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Wild Bird
Get lost in a middle grade adventure following Rype, an abandoned girl in fourteenth-century Europe, as she walks from Norway to England looking for safety from the plague.
Her name was Rype. That wasn’t really her name. It was what the strangers called her. She didn’t remember her real name. She didn’t remember anything at all.
Rype was hiding in the hollow of a tree trunk when they found her. She was hungry, small, cold, alone. She did not speak their language, or understand their mannerisms. But she knew this: To survive, she would have to go with them.
In fourteenth-century Norway, the plague has destroyed the entire village of Skeviga. To stay alive, Rype, the only one left, must embark on an adventure across Europe with the son of an English ship captain and a band of troubadours in search of a brighter future and a new home.
Her name was Rype. That wasn’t really her name. It was what the strangers called her. She didn’t remember her real name. She didn’t remember anything at all.
Rype was hiding in the hollow of a tree trunk when they found her. She was hungry, small, cold, alone. She did not speak their language, or understand their mannerisms. But she knew this: To survive, she would have to go with them.
In fourteenth-century Norway, the plague has destroyed the entire village of Skeviga. To stay alive, Rype, the only one left, must embark on an adventure across Europe with the son of an English ship captain and a band of troubadours in search of a brighter future and a new home.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Diane Zahler
16 books242 followersI grew up reading children's books and never wanted to do anything but write them. I'm the author of nine middle grade novels, and my newest book is a historical novel called WILD BIRD. I live in the country with my husband and very enthusiastic dog Jinx. Visit my website at www.dianezahler.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book from the start, but was aghast at the inclusion of sexual assault of a minor by a nun, and a homosexual relationship between an older man and a minor. This was completely out of line and inappropriate in a historical fiction aimed at ages 8-12. Please steer clear of this book.
November 21, 2022
Richie’s Picks: WILD BIRD by Diane Zahler, Roaring Brook, March 2023, 320p., ISBN: 978-1-250-83340-2
“Y'know death don't have no mercy in this land
Death don't have no mercy in this land, in this land
Come to your house, you know he don't take long
Look in bed this morning, children find your mother gone.”
– Rev. Gary Davis (1960)
Given the incredible trauma we’ve all faced during the COVID pandemic, it’s natural to look back to other times when people sought to avoid one another, perished in incomprehensible numbers, and saw many in the merchant and ruling classes getting antsy over the reluctance of customers and trading partners to engage in commerce.
“‘Sick,’ he managed. His teeth chattered together so hard it seemed they might knock themselves loose.
It was suddenly hard to breathe. I knew the look in his eyes, dull with illness, hazy with fear. It was part of my memories. I longed to flee—but where could I go? As Sean reached out for me, I backed away.
‘Please,’ he whispered. His hands were rough and calloused. They were like my father’s hands.
‘I get master,’ I said, and ran.
When Red-Beard opened his cabin door, wiping the sleep from his eyes, I spoke in my own language. ‘Sean is ailing,’ I told him.
Fear flashed across the shipmaster’s face. ‘Ailing? Sean sick?’
‘The Sickness,’ I said, trying to keep my voice steady. ‘He has the Sickness.’ Red-Beard made the sign of the cross when I mentioned the Sickness, and I did as well, though I knew it would do no good. The shipmaster seemed unable to move.
‘We must keep him warm,’ I told Red-Beard. ‘Give him fresh water.’
‘We bleed him?’ Red-Beard asked.
‘No. That would be useless.’
Red-Beard called the other men on duty to him, and together they carried Sean to the hold. The sailors sleeping below woke, and when the shipmaster spoke to them, they turned away in dread and hurried up the stairs to sleep above deck. Owen wanted to stay, but I shooed him away.
‘I help Sean,’ I said to him. ‘You sleep. Come later.’ Owen nodded and followed the others up the stairs. I knew there would be little rest for any of them. Fear of the Sickness chased away sleep.
The sailors brought the brazier with its hot coals down to the hold and then fled, and alone in the smoky dimness I tried to nurse Sean. He vomited bloody bile, and I cleaned it up. He thrashed and moaned in delirium, calling out in English.
Days passed in this way. I left the hold only a few times each day, and each time the men gathered around me to hear how it went below. Owen brought me food and water and helped me find the words I needed.
‘Will he live?’ Will asked, tears in his eyes. Sean and he had signed on as sailors together, were from the same village somewhere beyond the sea, or so I gathered. I didn’t want to lie, so I shrugged. But I didn’t have to answer. Will knew. Everyone knew what the Sickness did.
