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Every Bird a Prince
A girl's quest to save a forest kingdom is intertwined with her exploration of identity in this middle-grade contemporary fantasy.
The only time Eren Evers feels like herself is when she’s on her bike, racing through the deep woods. While so much of her life at home and at school is flying out of control, the muddy trails and the sting of wind in her face are familiar comforts.
Until she rescues a strange, magical bird, who reveals a shocking secret: their forest kingdom is under attack by an ancient foe—the vile Frostfangs—and the birds need Eren's help to survive.
Seventh grade is hard enough without adding “bird champion” to her list of after-school activities. Lately, Eren’s friends seem obsessed with their crushes and the upcoming dance, while Eren can’t figure out what a crush should even feel like. Still, if she doesn’t play along, they may leave her behind…or just leave her all together. Then the birds enlist one of Eren's classmates, forcing her separate lives to collide.
When her own mother starts behaving oddly, Eren realizes that the Frostfangs—with their insidious whispers—are now hunting outside the woods. In order to save her mom, defend an entire kingdom, and keep the friendships she holds dearest, Eren will need to do something utterly terrifying: be brave enough to embrace her innermost truths, no matter the cost.
The only time Eren Evers feels like herself is when she’s on her bike, racing through the deep woods. While so much of her life at home and at school is flying out of control, the muddy trails and the sting of wind in her face are familiar comforts.
Until she rescues a strange, magical bird, who reveals a shocking secret: their forest kingdom is under attack by an ancient foe—the vile Frostfangs—and the birds need Eren's help to survive.
Seventh grade is hard enough without adding “bird champion” to her list of after-school activities. Lately, Eren’s friends seem obsessed with their crushes and the upcoming dance, while Eren can’t figure out what a crush should even feel like. Still, if she doesn’t play along, they may leave her behind…or just leave her all together. Then the birds enlist one of Eren's classmates, forcing her separate lives to collide.
When her own mother starts behaving oddly, Eren realizes that the Frostfangs—with their insidious whispers—are now hunting outside the woods. In order to save her mom, defend an entire kingdom, and keep the friendships she holds dearest, Eren will need to do something utterly terrifying: be brave enough to embrace her innermost truths, no matter the cost.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 10, 2022
9 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Reese
29 books257 followersJenn Reese (she/they) writes speculative fiction for readers of all ages. She is the author of Every Bird a Prince and A Game of Fox & Squirrels, an NPR Best Book of 2020, a finalist for the Andre Norton Award and the Mythopoeic Award, and winner of the Oregon Book Award. Her other publications include the Above World trilogy and numerous short stories and essays. Jenn lives in Portland, Oregon where she makes art, plays video games, and talks to the birds.
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January 11, 2022My newest book, EVERY BIRD A PRINCE, is a story about digging deep and figuring out your own truths -- whatever those may be. My editor called it a "checking in with yourself" book, which I love. In this case, Eren Evers doesn't understand why she doesn't experience crushes and doesn't want to date, like her friends do. She's afraid to even ask why. But when a bird prince asks her to be a champion and defend the realm against the frostfangs, that's exactly what she has to do.
Happy reading,
Jenn
Happy reading,
Jenn
May 10, 2022
I love this beautiful book SO MUCH. It's full of breathtaking magic - so many gorgeous moments of true wonder! - but also really deep, meaningful questions about identity and courage that will resonate with SO many readers (both tweens and adults). Eren Evers, the heroine, is just at that point in between childhood and young adulthood when everyone seems to have a clear idea of what she *should* want and who she, as a nearly-teenaged girl, should be, no matter how she secretly might feel inside...and it'll take real courage and multiple kinds of magic to step forward and claim her own truths, instead, to save not only herself but everything she cares about.
I was lucky enough to read multiple early drafts of this novel, and I loved every single one of them even more than the last. I cannot wait to read my preordered hardcover of the final book! And I am so excited that both kids and adults will get to see themselves and be empowered through this fabulous, emotionally true fantasy story.
I was lucky enough to read multiple early drafts of this novel, and I loved every single one of them even more than the last. I cannot wait to read my preordered hardcover of the final book! And I am so excited that both kids and adults will get to see themselves and be empowered through this fabulous, emotionally true fantasy story.
January 13, 2024
I love that this book exists. It's a wonderful middle grade story about a girl helping out birds in a magical forest kingdom when they're under potential attack, all while having to deal with friends being obsessed with crushes and dating when she's starting to realise she might not ever want that.
Reading about a young girl figuring herself out, discovering terms like aromantic and asexual and standing up for herself when others put her down was INCREDIBLE.
For me as an adult the magical woods part wasn't AS interesting but for the target audience it's probably great.
I talk about books here: Instagram / TikTok / Linktree
Reading about a young girl figuring herself out, discovering terms like aromantic and asexual and standing up for herself when others put her down was INCREDIBLE.
For me as an adult the magical woods part wasn't AS interesting but for the target audience it's probably great.
