your family expects you to be. Or what your peers think you should be. Or what you yourself thought you should be. And how sometimes, the words of encouragement you get from a stranger, can be just the thing you need to keep going.

I loved this. I had that feeling in my chest as I read that I wished I could keep all of the lines from this story in my head and in my heart for when I need to tell them to my own kids. Perhaps I'll just buy them their own copy of this and read it with them. Because there is beauty in her writing and strength in her story.

Highly recommend.

[Sarah Krajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Reread in February 2021 with my family. We loved it, and now plan to make some of our own index cards. ❤️

Meet Libby. She’s an budding artist who is tired of most people—teachers, classmates, and neighbors—assuming she is a bully just like the rest of her family. In fact, Libby is far from it, and she knows it. To prove it to herself, she starts using her artistic ability to make colorful notecards with positive messages, and leaves them for others to find. Little does she know that her words set off a chain reaction that will lift up three other kids who need her encouragement at that time.

What a fabulous story that is so necessary right now! Libby and the other three kids are all unique and imperfect, but there’s so much to love about each of them. I can’t wait to share it with students, and my own children, when it comes out in May.

[Milton Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told by four unique kids working through heartaches and growing pains. Even though they are separated by distance, their stories eventually intersect. They find healing in the connections they make and the kindness that spirals around them.

Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien... 2951069/one

Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Joy Kirr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every character from the start of each alternating chapter. Thank goodness for spunky Libby, stick-to-his-guns Vincent, respectful Jack, and patient T. How their stories wove together wasn’t as fascinating as all they were learning about themselves. Devoured this one in almost one sitting on a Summer Sunday. One of my favorites all summer.

[Beth Honeycutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait to share it with students. We are taking part in the read-aloud with Ann Braden this spring. The puffin postcards will fly!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Braden, author of THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS, has again written a truly remarkable book. It’s a story that allows us to see how one small act of kindness spreads comfort and connection to four kids who are desperate for understanding and support.

Libby loves art and only encounters adults who are quick to prejudge her (after all, everyone knows she comes from a family of bullies) and who discourage her creativity. Jack, who has a huge, giving heart, but carries the weight of his grief and guilt over his little brother’s death, has a macho dad and uncle who don’t support his individuality. Vincent, a compassionate boy who is a math whiz, just yearns to be accepted as himself by his classmates. And finally T, who is a runaway living on the streets of Seattle with a scruffy dog, yearns for their family to accept their sexuality.

I loved the four kids in the story so much, but my heart broke for each of them as they struggled to be understood and to be allowed to be themselves. However, even as I grieved for each of them and wanted to reach out, gather them into a big hug and assure them all would be okay, I also was in awe of their strength as they courageously fought for what they believed in and for acceptance by family and friends.

Finally, it’s a story about how the four children, each desperately in need of a friend and understanding, find each other even though they are separated by as much as a continent. And it’s a story about the kindness, compassion and hope that enables this all to evolve

Just as with Ann’s first book, you’ll need a box of tissues by your side as you become part of these children’s lives, but you’ll be so happy you did. They’ll be in your heart for a long time. This is one for grades 5-8 and it’s one librarians need to order NOW.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a stunning and powerful story of hope, love, and the power of simple acts of kindness. The young people and their families all feel so real, as do their individual struggles. While their stories all begin completely independent of one another, their lives begin to intersect as they question the status quo, stand up to patriarchal norms, and follow their hearts, which are full of the same courage and hope that I see in young people today, from GenZ down to the smallest of kids. The courage to question, to challenge, to think, and to speak up, and the hope that their voices will eventually be heard and listened to.
** I will probably edit this review later to add more thoughts. **

Thanks to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for sharing the e-ARC with me. There are not enough stars to give this incredible book.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four unconnected characters that become connected through kindness, puffins, and postcards by the end of this quick story. Since there was space for all four characters in the story the book's pacing moved right along with the brief chapters as they alternated between them which then was catapulted by Jack's action in front of a Vermont school board (though each of the characters is from a different part of the country).

It's "classic" middle grade in the sense that it has a feel-good ending even when there is strife between the pages that ultimately depends on choosing kindness even if it's not what you know or what you'd prefer to do at that moment.

Was T's character forced? Yes, it felt that way. It works to provide representation especially since it there were multiple voices to the story, but it was placed there for a specific purpose/message from the author/publisher.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just over here wiping my eyes

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read my earlier reviews, you know that I completely fell in love with The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Brayden. So when I had a chance to read an advanced copy of her newest book, The Flight of the Puffin, I jumped at it. But admittedly, I was hesitant. I mean, I connected so fiercely to Zoey and her mother, how could I possibly find that kind of cosmic reading connection again? Well, I did. And while I’ve been walking around with my Octopus sticker in my notebook ever since I read Ann’s first book, now, I hope to tote a puffin, too.

This book follows the lives of four distinct, yet ultimately connected, characters exploring who they are, who they want to be and how they fit into the world that doesn’t feel welcoming to them. Alternating chapters give an inside view into each character’s reality and leave the reader questioning their own beliefs and potential actions. What would each of us do to make this child feel valued? What unintentional messages might we be sending by doing what we initially feel is right?

I’m not sure how Ann does it, but once again, she wrote straight into my heart and my own relationships. Knowing the pain of what is right, but what is done to keep the peace instead. Knowing the bonds that are forged over the fear of change, rather than the excitement of growing. This book so artfully explores how to remain true to yourself when the world feels like it is against you and to wholeheartedly believe in your bones that you are enough, just the way you are.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go create a fistful of paper love bombs to spread love and kindness, just as Libby did. Because every little act of kindness matters more than we’ll ever know.