Small black marks appeared on Sean’s cheeks and then his arms and legs, and as the light of dawn came down the stairwell one morning, I saw the black boils starting in his armpits. I tried to keep him covered and warm, but he screamed in pain when the blanket touched his swellings. I tried to get him to drink, but his flailing arm knocked the cup from my hand. I did these things without thinking; my body knew what to do. It had done the same many times before.
Finally, as Owen joined me in the hold, I gave up and simply sat near Sean, bearing witness. Eventually he quieted and lay insensible, his breathing labored. To cover the terrible rasping noise he made as he tried to get air, and to try to comfort him, I began to hum, then to sing softly. The song came from the same place as the knowledge of how to nurse the sick, from
the buried place in my mind.”
It’s fourteenth century Europe, at the height of the Bubonic Plague. Red-Beard is the master of a merchant ship that hails from England and is now returning home with furs from a Russian settlement. His men had come ashore to replenish their food and fresh water supplies.
Rype, the protagonist of WILD BIRD, is the only survivor in her family, the last one alive in her entire Norwegian coastal village. The rare one to contract the Sickness and somehow survive. Her recent past was so traumatic that, at first, she struggles to recall what had befallen her family and friends. Her nightmares are intense.
Owen, Red-Beard’s son, discovers the starving girl hiding in a hollow tree by the shore, and lures her out with bits of dried fish. He then coaxes her into the dinghy he’s rowed to shore, and rows her out to his father’s ship. Fortunately, in addition to English, Red-Beard also speaks Rype’s language. And fortunately–unlike his crew–Red-Beard doesn’t believe that females onboard are bad luck or witches. But then the Sickness comes to the sailors.
Having apparently developed immunity, Rype is able to closely minister to the dying men without getting sick, which causes the sailors to look upon her suspiciously. And after the majority of the crew dies from the Sickness, including Red-Beard, a superstitious mate takes control of the vessel. Rype knows she must leave the ship before they do something to her. Owen rows her ashore, and then rather than return to the ship where his father’s death has left him unprotected from the hostile new captain, he takes off with her.
Rype and Owen head south on foot, hoping to find a port from which they can sail to England, where Owen’s mother awaits her son’s and (now late) husband’s return. The pair fall in with a troupe of young troubadours who are also heading south, singing for their supper as they go. Their subsequent travels provide a vivid, often nightmarish picture of medieval Europe. The society depicted, especially the influence of the Church, reminded me of the world portrayed in Avi’s CRISPIN.
It is interesting to compare the pandemic of eight hundred-something years ago with that of the past couple of years. The science has improved immeasurably, but misinformation, superstition, and death abound in both situations. One can only imagine the books written in another generation reflecting on our current deadly era.
What a powerful read! WILD BIRD is a notable piece of historical fiction, and a can’t-put-it-down adventure story.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Y'know death don't have no mercy in this land
Death don't have no mercy in this land, in this land
Come to your house, you know he don't take long
Look in bed this morning, children find your mother gone.”
– Rev. Gary Davis (1960)
Given the incredible trauma we’ve all faced during the COVID pandemic, it’s natural to look back to other times when people sought to avoid one another, perished in incomprehensible numbers, and saw many in the merchant and ruling classes getting antsy over the reluctance of customers and trading partners to engage in commerce.
“‘Sick,’ he managed. His teeth chattered together so hard it seemed they might knock themselves loose.
It was suddenly hard to breathe. I knew the look in his eyes, dull with illness, hazy with fear. It was part of my memories. I longed to flee—but where could I go? As Sean reached out for me, I backed away.
‘Please,’ he whispered. His hands were rough and calloused. They were like my father’s hands.
‘I get master,’ I said, and ran.
When Red-Beard opened his cabin door, wiping the sleep from his eyes, I spoke in my own language. ‘Sean is ailing,’ I told him.
Fear flashed across the shipmaster’s face. ‘Ailing? Sean sick?’
‘The Sickness,’ I said, trying to keep my voice steady. ‘He has the Sickness.’ Red-Beard made the sign of the cross when I mentioned the Sickness, and I did as well, though I knew it would do no good. The shipmaster seemed unable to move.
‘We must keep him warm,’ I told Red-Beard. ‘Give him fresh water.’
‘We bleed him?’ Red-Beard asked.
‘No. That would be useless.’
Red-Beard called the other men on duty to him, and together they carried Sean to the hold. The sailors sleeping below woke, and when the shipmaster spoke to them, they turned away in dread and hurried up the stairs to sleep above deck. Owen wanted to stay, but I shooed him away.
‘I help Sean,’ I said to him. ‘You sleep. Come later.’ Owen nodded and followed the others up the stairs. I knew there would be little rest for any of them. Fear of the Sickness chased away sleep.
The sailors brought the brazier with its hot coals down to the hold and then fled, and alone in the smoky dimness I tried to nurse Sean. He vomited bloody bile, and I cleaned it up. He thrashed and moaned in delirium, calling out in English.
Days passed in this way. I left the hold only a few times each day, and each time the men gathered around me to hear how it went below. Owen brought me food and water and helped me find the words I needed.
‘Will he live?’ Will asked, tears in his eyes. Sean and he had signed on as sailors together, were from the same village somewhere beyond the sea, or so I gathered. I didn’t want to lie, so I shrugged. But I didn’t have to answer. Will knew. Everyone knew what the Sickness did.
Small black marks appeared on Sean’s cheeks and then his arms and legs, and as the light of dawn came down the stairwell one morning, I saw the black boils starting in his armpits. I tried to keep him covered and warm, but he screamed in pain when the blanket touched his swellings. I tried to get him to drink, but his flailing arm knocked the cup from my hand. I did these things without thinking; my body knew what to do. It had done the same many times before.
Finally, as Owen joined me in the hold, I gave up and simply sat near Sean, bearing witness. Eventually he quieted and lay insensible, his breathing labored. To cover the terrible rasping noise he made as he tried to get air, and to try to comfort him, I began to hum, then to sing softly. The song came from the same place as the knowledge of how to nurse the sick, from
the buried place in my mind.”
It’s fourteenth century Europe, at the height of the Bubonic Plague. Red-Beard is the master of a merchant ship that hails from England and is now returning home with furs from a Russian settlement. His men had come ashore to replenish their food and fresh water supplies.
Rype, the protagonist of WILD BIRD, is the only survivor in her family, the last one alive in her entire Norwegian coastal village. The rare one to contract the Sickness and somehow survive. Her recent past was so traumatic that, at first, she struggles to recall what had befallen her family and friends. Her nightmares are intense.
Owen, Red-Beard’s son, discovers the starving girl hiding in a hollow tree by the shore, and lures her out with bits of dried fish. He then coaxes her into the dinghy he’s rowed to shore, and rows her out to his father’s ship. Fortunately, in addition to English, Red-Beard also speaks Rype’s language. And fortunately–unlike his crew–Red-Beard doesn’t believe that females onboard are bad luck or witches. But then the Sickness comes to the sailors.
Having apparently developed immunity, Rype is able to closely minister to the dying men without getting sick, which causes the sailors to look upon her suspiciously. And after the majority of the crew dies from the Sickness, including Red-Beard, a superstitious mate takes control of the vessel. Rype knows she must leave the ship before they do something to her. Owen rows her ashore, and then rather than return to the ship where his father’s death has left him unprotected from the hostile new captain, he takes off with her.
Rype and Owen head south on foot, hoping to find a port from which they can sail to England, where Owen’s mother awaits her son’s and (now late) husband’s return. The pair fall in with a troupe of young troubadours who are also heading south, singing for their supper as they go. Their subsequent travels provide a vivid, often nightmarish picture of medieval Europe. The society depicted, especially the influence of the Church, reminded me of the world portrayed in Avi’s CRISPIN.
It is interesting to compare the pandemic of eight hundred-something years ago with that of the past couple of years. The science has improved immeasurably, but misinformation, superstition, and death abound in both situations. One can only imagine the books written in another generation reflecting on our current deadly era.
What a powerful read! WILD BIRD is a notable piece of historical fiction, and a can’t-put-it-down adventure story.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
May 16, 2023
It is hard to review this book because I may be in the minority. I do not recommend this book for highly sensitive individuals. It is a tough read because of the realities of the Black Plague and medieval times. As a middle school world history teacher, I do not think I will use this in the classroom. I had trouble sleeping each night I read it because of the heaviness. I applaud the book for its accuracy but caution readers.
October 9, 2024
"Wild Bird" is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 14th-century Europe during the height of the Black Plague. The story follows a young girl, called Rype by those who find her, as she struggles to survive after her entire village is wiped out by the plague. With no memory of her real name or past, Rype embarks on a harrowing journey across Europe, from Norway to England, alongside an English boy and a group of troubadours in search of safety and a new home.
This novel stands out with its lyrical prose and vivid historical detail, bringing the challenges of medieval Europe and the human will to survive to life. Rype's journey is not only one of physical survival but also emotional, as she gradually pieces together her sense of self amid the chaos and loss. The relationships she forms along the way, particularly with the boy and the troubadours, add depth to the story, offering glimmers of hope in an otherwise grim setting.