I talk about books here: Instagram / TikTok / Linktree
June 13, 2022
This is an excellent book about identity and friendship. The combination of fantastical peril and realistic emotional turmoil the characters were facing was perfectly balanced. I loved all the characters so much. As a teacher who works with kids growing up with a whole new vocabulary to voice their feelings and describe their emotions, I"m so happy to see a book released that deals with that for middle graders.
May 15, 2024
Damn, this book took me back places. The aroace experience hits HARD. ALL the points from me for being so very relatable. The story itself is fun and cute too. Wish I had these kind of stories when I was a kid.
June 5, 2022
Adorable and full of truths. “Succumbing to frostfangs” is a lot cooler than “having an anxiety attack” so perhaps I will use that now when the whispers start.
February 8, 2023
Magical story with good characters.
September 28, 2024
Sinopsis alternativa 1: Heroína queer destruye la heteronorma con una espada arcoíris.
Sinopsis alternativa 2:
Pájaro mágico parlante: Para salvar la ciudad debemos usar la verdad y ser completamente sinceres.
Niña que está metidísima dentro del armario: Fuck.
Sinopsis alternativa 2:
Pájaro mágico parlante: Para salvar la ciudad debemos usar la verdad y ser completamente sinceres.
Niña que está metidísima dentro del armario: Fuck.
March 11, 2022
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
With this book, I can officially say Jenn Reese is one of my favorite middle grade authors. I adored A Game of Fox and Squirrel for its poignancy and heart, and Every Bird a Prince is likewise deep and powerful in its own way. It is imbued with a message of self-acceptance and empowerment that will resonate with kids (and adults, too).
Eren is a 7th grade girl who is trying to figure out a lot of stuff. Her two besties are going boy crazy and are hyped about an upcoming school dance, while she just wants to ride her bike through the Oregon woods. She’s out riding when she saves a bird that is weirdly icy—and who actually speaks to her, proclaiming her a chosen champion. The world is in danger, and Eren has been called upon… and she’s as unsure of that as she is about most everything else. One thing becomes clear, though: the threat is real. Her mom is in danger. When the boy she's pretending to have a crush on gets embroiled in the mess, too, things get especially awkward as they need to save the woods and the world, together.
This is such a good book. It’s going to cause kids to think, wonder, and maybe look in the mirror and see who is really there. I’ll be including this book on my Norton nomination list for 2022.
With this book, I can officially say Jenn Reese is one of my favorite middle grade authors. I adored A Game of Fox and Squirrel for its poignancy and heart, and Every Bird a Prince is likewise deep and powerful in its own way. It is imbued with a message of self-acceptance and empowerment that will resonate with kids (and adults, too).
Eren is a 7th grade girl who is trying to figure out a lot of stuff. Her two besties are going boy crazy and are hyped about an upcoming school dance, while she just wants to ride her bike through the Oregon woods. She’s out riding when she saves a bird that is weirdly icy—and who actually speaks to her, proclaiming her a chosen champion. The world is in danger, and Eren has been called upon… and she’s as unsure of that as she is about most everything else. One thing becomes clear, though: the threat is real. Her mom is in danger. When the boy she's pretending to have a crush on gets embroiled in the mess, too, things get especially awkward as they need to save the woods and the world, together.
This is such a good book. It’s going to cause kids to think, wonder, and maybe look in the mirror and see who is really there. I’ll be including this book on my Norton nomination list for 2022.
June 20, 2022
loved the writing, the world and the topic, though i am not the target audience and this was one mg book for mg readers. there was lessons to be learned and though stated in a nice way, still definitely lessons, in "you should do this and not that". not for me and my age (though not sure if i ever liked a story with explicit lessons and right and wrong in them)
April 24, 2022
I loved this lyrical, magical, compelling story that wove together a thrilling story of an enchanted woodland kingdom of bird princes facing off against a dire enemy with Eren's journey towards claiming the truth of who she is. Powerful and uplifting but also exciting and fun, full of characters who came alive and made me eager to spend time with them!
May 18, 2022
Every Bird a Prince is a beautiful book about the inner battles we fight against self-doubt and the courage we find through embracing truth. Jenn Reese is a gifted writer who is not afraid to tackle difficult themes.
Eren Evers only feels whole when she is in the beautiful Oregon woods near her home. She loves riding her bike and escaping from the pressures of middle school. When in the woods, she can avoid thinking about choosing a "crush" for her school's dance and meeting the high expectations of her two friends. One morning, Eren rescues an injured bird who turns out to be a prince from the Resplendent Nest, a realm of birds who are fighting against the malevolent Frostfangs. Prince Oreteetee chooses Eren as a "champion" to help the birds fight the creatures who feed upon self-doubt. But, is Eren strong enough to vanquish this insidious enemy? As Eren trains to be a champion and enlists the help of popular kid Alex Ruis, she will discover that the greatest enemy lies within herself.
