The Meaning of Birds by Jaye Robin Brown
Published by HarperTeen on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 0062824449
Pages: 368
Goodreads

The Meaning of Birds

 

Jess and Vivi had been in love for almost two years and meant everything to each other.  But Vivi passes away from complications of flu and asthma and Jess is stricken with grief.  In a before and after of Vivi’s death readers learn how the girls met, the impact of birds on their relationship, and how Jess pulls her life back together after Vivi’s death through being sent to an alternative school and working at a forge as a blacksmith.  She had been artistic but now sees how she can channel her artistic ability in another direction.  The relationship between the girls was so very positive with the parents being very accepting.  There are also other types of relationships between questioning teens, straight ones, and those who try to bully Jess and Vivi, as well as the methods that Jess uses to quell her anger.  This book is recommended for grades 9-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland