#MMGM: Hummingbird Season by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
ABOUT THE BOOK
A poignant and necessary story about finding hope during difficult times, set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Archie's life--and the whole world--is turned upside down by Covid-19. Suddenly there are no more Friday night dinners out, no more going to school, no more hanging out with friends . . . no leaving the house at all.
Even though he's inside with his family all day every day, Archie can't help but feel more alone than ever before. While everyone else seems to be adapting to their new normal just fine, it's like Archie is permanently on mute, unable to find the words to describe how he feels--and sometimes, unable to find someone who will listen. The bright spot of Archie's days at home is watching and learning about the hummingbirds that feed outside his windows. But just when it seems like this could be what brings his family together again, California experiences its worst wildfire in history, and Archie's favorite hummingbird disappears. In a time when hope is hard to hold on to, Archie must find his voice and find hope once again.
REVIEW
Hummingbird Season follows a young boy through the opening days, weeks, and months of the COVID pandemic. While some people aren't yet ready to relive those experiences, others will relate to Archie's confusion and frustration as he tries to make himself heard. Despite spending his time at home with his family, he feels alone because he struggles to make himself understood. His parents and brother don't seem interested in what he has to say, and he feels like he's on permanent mute when he's remote learning. But his first sighting of a hummingbird inspires him to learn more and put out feeders. This interest provides a new topic of conversation both at home and at school. But a wildfire causes Ruby to disappear leaving Archie wondering if there's any hope left. Archie's easy to relate to as he struggles with the conditions that all of us struggled with in one way or another. But with the help of his family and his hummingbird friend, he holds on to hope and it helps him find a way to unmute himself and find people to listen to him. The free verse makes for a perfect vehicle for Archie to share his feelings as he goes through the ups and downs of his pandemic experience. Children who are ready to find a way to speak will find much to inspire them in this novel in verse.
Comments
Post a Comment