This book was such an eye-opening read for me. I hesitate to say that a book can change your way of thinking, but Reese has given me much to ponder with this read. I would have loved a book like this growing up. i, like Eren, was never interested in dating, and it is so wonderful to encounter a heroine who struggles, (as I still sometimes do), with her identity. I am so grateful that a book now exists that addresses these difficult themes and features an aromantic character. (I had never encountered that label before, by the way. it is good to know that I am not alone as, when I was Eren's age, I sometimes wondered if there was something inherently wrong with me. I am 38 years old now and much has changed, but these are issues that often still cause me to ponder). I have found my self-worth through my relationship with God). I love the candor and honesty of this book and the themes addressed in such a fantastical setting..
This novel was as refreshing as a cup of cold sparkling apple cider, and I imbibed it thirstily. It quenched my thirst, and it is a book of deep substance. I loved the characters, particularly Eren, Alex, Jesse, and especially Alex's sister, Louisa. The rich setting, (both the descriptions of the Resplendent Nest realm and of the Oregon landscape was so evocative and immersive.
Please give this riveting novel a chance. I also recommend Reese's extraordinary novel entitled A Game of Fox & Squirrels.
Happy reading, and God bless you all.
Eren Evers only feels whole when she is in the beautiful Oregon woods near her home. She loves riding her bike and escaping from the pressures of middle school. When in the woods, she can avoid thinking about choosing a "crush" for her school's dance and meeting the high expectations of her two friends. One morning, Eren rescues an injured bird who turns out to be a prince from the Resplendent Nest, a realm of birds who are fighting against the malevolent Frostfangs. Prince Oreteetee chooses Eren as a "champion" to help the birds fight the creatures who feed upon self-doubt. But, is Eren strong enough to vanquish this insidious enemy? As Eren trains to be a champion and enlists the help of popular kid Alex Ruis, she will discover that the greatest enemy lies within herself.
This book was such an eye-opening read for me. I hesitate to say that a book can change your way of thinking, but Reese has given me much to ponder with this read. I would have loved a book like this growing up. i, like Eren, was never interested in dating, and it is so wonderful to encounter a heroine who struggles, (as I still sometimes do), with her identity. I am so grateful that a book now exists that addresses these difficult themes and features an aromantic character. (I had never encountered that label before, by the way. it is good to know that I am not alone as, when I was Eren's age, I sometimes wondered if there was something inherently wrong with me. I am 38 years old now and much has changed, but these are issues that often still cause me to ponder). I have found my self-worth through my relationship with God). I love the candor and honesty of this book and the themes addressed in such a fantastical setting..
This novel was as refreshing as a cup of cold sparkling apple cider, and I imbibed it thirstily. It quenched my thirst, and it is a book of deep substance. I loved the characters, particularly Eren, Alex, Jesse, and especially Alex's sister, Louisa. The rich setting, (both the descriptions of the Resplendent Nest realm and of the Oregon landscape was so evocative and immersive.
Please give this riveting novel a chance. I also recommend Reese's extraordinary novel entitled A Game of Fox & Squirrels.
Happy reading, and God bless you all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2022
🕊️👑🌳𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝙱𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝚊 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎🌳👑🕊️
Eren Evers has felt severe peer pressure from her friends to confess who her crush is. It's no secret that if one's best friends share their secret. . . doesn't the rest of the group have to too? Eren has never had a crush before, nor has she ever felt an attraction or need to do so. In a desperate attempt, Eren uses a random boy from her school, Alex Ruiz. Things get more complicated as she finds out the possibility that Alex could possibly like her back, and the lies get more and more complicated. Eren finds escape by biking, and one day while biking through the forest she saves an injured bird. However, her life is forever changed as she finds that the whole bird kingdom can talk and has chosen her as their champion to save a bird prince. Alex gets involved in the whole ordeal and as they set out to stop the frostfangs from defeating the birds and infiltrating the minds of humans, Eren decides it's time to discover herself and say the truth before it's too late.
Ever Bird a Prince is an urban fantasy that focuses on one's identity, differences, and a fast-paced adventure to save humanity and the animals! Urban fantasy that packs a hidden punch by also dealing with real-life situations amidst a fantasy journey is always the sort of book I like. Eren finds out that she might be asexual but is unsure how to explain it to Jessie and Kayla in fear that they will leave her.
I haven't read a book with a main character who may or may not identify as asexual (that is up to you to find out when you read the book!) I enjoyed these topics but also Eren's journey. There were several realistic and awkward situations in this book that kept it grounded and weaved in with the fantasy adventure.
The atmospheric forest setting was so peaceful and calming. The bird kingdom was a joy to read about! I liked Eren and Alex's friendship but also several of the topics that were discussed between them. Jenn is a really amazing writer. I'm excited about checking out more of their books.
☑️PLOT
☑️PLOT TWIST
☑️CHARACTERS
Eren Evers has felt severe peer pressure from her friends to confess who her crush is. It's no secret that if one's best friends share their secret. . . doesn't the rest of the group have to too? Eren has never had a crush before, nor has she ever felt an attraction or need to do so. In a desperate attempt, Eren uses a random boy from her school, Alex Ruiz. Things get more complicated as she finds out the possibility that Alex could possibly like her back, and the lies get more and more complicated. Eren finds escape by biking, and one day while biking through the forest she saves an injured bird. However, her life is forever changed as she finds that the whole bird kingdom can talk and has chosen her as their champion to save a bird prince. Alex gets involved in the whole ordeal and as they set out to stop the frostfangs from defeating the birds and infiltrating the minds of humans, Eren decides it's time to discover herself and say the truth before it's too late.
Ever Bird a Prince is an urban fantasy that focuses on one's identity, differences, and a fast-paced adventure to save humanity and the animals! Urban fantasy that packs a hidden punch by also dealing with real-life situations amidst a fantasy journey is always the sort of book I like. Eren finds out that she might be asexual but is unsure how to explain it to Jessie and Kayla in fear that they will leave her.
I haven't read a book with a main character who may or may not identify as asexual (that is up to you to find out when you read the book!) I enjoyed these topics but also Eren's journey. There were several realistic and awkward situations in this book that kept it grounded and weaved in with the fantasy adventure.
The atmospheric forest setting was so peaceful and calming. The bird kingdom was a joy to read about! I liked Eren and Alex's friendship but also several of the topics that were discussed between them. Jenn is a really amazing writer. I'm excited about checking out more of their books.
☑️PLOT
☑️PLOT TWIST
☑️CHARACTERS
October 28, 2023
Every Bird a Prince
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) or 9.42/10 overall
A book all about overcoming your fears, being your true self, and helping others? With an Aromantic MC? Sign me up!
Characters - 10
All of the characters were unique and relatable, making this a very enjoyable read for me. The emotions the characters felt always made sense for their personalities too.
Atmosphere - 9
The atmosphere was amazing. The imagery used for the Resplendent Nest especially made it feel that much more real, authentic, and splendid.
Writing - 9
The writing was really immersive and easy to follow along, while still having good pacing and neat descriptions.
Plot - 10
I absolutely loved the story. It flowed nicely and I liked how the connection between the Resplendent Nest and the outside-of-the-woods world was created.
Intrigue - 9
There were a few parts that I figured out what was going to happen, but I suspect that's because I'm older than the target age for this book, and it still didn't break my immersion or anything.
Logic - 9
The book had a decent amount of a logic. A few jumps here or there that felt a little rushed, but nothing major.
Enjoyment - 10
I REALLY enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down and I felt myself smiling and laughing along as the characters succeeded in their journey. One of my favorite books this year for sure. :)
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5) or 9.42/10 overall
A book all about overcoming your fears, being your true self, and helping others? With an Aromantic MC? Sign me up!
Characters - 10
All of the characters were unique and relatable, making this a very enjoyable read for me. The emotions the characters felt always made sense for their personalities too.
Atmosphere - 9
The atmosphere was amazing. The imagery used for the Resplendent Nest especially made it feel that much more real, authentic, and splendid.
Writing - 9
The writing was really immersive and easy to follow along, while still having good pacing and neat descriptions.
Plot - 10
I absolutely loved the story. It flowed nicely and I liked how the connection between the Resplendent Nest and the outside-of-the-woods world was created.
Intrigue - 9
There were a few parts that I figured out what was going to happen, but I suspect that's because I'm older than the target age for this book, and it still didn't break my immersion or anything.
Logic - 9
The book had a decent amount of a logic. A few jumps here or there that felt a little rushed, but nothing major.
Enjoyment - 10
I REALLY enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down and I felt myself smiling and laughing along as the characters succeeded in their journey. One of my favorite books this year for sure. :)
April 1, 2025
AN AROMANTIC MIDDLE GRADE BOOK 😍😍
I really enjoyed this one. We have a main character who is questioning her identity and specifically around crushes and being aromantic. One day she runs into a magical bird and becomes a champion and she can all of a sudden see this alternate world with these dangerous frost fangs and the bird Prince wants her help.
I think this was adorable and I cannot hype up the importance of having middle grade books that have such explicit queer representation. Having an aromantic character who uses the term aromantic and stands up for herself is beyond important. I also think that while this character may eventually realize that she might be also on the asexual spectrum. In this book she only settles on aromantic and because being ace and aro are so closely intertwined in a lot of representation having this specific selective aromantic rep is really great. I think it's going to open a lot of people's eyes to what being aromantic is and it just opens that door into the huge world of labels and identities and acceptance that are available for people.
Queer secondary characters as well
The magic system / fantasy element of this book wasn't my favorite in that I just don't think it was developed enough but I think that that is my adult brain talking I think it's going to be perfect for middle grade readers.
I really enjoyed this one. We have a main character who is questioning her identity and specifically around crushes and being aromantic. One day she runs into a magical bird and becomes a champion and she can all of a sudden see this alternate world with these dangerous frost fangs and the bird Prince wants her help.
I think this was adorable and I cannot hype up the importance of having middle grade books that have such explicit queer representation. Having an aromantic character who uses the term aromantic and stands up for herself is beyond important. I also think that while this character may eventually realize that she might be also on the asexual spectrum. In this book she only settles on aromantic and because being ace and aro are so closely intertwined in a lot of representation having this specific selective aromantic rep is really great. I think it's going to open a lot of people's eyes to what being aromantic is and it just opens that door into the huge world of labels and identities and acceptance that are available for people.