The pacing can feel slow at times, and some elements of the story are covered briefly, but that doesn’t detract from the overall beauty of the narrative. Zahler’s ability to evoke the emotional and physical toll of the plague while maintaining a sense of hope and resilience is remarkable.
It's a beautifully written novel that would be a great companion for middle-grade readers studying the Black Plague, offering both historical context and a moving story of survival. Parents may want to note a brief, vague mention of a gay couple, but overall, this is a story filled with compassion and humanity.
This novel stands out with its lyrical prose and vivid historical detail, bringing the challenges of medieval Europe and the human will to survive to life. Rype's journey is not only one of physical survival but also emotional, as she gradually pieces together her sense of self amid the chaos and loss. The relationships she forms along the way, particularly with the boy and the troubadours, add depth to the story, offering glimmers of hope in an otherwise grim setting.
The pacing can feel slow at times, and some elements of the story are covered briefly, but that doesn’t detract from the overall beauty of the narrative. Zahler’s ability to evoke the emotional and physical toll of the plague while maintaining a sense of hope and resilience is remarkable.
It's a beautifully written novel that would be a great companion for middle-grade readers studying the Black Plague, offering both historical context and a moving story of survival. Parents may want to note a brief, vague mention of a gay couple, but overall, this is a story filled with compassion and humanity.
October 21, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was interesting and I felt like I myself was going on an adventure through 14th century Europe. The writing was quite good and I liked seeing the world through Rype’s eyes and how it changed for her. However, I did find myself bored quite a bit and new interesting challenges were solved or brushed away in a few pages. I felt that there was something missing to it. The ode to music was lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed the epilogue.
August 21, 2024
This book came highly recommended by a teen I know. I loved the historical fiction aspect and the description of the black plague and survival during that time period.
I also loved the overall story, which is why I gave this book 2 stars, not just one. However, I was really disappointed in the inclusion of suggested sexual assault of a minor *by a nun, and a homosexual relationship between a minor and a grown man. The inclusion of those parts of the story did not add to the overall arc of the story, and could have been omitted. I believe this book certainly should not be classified as Juvenile Fiction. YA is probably a better fit, as this book as it stands is suitable for a more mature audience.
*I recognize that perhaps the author was trying to portray the corruption of the church during that time period, as well the fact that the ages of those in relationships then differ greatly from what we now feel is appropriate (2 adults rather than a teen and adult). However, I stand by the fact that it doesn’t add to the story, and should not be a book classified for middle readers.
Edited to add: I wouldn’t have been bothered if it was two ADULT men that the story casually mentioned were in a relationship, as long as it was not explicit, which it wasn’t. Homosexual relationships are real and around us and have been historically. I believe that no matter our personal feelings on the subject, we can be loving, kind, and tolerant. I did like in the story that Rype said something like “God is the judge.” That is how I feel. I can love people for who they are, as they are, and let God be the judge.
I also loved the overall story, which is why I gave this book 2 stars, not just one. However, I was really disappointed in the inclusion of suggested sexual assault of a minor *by a nun, and a homosexual relationship between a minor and a grown man. The inclusion of those parts of the story did not add to the overall arc of the story, and could have been omitted. I believe this book certainly should not be classified as Juvenile Fiction. YA is probably a better fit, as this book as it stands is suitable for a more mature audience.
*I recognize that perhaps the author was trying to portray the corruption of the church during that time period, as well the fact that the ages of those in relationships then differ greatly from what we now feel is appropriate (2 adults rather than a teen and adult). However, I stand by the fact that it doesn’t add to the story, and should not be a book classified for middle readers.
Edited to add: I wouldn’t have been bothered if it was two ADULT men that the story casually mentioned were in a relationship, as long as it was not explicit, which it wasn’t. Homosexual relationships are real and around us and have been historically. I believe that no matter our personal feelings on the subject, we can be loving, kind, and tolerant. I did like in the story that Rype said something like “God is the judge.” That is how I feel. I can love people for who they are, as they are, and let God be the judge.
March 20, 2023
4.5 Stars
Wild Bird is one of those books that you want to reread almost as soon as you finish it. Author Diane Zahler’s ability to show scope while remaining intimate is excellent, and her prose and pacing are comfortable and well-suited to her story.
When readers first meet Rype, she is in shock. Alone in the world, with nothing to her name, she has no choice but to leave her home. Her sadness is palpable, and the enormity of loss is well explored.
As dark as a story about the Black Death must be, Zahler also brings in light and hope. The introduction of troubadours is a stroke of genius. These characters bring humor and friendship and a sense of ingenuity.
