Birdwing

by Rafe Martin and Dan Bellm

Book Overview

A boy marked by physical difference--one arm is an enchanted wing--finds his strength and purpose in this stirring fantasy. A Washington Post Best Kids Book of 2005 and Book Sense Winter Pick.

Once upon a time, a girl rescued her seven brothers from a spell that had turned them into swans. But one boy, Ardwin, was left with the scar of the spell's last gasp: one arm remained a wing. And while Ardwin yearned to find a place in his father's kingdom,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439211689
• ISBN13: 9780439211680
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 6.9"
• Age Range: 11 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 6 to 9

Customer Reviews

Tropey and a bit cliche, but a nice emotional journey.

I really liked the development of the main character and his relationship with his wing, and it was a pleasant read, but it was a bit tropey and unremarkable otherwise. Still worth reading for the main character’s emotional journey, but nothing spectacular.

Wonderful Book

At first I thought the story sounded weird, but one I started reading it I could not stop. Ardwin seems like a freak at first, but then you start to understand him and realize you would have the same doubts and questions too if it happened to you. This is a story about being different from others, and finding acceptance. Other books I would recommend are Flowers for Algernon and An Audience for Einstein.

Birdwing

Birdwing: an inspiring 'children's' story that moves magically through realms of light and dark, from painful seperation/rejection to whole-some reconciliation/acceptance. A wonderful blend of memorable characters: animal, human, mystical, mechanical and various combinations thereof. Who could forget Ardwin, Alene, and Horse, along with Belarius and his wonderful creations Trinculo & Stephano? Not to mention Sniccan and Narg, ugh! Mr. Martin is a masterful storyteller who speaks well to readers of all ages. I look forward to booking a room at "The Rack" and enjoying his next tale.

Must read

This book is beautifully written. The story, part action adventure and part fable, is captivating and filled with meaningful messages for all ages. Martin is a master storyteller bringing life to an interesting bunch of characters; including animals! I highly recommend this novel (destined to become a classic) for you and your children.

Adults like it too

My 13-year-old nephew left Rafe's book at my house. I read the first couple of pages and was instantly hooked. I refused to return the book until I was finished. For the adult that enjoys reading fantasy novels like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this book is for you. The story follows Birdwing's quest to "find himself" and to learn to appreciate his differences. This is a motivational story for anyone with a disability or inability to easily "fit in". I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend the book.