Queer secondary characters as well
The magic system / fantasy element of this book wasn't my favorite in that I just don't think it was developed enough but I think that that is my adult brain talking I think it's going to be perfect for middle grade readers.
June 15, 2025
Middle grade fantasy about a girl who is chosen as a champion to fight Frostfang monsters. I needed a middle grade LGBT book for a StoryGraph challenge I’m participating in and this fit the bill. It’s a book that I read and I have no strong feelings about it. It’s fairly formulaic and heavy-handed with the “believe in yourself” message but that’s to be expected from middle grade books. Has an aromantic MC and bisexual and asexual side characters.
March 22, 2023
Eren Evers's friends have become fixated on school crushes, but she fails to understand why liking someone is so important to everyone. One day in the woods, she meets Prince Oreteetee from a bird kingdom, and they need her help. Every Bird a Prince is a great fantasy for pre-teens that also tackles gender roles and stereotypes as Eren learns more about herself.
May 13, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review: 5 stars.
This is a beautiful middle grade about being true to yourself and setting boundaries while facing hopelessness and self doubt. The asexual and aromantic representation was very well done (and if I’m honest very relatable) This would be a wonderful addition to any school library where it can get into the hands who need it most.
This is a beautiful middle grade about being true to yourself and setting boundaries while facing hopelessness and self doubt. The asexual and aromantic representation was very well done (and if I’m honest very relatable) This would be a wonderful addition to any school library where it can get into the hands who need it most.
June 26, 2025
a very cute book about magical birds and complicated tween relationships! sweet and important message about exploring and nurturing your true self and inner strength, and supporting your friends as they do the same.
i thoroughly enjoyed looking up every bird mentioned as i read (little cuties, all!!!).
i thoroughly enjoyed looking up every bird mentioned as i read (little cuties, all!!!).
November 10, 2024
came across this during a selection assignment and wow 100% recommend! very sweet adventure
May 17, 2022
This book was so touching, a beautifully written middle grade tale about fighting doubt in the middle of finding yourself. Sign me up to read anything Jenn Reese writes.
January 7, 2023
Besides being a fantasy of icy wolf creatures vs. epic birds and a plucky teenager on her BMX, there's also a plot involving a dance, crushes, and peer pressure. Eren's two BFFs have decided the upcoming school dance will be the time and place to have their first dates.
The one who is most boy crazy has decided the other two should invite their crushes so that they can triple date. While the other friend seems okay with this plan, Eren isn't sure she wants to date anyone. She picks a boy she finds interesting, but isn't attracted to, and he agrees to go to the dance. He and she also become friends and co-champions to fight the Frostfangs.
Finally, on the homefront, Eren's mother has started dating a man who would never meet her exacting standards under normal circumstances. On the fantasy front, the mother's change in personality is clearly the effect of the Frostfangs. It's also a metaphoric look at how domestic abuse can affect a person, even one who had seemed headstrong and on top of things.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
S/M Utopia Offroad 99FF66
The one who is most boy crazy has decided the other two should invite their crushes so that they can triple date. While the other friend seems okay with this plan, Eren isn't sure she wants to date anyone. She picks a boy she finds interesting, but isn't attracted to, and he agrees to go to the dance. He and she also become friends and co-champions to fight the Frostfangs.
Finally, on the homefront, Eren's mother has started dating a man who would never meet her exacting standards under normal circumstances. On the fantasy front, the mother's change in personality is clearly the effect of the Frostfangs. It's also a metaphoric look at how domestic abuse can affect a person, even one who had seemed headstrong and on top of things.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
S/M Utopia Offroad 99FF66
April 23, 2024
Middle grade is not usually my thing, but the lesson of not listening to the lies in your head has been my theme these past few months, so the very unsubtle lesson still landed.
April 15, 2022
Every Bird of Prince expertly weaves a fantasy plot with the relatable story of a girl trying to discover her own identity in the face of peer pressure. Jenn Reese's strengths as a writer are on full display here as she sensitively gives us likable characters facing real-life complications and combines it with a delightful sense of wonder.
June 3, 2022
Ever since seventh grade started, Erin, who is white, has felt like she is on a raft rushing down a river. Friend pressures to crush on boys and gear up for dances, terrify her. The only thing that feels right is riding trails in the woods on her bike, which is where she collides with a partially frozen bird. Her successful efforts to revive it result in becoming a champion in the bird kingdom’s battle against the Frostfangs whose invidious whispers sow self-doubt. The battle becomes more personal when the Frostfangs target her mom and Erin’s diverse friends are drawn into the fight.