Having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, young readers will relate to Rype’s story on a much more personal level. The plague no longer becomes some thing from long ago.
While the publisher’s suggested age range for Wild Bird is 8-12, the book reads older. LGBTQ+ issues, sexual innuendo in sea shanties and implied sexual abuse of a character push it a bit older — ages 10 and up — or at least warrant a parent-child discussion.
Wild Bird is a fast, compelling read that will appeal to older middle readers, young adults and even adults.
Wild Bird is one of those books that you want to reread almost as soon as you finish it. Author Diane Zahler’s ability to show scope while remaining intimate is excellent, and her prose and pacing are comfortable and well-suited to her story.
When readers first meet Rype, she is in shock. Alone in the world, with nothing to her name, she has no choice but to leave her home. Her sadness is palpable, and the enormity of loss is well explored.
As dark as a story about the Black Death must be, Zahler also brings in light and hope. The introduction of troubadours is a stroke of genius. These characters bring humor and friendship and a sense of ingenuity.
Having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, young readers will relate to Rype’s story on a much more personal level. The plague no longer becomes some thing from long ago.
While the publisher’s suggested age range for Wild Bird is 8-12, the book reads older. LGBTQ+ issues, sexual innuendo in sea shanties and implied sexual abuse of a character push it a bit older — ages 10 and up — or at least warrant a parent-child discussion.
Wild Bird is a fast, compelling read that will appeal to older middle readers, young adults and even adults.
May 2, 2023
This book was absolutely incredible and I hope it gets the acclaim and popularity it deserves. I will absolutely be recommending this to middle grade readers at my library. It was adventurous, romantic, terrifying, and beautiful. Ah! I loved it so much. Don’t sleep on middle grade fiction. This was absolutely wonderful, complex, and beautifully researched. Every detail was spectacular.
April 2, 2023
I have always loved stories that are set in the medieval period, and this book properly swept me away into that time and place. We are following Rype, who was the sole survivor of her entire village in Norway after they are devastated by the plague. She is found by Owen, who names her Rype, and brings her onto his father's merchant ship. From there, she and Owen end up on a quest of sorts, to get home to England to find his mother and sister. Along the way, they meet a group of troubadours and have many adventures.
I loved Rype's character development over the course of the story. She starts out as a small terrified girl, and by the end, she has found her place in the world and made a life for herself. I think this book has a lot to say about how to overcome tragedy, and how to find light in the darkness. I also really loved that the author wove song and music into the story. All of the characters were endearing and I enjoyed reading about their relationships.
This book is a vivid picture of life in the 14th century and life in the midst of the Black Death. It is sad, and there were a lot of dark and even disturbing moments, but there was also plenty of light and hope. I was fully invested in Rype's story and the family she made for herself.
I think this book would appeal more to older readers. It is labeled as middle grade, but I think this book is best suited for ages 12+
I loved Rype's character development over the course of the story. She starts out as a small terrified girl, and by the end, she has found her place in the world and made a life for herself. I think this book has a lot to say about how to overcome tragedy, and how to find light in the darkness. I also really loved that the author wove song and music into the story. All of the characters were endearing and I enjoyed reading about their relationships.
This book is a vivid picture of life in the 14th century and life in the midst of the Black Death. It is sad, and there were a lot of dark and even disturbing moments, but there was also plenty of light and hope. I was fully invested in Rype's story and the family she made for herself.
I think this book would appeal more to older readers. It is labeled as middle grade, but I think this book is best suited for ages 12+
March 27, 2023
Based on a truth from the black plague, about one village in Norway where there was only one survivor, comes this story of what might have happened to the young woman, had she been found sooner.
Rype can't remember her own name, she is so traumatized when she is found, but she is named Rype, because it means Wild Bird, and she seems a bit like one. A boy, Owen, about her age, finds her, and brings her back to his ship, where his father gives her that name, and welcomes her on board. He speaks Norwegian, so she can finally speak to someone.
But the illness that felled her village, also takes the Captain of the ship, Owen's father, and the crew thinks she brought the sickness, so she and Owen escape off the ship.
From there, they have all sorts of adventures, with the intention of going to England, and living there with Owen's family.
As they travel through Belgium and France, we see things through Rype's eyes, and other senses. We see where the plague has taken whole villages, and the kindness of strangers.
This is a lovely book, with a view of the 14th century, and what life was like then. Rype and her friends are all quite real, and interesting.
Rype can't remember her own name, she is so traumatized when she is found, but she is named Rype, because it means Wild Bird, and she seems a bit like one. A boy, Owen, about her age, finds her, and brings her back to his ship, where his father gives her that name, and welcomes her on board. He speaks Norwegian, so she can finally speak to someone.
But the illness that felled her village, also takes the Captain of the ship, Owen's father, and the crew thinks she brought the sickness, so she and Owen escape off the ship.
From there, they have all sorts of adventures, with the intention of going to England, and living there with Owen's family.
As they travel through Belgium and France, we see things through Rype's eyes, and other senses. We see where the plague has taken whole villages, and the kindness of strangers.
This is a lovely book, with a view of the 14th century, and what life was like then. Rype and her friends are all quite real, and interesting.
March 21, 2023
This was a very entertaining story, and one that educated me on life during the middle ages a little more. I really loved the heroine of the story, Rype. I especially loved how she changed throughout the book, and I found her to be a young woman by the end of the book. The journey was hard, and it really showed. Some scenes were a bit too long to my taste, though, and during those times I found it hard to keep my head in the story.
October 30, 2024
3.5 stars. The book was a bit too young for me and therefore, left me desiring more descriptions and character development, but it was a sweet storyline with endearing characters.
September 21, 2023
captivating historical fiction in which a traumatized girl finding her voice again after horrible loss (black death)
May 6, 2023
This book was a fascinating & unique read, as it was set during the bubonic plague in the 14th century. The main character, Rype, was endearing and heroic. I would have given this book four starts had it not been for sexual content that seemed more YA than suitable for kid lit. (p 88, p 130-131, 136, 159)
August 6, 2022
Rype was found alone hiding in a hollowed out tree by Owen, the son of a sea captain. Owen manages to convince Rype to come with him back to his father's ship where Rype is able to speak with Owen's father. Rype's village has been wiped out by the plague and Owen's father decides to take her to England. When plague starts to infect the ship, Rype willing nurses the sick men. When the captain himself succumbs to the disease, the crew decide that Rype is a witch and decide to throw her over. Owne convinces them to allow him to row her to shore and there is where their adventure begins. The two start to travel through France, trying to find a harbor so that they can go to England. Along the way, they encounter a small band of troubadours and start to see that family can be more than blood relatives. A very interesting story about medieval times, the plague, and the power of found family.
August 19, 2022
A young girl is all that is left alive in the village. A young sailor finds her and she joins the crew. The sickness follows her on board, and she and the young sailor are cast off the ship. The venture through the countryside looking for food and shelter, and a way to the young sailor's home. He must find out if his family survived the sickness. During the journey the young girl's memory returns along with the trauma. They meet other travelers who help them along the way and become their new family. Trials and tribulation follow them, but so does song, friendship, and personal growth. Will the young sailor make it home? Will the girl make the right choice?
This book is so well written. I felt that I was traveling with Rype and her new friends. I really enjoyed how the author easily included historical accuracy along side this story.
This book is so well written. I felt that I was traveling with Rype and her new friends. I really enjoyed how the author easily included historical accuracy along side this story.
Read
October 25, 2023Great read, I would say it leans more towards ya than middlegrade with some of the content (lots of references to sex and sa, as well as a heavily implied sa of one of the main side characters, and there are also some descriptions that might be just a bit too gruesome). While the beginning of the story is very heavy and dark, it seems to lighten just a bit as time goes on, with some dips back to the heaviness at some moments, which nicely reflects Rype's healing and growth.
Read
December 26, 2023As others have mentioned, I also have some concerns with some of the content in this book for middle grade, which is frustrating because it is just a few scenes that did not need to be included. I will probably send this one to the junior high.
October 24, 2023
A 12-year old girl is the only survivor of her Norwegian village that the Black Death killed everyone. Owen, a ship-master's son, finds her hiding in a tree and names her Rype when he takes her aboard their ship. The "Sickness" followed them and the sailors begin to die. Rype, having survived the Plague, tends to the dying as her memories begin to return. When Owen's father dies, Owen and Rype must flee the ship and begin to travel with a tri of troubadours, Raymond and twins Ysabella and Jacme. They make their way through Germany and France, trying to help Owen get home to England and his mother and sister, while Rype discovers a love for music, writing songs, and learning new languages. The book highlights the middle age lifestyle in an approachable way, including the topics of the bubonic plague, war, patronage, religion, classism. Though the characters are easy to like, the narrative tension falls lackluster, even with a happy wrap up. A good book for historical fiction fans and those wanting to learn more about the Black Death.
July 29, 2022
This review is based on an ARC of Wild Bird which I received courtesy of NetFalley and the publisher (Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Roaring Brook Press).
