Birdie & Me
By J.M.M. Juanez
Reviewed by Rebecca Rupp
This one is a charmer. After their mother dies, Jack and her younger brother Birdie are first sent to live with their happy-go-lucky Uncle Carl, who – though delightful – is unreliable as a parent. They’re then sent to their far-more-conservative Uncle Patrick. Birdie, with his pink leggings, nail polish, and Book of Fabulous, is too much for Patrick, who tries to protect Birdie from bullies by forcing him to conform to gender norms.
Eventually though all come to understand each other and forge a supportive and loving, if unconventional, family.
For ages 9-12.