[Laurie Hnatiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Ann Braden and NetGallery, for a digital ARC of this book.

Flight of the Puffin was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021, and Ms. Braden does not disappoint in her second novel, Flight of the Puffin. This novel does so many things to be engaging, relevant and manageable for middle-grade readers.

The story follows four individuals dealing with personal struggles. Libby desperately is trying not to follow in the footsteps of her bullying family, and Vincent is a victim of bullying at school and not even sure why. Jack lives in a small town, trying to push forward after the death of his younger brother Alex and T lives on the streets of Seattle with a dog named Peko.

These are four kids that readers will know and connect with - they are not perfect, and they're trying to find their way in the world. The characters acted out, were misrepresented, scared of the unknown and made judgements without facts. Kids make these mistakes, and we see these characters stumble and struggle. We want to see how they will overcome their mistakes and not always be just quick fixes. It took courage and time to speak up about their opinions, the injustices, or to recognize they were in the wrong. Again real.

As the story continues to unfold, we see the four kids as they go about their lives and the personal issues they are dealing with individually. Libby is grounded for the vandalism but determined to share her index cards of optimism. Vincent decides he will be who he is and wear what he wants, no matter what the consequences are at school. Jack has to figure out how to rectify the misunderstanding at the board meeting he attended to fight for his school, and T and Peko are getting hungrier and colder on Seattle's rainy streets. All of them living their separate lives in different parts of the country until Libby's postcards of kindness ripples and connects them.

But this is more than a story about four kids who end up connected. It is a story that is inclusive because it includes nonbinary characters, something that we need to see more of in middle-grade books. It is a story about how we can be courageous and afraid simultaneously, but in the end, one does the right thing. It is a story that models #ownvoices by having Ann include in the acknowledgements her thanks to the nonbinary readers to ensure the story was on point and accurate from their perspective. It is a story that is manageable for readers because of its reasonable length. Flight of the Puffin is all of these things, but ultimately it is a story of kindness and the ripples it creates by one small act. What a powerful gift Ms. Braden has given us - the reminder of how easy it can be to make a difference and the world a better place.

[Sara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I pick up an Ann Braden book I am reminded of Anne Shirley and what she said about kindred spirits. She has a remarkable gift with words and it's a joy to climb into the worlds she creates. Like Libby, I just want to send her a postcard and let her know how much goodness she sends out into the world each time she gifts us with a new book.

Flight of the Puffin focuses on four young main characters as they face challenges in their own worlds. Like a master craftsman, Braden weaves their four lives together. Libby, who needs things to vastly change for her peace of mind, Jack, who has had too much change in the last year and needs some constancy, Vincent, who holds fast to who he is and refuses to change to make things easier for others, and T who desperately needs the attitudes of those they love to change.

This is a book perfect for a read aloud. It will be the last book I will read my class this year. In a time of so much uncertainty, to know that they each have an impact on and are connected to one another: it's a message they need to hear.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The four kids in this story that are struggling with life are Libby, Jack, Vincent, and T. Libby has been accused of being a bully. Ever since Jack lost his brother in an accident, his life has never been the same. Vincent just doesn't seem to fit in and the other kids in his school make sure he never forgets it. T has run away from home because his family can't accept who he really is. All four kids are misunderstood by everyone in their lives including those who are supposed to care about them the most: parents and teachers, but Libby won't accept that and is determined to help anyone in any way that she can.

Flight of the Puffin is an exceptional book that follows the lives of these four kids as they try to make those around them understand their points of view. The themes of this story include standing up for what you believe in and doing what you can to make a difference every day. Overall, Flight of the Puffin is a wonderful story with a message of hope that everyone can use.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Such a great story for middle schoolers about feeling isolated and how to handle it. Loved the multiple perspectives and eventual connections between characters!! Also, LOVE that Ann Braden did a nationwide read aloud!! My 7th grade students loved it and will be talking about it for some time!!

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The interconnected stories of four kids (two in Vermont and two in Seattle) who are each going through a hard time in their own way. They find strength in the kindness of helping each other. Not actually about puffins, though there are some fun puffin facts included. For grades 4 & up.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Four narrators spread across small towns in Vermont and the city of Seattle establish meaningful connections in this highly satisfying examination of the power of small, positive actions." Thank you, School Library Journal, for that perfect summation!

[Rebecca McPhedran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! I loved this book!! Such a great journey of acceptance and understanding. Told from four alternating perspectives, this is the story of how four kids connect through letters. I loved this book and it’s message of self discovery.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little story about learning to accept not only others, but yourself as well. Also about how kids don't have to follow in their parent's footsteps and become better than what their circumstances predict. Awesome group of characters that impact each other in a positive way even though they might not interact with each other much. I love the concept of one person changing the world for the better, even if it is by just leaving notes for others to find. We can all do a part. Should be a good discussion with the 6th grade book club.

[Beth Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! It’s easy to forget that being yourself is acceptable no matter what anyone else thinks. And even the smallest random acts of kindness can make a big impression on those it affects. I LOVED this book so much! It made me hope that as a parent I never make my child question who he really is. Fly Free Fearless Puffin! ❤️

[Cheryl Mizerny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that will have you rooting for the main characters to overcome their challenges. They all have different issues, yet find a way to reach one another and help deliver hope. I know that my students will relate to at least one of the characters in the book. I will definitely recommend it in my classroom!

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very complicated feelings about this book. It definitely wasn't my favorite, and honestly, I think it could've been done way better.
I wrote a paragraph long rant about this book and then deleted it <3