Like Reese’s award-winning A Game of Fox & Squirrels (Holt, 2020) the fanciful allegory, filled with talking animals, has a dark core. But unlike in the previous book, the menace – in this case of self-doubt and sisgender, conformist pressures - never fires the imagination and trods a predictable path. One of Erin’s critiques of her uber-confident, single mom is that ‘everything is a lecture or lesson.’ Unfortunately, that is equally true of asides about consent and myriad morale boosting peptalks. While much of the content is spot-on, and the inclusion of an Ace main character welcome, the delivery falls flat. Starting with the unconvincing, opening premise that the Frostfangs’ undermining whispers typically target animal kingdoms. (Herds of insecure, frosty deer menacing the middle school don't pack much of a punch.) Equally odd is the choice of the bird kingdom to designate every bird a 'prince' and then assert the title has nothing to do with privilege, responsibility or gender. The novel’s ultimate assertion: that to escape self-doubt and conformity one needs to recognize we are all princes and to turn inward and cultivate self-understanding, seems a counter-productive bromide. The scenes that come alive are those where Erin demonstrates competence (riding her bike) or where she ceases her anxious self-examination long enough to notice something about someone else. This reader wishes the author had spent more time emphasizing those paths to self-esteem.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holt for an Advance Readers Copy.
Like Reese’s award-winning A Game of Fox & Squirrels (Holt, 2020) the fanciful allegory, filled with talking animals, has a dark core. But unlike in the previous book, the menace – in this case of self-doubt and sisgender, conformist pressures - never fires the imagination and trods a predictable path. One of Erin’s critiques of her uber-confident, single mom is that ‘everything is a lecture or lesson.’ Unfortunately, that is equally true of asides about consent and myriad morale boosting peptalks. While much of the content is spot-on, and the inclusion of an Ace main character welcome, the delivery falls flat. Starting with the unconvincing, opening premise that the Frostfangs’ undermining whispers typically target animal kingdoms. (Herds of insecure, frosty deer menacing the middle school don't pack much of a punch.) Equally odd is the choice of the bird kingdom to designate every bird a 'prince' and then assert the title has nothing to do with privilege, responsibility or gender. The novel’s ultimate assertion: that to escape self-doubt and conformity one needs to recognize we are all princes and to turn inward and cultivate self-understanding, seems a counter-productive bromide. The scenes that come alive are those where Erin demonstrates competence (riding her bike) or where she ceases her anxious self-examination long enough to notice something about someone else. This reader wishes the author had spent more time emphasizing those paths to self-esteem.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holt for an Advance Readers Copy.
July 11, 2022
Pros: fantastically good job representing LGBTQ kids and that fact that many people don’t fit neatly in a certain box. The consent aspect is also great, I hope to see more books address this head-on. The fantasy story is good too, but it often reads like two different books smooshed together. Are you an environmental/mental health fantasy or are you a middle school LGBTAQ realistic fiction book? Maybe it doesn’t fit into either box, lol! Cons: way too much crush, kissing, etc for an elementary school book.
I really love the characters and the notion that the villain is the voices in our heads. It's a good middle school book as a reminder that everyone (even the "cool" kids) feel awkward and unsure pretty much constantly!
I really love the characters and the notion that the villain is the voices in our heads. It's a good middle school book as a reminder that everyone (even the "cool" kids) feel awkward and unsure pretty much constantly!
March 7, 2022
This book was a huge hit with my eleven year old. She loved the main character as well as the plot in general. We have read it twice now and will probably read it again. Thank you netgalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity to read .
October 29, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Eren feels increasingly out of step with her best friends Jessie and Kayla, who are pressuring her to provide the name of her crush so that the three can work on getting dates to the dance at their Oregon Wild Rose Middle School. She takes great comfort from vigorous bike rides in the woods, which is a good activitiy since her single mother is often busy with work, leaving Eren to her own devices. Eren doesn't have a crush and is very stressed out about having to provide a name, and decides that classmate Alex isn't the worst person on the planet. Even though Jessie and Kayla are cool with dating either boys or girls, Eren doesn't feel crushes towards everyone, so is very stressed. Using the grapevine of middle school to communicate, Eren's friends let Alex know of her interest, and the two are soon eating lunch together and hanging out in the woods, where Alex likes to run. Since Eren had a very odd experience in the woods with a bird who talked to her and told her that she was to be the birds' champions against the Frostfangs, Eren is glad that Alex believes her and is willing to help. He is also given a bird's feather so that he can talk to the birds the way Eren can. The big problem is that the Frostfangs prey on people by making them insecure and nervous about everything, and Eren, Alex, Eren's mother, and everyone else is extremely insecure to begin with! Eren's mother starts dating a jerk from work because she feels that raising Eren alone isn't a great idea, and she's not likely to get any better offers. Alex agrees to date Eren because he has a crush on another boy and doesn't want anyone to know. His sister, who identifies as asexual and gives the two a talk about consent before allowing them to hang out in the woods together, is supportive, as is Eren, but he is still insecure. Eren starts to realize that she might be asexual as well, and doesn't know how she can possibly explain this to Jessie and Kayla, since they are so invested in the idea of dating. This is perfect ground for the Frostfangs to infiltrate. Will Eren and Alex be able to overcome their insecurities, classmates' opinions, and relationship problems in order to work with the birds to save their school and the world from the Frostfangs?
Strengths: The Oregon setting is great, and Wild Rose Middle School is perhaps the best middle school name EVER. Eren and Alex are thrown together in a realistic way, and I liked that they were able to listen to the bird's suggestion that they be honest with each other, and are able to become friends. The emphasis on "dating" in middle school is drawn in a true to life way, and Eren's apprehension about this will speak to many readers. The fantasy world is well drawn, with the birds being helpful guides and the Frostfangs being terrifying adversaries. Eren's mother's role in this book was quite intriguing. This is a solid fantasy adventure with timely allergorical themes written in a lyrical, heart print fashion.
Weaknesses: Talking animals are never my personal favorite, so maybe it's just me, but the birds' names seemed a tiny bit twee for middle school. This is definitely more of a middle school book because of the nature of the social situations-- elementary school students don't have dances and are more concerned about hanging out on the playground than dating. They are also a tiny bit less interested in kissing, and that thought is very prominent in Jessie and Kayla's minds. This would be fine for elementary school students who are interested in those topics, but some won't be quite at that developmental stage. Not a weakness so much as a placement suggestion.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who like their fantasy with a side of current sociopolitical commentary, like Keller's When You Trap a Tiger, Lorentz's Wayward Creatures, Soontornvat's A Wish in the Dark or The Last Mapmaker, Lowe's Aviva vs the Dybbuk, Higuera's The Last Cuentista, or this author's A Game of Fox and Squirrels.
Eren feels increasingly out of step with her best friends Jessie and Kayla, who are pressuring her to provide the name of her crush so that the three can work on getting dates to the dance at their Oregon Wild Rose Middle School. She takes great comfort from vigorous bike rides in the woods, which is a good activitiy since her single mother is often busy with work, leaving Eren to her own devices. Eren doesn't have a crush and is very stressed out about having to provide a name, and decides that classmate Alex isn't the worst person on the planet. Even though Jessie and Kayla are cool with dating either boys or girls, Eren doesn't feel crushes towards everyone, so is very stressed. Using the grapevine of middle school to communicate, Eren's friends let Alex know of her interest, and the two are soon eating lunch together and hanging out in the woods, where Alex likes to run. Since Eren had a very odd experience in the woods with a bird who talked to her and told her that she was to be the birds' champions against the Frostfangs, Eren is glad that Alex believes her and is willing to help. He is also given a bird's feather so that he can talk to the birds the way Eren can. The big problem is that the Frostfangs prey on people by making them insecure and nervous about everything, and Eren, Alex, Eren's mother, and everyone else is extremely insecure to begin with! Eren's mother starts dating a jerk from work because she feels that raising Eren alone isn't a great idea, and she's not likely to get any better offers. Alex agrees to date Eren because he has a crush on another boy and doesn't want anyone to know. His sister, who identifies as asexual and gives the two a talk about consent before allowing them to hang out in the woods together, is supportive, as is Eren, but he is still insecure. Eren starts to realize that she might be asexual as well, and doesn't know how she can possibly explain this to Jessie and Kayla, since they are so invested in the idea of dating. This is perfect ground for the Frostfangs to infiltrate. Will Eren and Alex be able to overcome their insecurities, classmates' opinions, and relationship problems in order to work with the birds to save their school and the world from the Frostfangs?
Strengths: The Oregon setting is great, and Wild Rose Middle School is perhaps the best middle school name EVER. Eren and Alex are thrown together in a realistic way, and I liked that they were able to listen to the bird's suggestion that they be honest with each other, and are able to become friends. The emphasis on "dating" in middle school is drawn in a true to life way, and Eren's apprehension about this will speak to many readers. The fantasy world is well drawn, with the birds being helpful guides and the Frostfangs being terrifying adversaries. Eren's mother's role in this book was quite intriguing. This is a solid fantasy adventure with timely allergorical themes written in a lyrical, heart print fashion.
Weaknesses: Talking animals are never my personal favorite, so maybe it's just me, but the birds' names seemed a tiny bit twee for middle school. This is definitely more of a middle school book because of the nature of the social situations-- elementary school students don't have dances and are more concerned about hanging out on the playground than dating. They are also a tiny bit less interested in kissing, and that thought is very prominent in Jessie and Kayla's minds. This would be fine for elementary school students who are interested in those topics, but some won't be quite at that developmental stage. Not a weakness so much as a placement suggestion.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who like their fantasy with a side of current sociopolitical commentary, like Keller's When You Trap a Tiger, Lorentz's Wayward Creatures, Soontornvat's A Wish in the Dark or The Last Mapmaker, Lowe's Aviva vs the Dybbuk, Higuera's The Last Cuentista, or this author's A Game of Fox and Squirrels.
June 12, 2022
Every Bird a Prince, by Jenn Reese, follows Eren Evers, a girl who finds racing on her bike through the woods much more manageable than handling the world of middle school crushes. Her two best friends are determined that all three of them should have dates to the upcoming dance and pressure Eren to give them the name of somebody she has a crush on. Never having had a crush, she randomly names a boy in their grade, Alex. When she discovers a magical bird and an evil force threatening her world in the woods, she and Alex get thrown into defending their town while still navigating the middle school social world.
