As a total fan of Wendelin Van Draanen's books, I had to get my hands on a copy of WILD BIRD. Readers who enjoyed THE RUNNING DREAM will definitely want to read it.
Wren Clemmens is fourteen. She is the perfect example of a rebellious middle child. She never seems to measure up to her older sister Anabella, and she no longer possesses the innocence of her little brother Mo. If she can't measure up to everyone's expectations, why not act however she wants.
Wren meets Meadow in a school restroom. Meadow is into drinking and drugs which fascinates Wren. It doesn't take long for Wren to join in, and soon she is stealing money from her parents, shoplifting, and even delivering drugs for a cool, older guy named Nico. Her new life is filled with thrills and excitement, but that ends up sending Wren on an unexpected journey.
It is barely 4:00 am when several large men enter Wren's bedroom. They man-handle her out to a waiting vehicle and shove her in. Her family watches tearfully, explaining they love her and this is for the best. Wren is taken to the airport where she joins another teen just as confused as she is. Hours later she is given a backpack and supplies and marched to a camp in the desert.
Wren begins eight weeks in a wilderness therapy camp. Sleeping under a tarp, using a latrine pit, building her own fire, and cooking her own meals takes Wren to a mental place where she can contemplate what has become of her life. She is forced to face her anger and fear as she comes to terms with her actions and the pain and suffering she has brought to a family who she realizes does love and care about her.
WILD BIRD is a hard hitting, tough love story of what it sometimes takes to put someone back on the straight and narrow. Consider it a good addition to any middle/high school collection.
No comments:
Post a Comment