First thing's first, the cover art? Insta-love! I was tempted to request an ARC of Wild Bird based on the cover alone, before I even realized it was written by an author I like! That aside, the story is enveloping and contains much depth, as well as being very well paced and plotted. Excellent craftsmanship from Zahler, and original to boot!
I can imagine so many kids being entirely absorbed by Rype's story and returning to this book again and again. This is easily a young person's favorite!
Not mine? Well, though I really enjoyed the orphan-during-a-plague angle, I found myself as lost as Rype. Her outcome is not something I was expecting coming into the story, and it's not something I personally would have opted for . Therefore I felt a bit of disconnect from the heroine.
Overall an enjoyable story, one that I would love my future kids to have on their shelf!
First thing's first, the cover art? Insta-love! I was tempted to request an ARC of Wild Bird based on the cover alone, before I even realized it was written by an author I like! That aside, the story is enveloping and contains much depth, as well as being very well paced and plotted. Excellent craftsmanship from Zahler, and original to boot!
I can imagine so many kids being entirely absorbed by Rype's story and returning to this book again and again. This is easily a young person's favorite!
Not mine? Well, though I really enjoyed the orphan-during-a-plague angle, I found myself as lost as Rype. Her outcome is not something I was expecting coming into the story, and it's not something I personally would have opted for . Therefore I felt a bit of disconnect from the heroine.
Overall an enjoyable story, one that I would love my future kids to have on their shelf!
January 2, 2024
I am a sucker for kids' books set in the middle ages, and I find the terrifying stories of plague times fascinating. I really enjoyed this one -- the setting is unusual, spanning Norway, Frisia, France and England. the characters are believable, interesting and likeable. I loved the LGBTQ representation, and it seemed solid on most details. I do feel like there was rather a lot of new clothing that miraculously fits and an odd notion that guests of the Pope in Avignon would not wear/bring their eating knives to dinner, but I'm willing to believe that these were things the author researched. It was highly adventurous -- from ship to witches to wreck and troubadours and wealthy princes of the church, but it was also very emotionally satisfying. The book really shines as Rype begins to process her trauma, and as the world wavers between overwhelming grief and fear and the need to live and continue on.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss
November 27, 2022
Thank you Edelweiss+ for the eARC!
WILD BIRD is so lovely and reading a story about a historical pandemic was very cathartic. There is so much trauma and sadness on Rype's journey but there is also so much hope, self-discovery, found family, and music. I'm a little puzzled on why this is marketed as middle grade instead of YA. It's definitely right on the cusp of both demographics but the plot beats and themes lend themselves more towards YA, even if the voice feels a little more MG. At the end we find out Rype was 12 or 13 when the book begins but I don't recall knowing her exact age until the epilogue; in fact, I think she could have easily been 15 or 16 with no changes to the story. I think older MG readers/younger YA readers will enjoy this, especially if they're looking for something unique.
WILD BIRD is so lovely and reading a story about a historical pandemic was very cathartic. There is so much trauma and sadness on Rype's journey but there is also so much hope, self-discovery, found family, and music. I'm a little puzzled on why this is marketed as middle grade instead of YA. It's definitely right on the cusp of both demographics but the plot beats and themes lend themselves more towards YA, even if the voice feels a little more MG. At the end we find out Rype was 12 or 13 when the book begins but I don't recall knowing her exact age until the epilogue; in fact, I think she could have easily been 15 or 16 with no changes to the story. I think older MG readers/younger YA readers will enjoy this, especially if they're looking for something unique.
December 5, 2023
In 14th century Europe, the plague is all over. A ship of English traders put in at a small Norwegian village which appears abandoned. One lone survivor is discovered hiding in a tree. The son of the captain gently leads her onto the ship and gradually teaches her English. Because she looks like a wild bird, she is addressed as Rype, which she likes.
Soon, one of the sailors becomes ill. Rype takes him inside and instinctively knows how to nurse him. One by one, additional sailors become ill, and Rype tends them. When the kind captain dies, the first mate wants to throw her overboard.
Owen saves her and the two walk through France joined by a small group of troubadours. Owen hopes to find a ship in the south who will take them back to his southern England town to his mother and sister. Owen and Rype grow very close and have decisions to make about their futures.
Soon, one of the sailors becomes ill. Rype takes him inside and instinctively knows how to nurse him. One by one, additional sailors become ill, and Rype tends them. When the kind captain dies, the first mate wants to throw her overboard.
Owen saves her and the two walk through France joined by a small group of troubadours. Owen hopes to find a ship in the south who will take them back to his southern England town to his mother and sister. Owen and Rype grow very close and have decisions to make about their futures.