I really enjoyed this book. Eren is trying so hard to keep everybody in her life happy but herself. Her experiences with being pressured by her friends to act interested in relationships that she doesn't want to have are portrayed really well, and are a very important idea to be introduced to the middle school audience of this book. Eren is brave and caring and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her.
Alex is the secondary protagonist, drawn together with Eren through their friends pressuring the two to hang out together, and I liked him too. He provides a nice foil to Eren in many ways, although I do wish that he'd been given the opportunity to be fleshed out more.
The magical aspect of the book is quite interesting, even if it is just a thinly veiled metaphor for self-esteem in middle schoolers. Essentially, the magical bird that Eren finds is one of many in a kingdom that helps to defend the world against Frostfangs, which whisper horrible things to you and make you lose yourself, and Eren and Alex are selected by the birds as champions to help defeat them. I enjoyed it, and I think it will definitely speak to the target audience; I just wish there had been a bit more nuance or depth to the magic and worldbuilding.
The side characters were all only okay. Luisa, who is Alex's sister, is the only standout one; she's basically raising him after their mom died, and she's openly queer, giving Eren some much-needed explanations about aspects of the LGBTQIA* community. I really loved having an openly panromantic asexual character in a middle-grade book, particularly one who's seen as a role model for the younger characters. All of the other side characters were forgettable at best and horrible at worst, particularly Eren's friends.
One thing I did really enjoy about this book was its introduction of queer issues to a young audience. Eren is aromantic (and I'm guessing asexual, though that isn't discussed), and as an aspec (asexuality spectrum) person it felt so amazing to see aromanticism representation in the main character of a book, particularly one for middle-grade readers. This is important for a lot of reasons, namely the fact that asexuality and aromanticism are critically underrepresented in books (this might be the first I've ever read with a confirmed aromantic protagonist), but particularly because people of those two identities are frequently told that they're too young to identify as such, and dismissed as being late bloomers or simply immature. Having this book available to young people is so crucial as affirmation for young asexual and aromantic people who likely never see themselves in media, particularly because it is such an affirming work.
Every Bird a Prince is an incredible step forward for aromantic and asexual representation. If you're looking for a middle-grade story that openly discusses and affirms queer issues, then absolutely pick it up. In addition to that, though, it also has really important points about peer pressure and the dynamics of middle-school friend groups that would be important for middle schoolers to read. I can't recommend this book enough, particularly for fantasy fans. I'm giving it 5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. Eren is trying so hard to keep everybody in her life happy but herself. Her experiences with being pressured by her friends to act interested in relationships that she doesn't want to have are portrayed really well, and are a very important idea to be introduced to the middle school audience of this book. Eren is brave and caring and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her.
Alex is the secondary protagonist, drawn together with Eren through their friends pressuring the two to hang out together, and I liked him too. He provides a nice foil to Eren in many ways, although I do wish that he'd been given the opportunity to be fleshed out more.
The magical aspect of the book is quite interesting, even if it is just a thinly veiled metaphor for self-esteem in middle schoolers. Essentially, the magical bird that Eren finds is one of many in a kingdom that helps to defend the world against Frostfangs, which whisper horrible things to you and make you lose yourself, and Eren and Alex are selected by the birds as champions to help defeat them. I enjoyed it, and I think it will definitely speak to the target audience; I just wish there had been a bit more nuance or depth to the magic and worldbuilding.
The side characters were all only okay. Luisa, who is Alex's sister, is the only standout one; she's basically raising him after their mom died, and she's openly queer, giving Eren some much-needed explanations about aspects of the LGBTQIA* community. I really loved having an openly panromantic asexual character in a middle-grade book, particularly one who's seen as a role model for the younger characters. All of the other side characters were forgettable at best and horrible at worst, particularly Eren's friends.
One thing I did really enjoy about this book was its introduction of queer issues to a young audience. Eren is aromantic (and I'm guessing asexual, though that isn't discussed), and as an aspec (asexuality spectrum) person it felt so amazing to see aromanticism representation in the main character of a book, particularly one for middle-grade readers. This is important for a lot of reasons, namely the fact that asexuality and aromanticism are critically underrepresented in books (this might be the first I've ever read with a confirmed aromantic protagonist), but particularly because people of those two identities are frequently told that they're too young to identify as such, and dismissed as being late bloomers or simply immature. Having this book available to young people is so crucial as affirmation for young asexual and aromantic people who likely never see themselves in media, particularly because it is such an affirming work.
Every Bird a Prince is an incredible step forward for aromantic and asexual representation. If you're looking for a middle-grade story that openly discusses and affirms queer issues, then absolutely pick it up. In addition to that, though, it also has really important points about peer pressure and the dynamics of middle-school friend groups that would be important for middle schoolers to read. I can't recommend this book enough, particularly for fantasy fans. I'm giving it 5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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