May 19, 2024
I thought this was a very well-written story, and it sheds light on a part of history that many kids would not be familiar with. I would recommend that it be reserved for at least a middle school audience, however, as there are certain parts of it that reference bawdy sailor songs and one situation with an allusion to sexual inappropriateness. There are many descriptions of sick and dead people that may be a bit much, as well, but I know that is more a question of squeamishness than maturity.
All in all, an interesting story, filled with vivid language, descriptive settings, and characters that seem well-defined and unique. While the storyline may not be relatable (unless one equates the situation with the COVID pandemic), the concepts of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are certainly relatable.
All in all, an interesting story, filled with vivid language, descriptive settings, and characters that seem well-defined and unique. While the storyline may not be relatable (unless one equates the situation with the COVID pandemic), the concepts of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are certainly relatable.
January 27, 2023
I love the writing style of this book so much. I was immediately drawn into the story of Rype, a plague survivor, and Owen her rescuer and companion.
This is a medieval coming of age story. Rype learns about how much bigger and different the world around her is from her Norwegian villiage, and about the different kinds of love that exist.
I generally liked this story quite a bit. I liked how it presents an excellent opportunity to discuss LGBTQ+ issues with kids. However I'm uncertain that some of the content, while not explicit, is appropriate for middle grade. Sexual innuendo in sea shanties, and strongly implied sexual abuse of a character.
Thank you the McMillan Children's and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is a medieval coming of age story. Rype learns about how much bigger and different the world around her is from her Norwegian villiage, and about the different kinds of love that exist.
I generally liked this story quite a bit. I liked how it presents an excellent opportunity to discuss LGBTQ+ issues with kids. However I'm uncertain that some of the content, while not explicit, is appropriate for middle grade. Sexual innuendo in sea shanties, and strongly implied sexual abuse of a character.
Thank you the McMillan Children's and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2023
This book illustrates nicely the journey of a girl and her found family. The characters have a lot of feeling and go through so much together; it’s easy to appreciate that children can relate to the good and the hard. This book did the keep My interest easily, but I think it’s because it’s hard for me to imagine a book built around so much illness and death, yet that’s the point. The plague happened and people lost everything, and people these days still lose everything, but there’s always hope and a future to look forward to. Any child who’s felt out of place in a new culture will appreciate Rype and her tenacity and willingness to keep trying and keep going. I think this book will find its audience. I look forward to the creativity of the next books from this author.
April 24, 2023
Best book of the year! Wonderful medieval story of the Black Death, centering a girl from Norway who is the only survivor of her fishing village and the English merchant’s son who at first rescues her. And when they fall in with some prestigious troubadours and troubairitz, the story takes off! Compare the pandemic of long ago with the Covid-19 pandemic. Misinformation, superstition, and death are part of both. What a powerful story! WILD BIRD is a wonderful piece of historical fiction, and a coming of age that fits beautifully into its time period and, of course, this book helps kids deal with the horror of our recent past. This one compares favorably with The Mad Wolf's Daughter, The Midwife's Apprentice and The Inquisitor's Tale.
May 15, 2023
This story is set in the 14th-century during the height of the bubonic plague. A young girl, Rype, is the only survivor from the plague that has wiped out her village. She is rescued by the son of an English ship captain and has a series of harrowing adventures. Rype must not only recover from losing everyone and everything she knows but must continue to survive and make plans for her future. Rype is brave and resilient and although her journey is filled with danger and death, it is also inspiring. Rype's adventure will pair well with Leif's adventure in Gary Paulsen's Northwind. Readers who enjoy historical fiction especially stories set in the middle ages will appreciate this book.
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August 12, 2023This was a time period I have not read much on. It was a very interesting telling of created family and the love you can find with a group of strangers. The plague from this perspective is not one I have read before but I really enjoyed it. Our main character meets up with a captain's son who saves her from a watery death before they both meet up with an entertainment troupe who they join on their journey. While our main character is immune to the plague after having had it before there are many others who are not. I would recommend anyone who has in interest in this time period in Europe read this book.
November 18, 2023
Interesting chldren's historical novel. Zahler's novel offers a glimpse into the bubonic plague, the pandemic that rocked Europe in the 14th century. Seaman Owen rescues 12-year-old Rype who was hiding in a hollow tree trunk and realizes she must have been a survivor from a Norwegian village decimated by "the sickness," as it is referred to in the book. Rype begins a new life and adventure with Owen, starting on the North Sea, carrying them through part of the Holy Roman Empire and to the Kingdom of France. The two join a merry band of troubadours traveling around singing for room and board who also provide companionship and protection.
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