Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton

Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton is one of the stand out books of 2024. Heartfelt and honest, it is a beautiful celebration of the natural world combined with a story of healing and hope. The power of the relationship between an osprey chick and a heart-broken child will captivate and challenge readers in equal measure. This is a book to read with a box of tissues and plenty of time to reflect.

Following the death of his mother, Will is sent to live in the Lake District with an uncle he hardly knows. Will is angry and full of questions. For too long, he’s been grounded by his mother’s mental illness – unable to fly. In this gorgeous setting, he discovers a freedom he never knew possible. Sent to an outdoor camp, Will is challenged to climb mountains and make new friends. Fresh air and exercise distract him from his anxiety and help him to realise how much he missed out on with mum. He wants to choose life rather than hiding away.

Uncle Ian is set in his ways and not used to children. Will wants to get to know him (and learn why he has so many scars) but is also angry that Ian didn’t help his mother when she needed it most. As their relationship grows, Will comes to understand that scar tissue is stronger than skin. Everyone has scars (whether they’re visible or not) which help them to face the world again. Ian is the hero and role model Will needs to help him see life in a new way and learn to fly.

This is also a story of migration. Will’s new friend, Omar, is a delight. A refugee from Afganistan, he has experience of migration like the beautiful osprey the boys discover. Omar is full of stories of his homeland and culture. He’s waiting for his Baba Jan (dad) to join him which is so hard but Omar doesn’t let this stop him. He embraces life and every new adventure, pushing Will to do the same.

Bird Boy would make an excellent class novel choice for Year 5+. There is so much to unpack and discuss. The parallels between the endangered osprey and Will’s story are breath-taking. Readers will be able to dig deep into the text and find layer upon layer of symbolism.

Before reading, adults must be aware of potential sensitive topics. Following the death of his mother in a road accident and the many previous years of mental health struggles, Will is broken. He is taken to live with Uncle Ian by a social worker and is unable to go to his grandparents in Australia because his grandad is unwell. This is a story teachers must read themselves before sharing with children so they can address these areas and guide their class through Will’s healing.

Thank you to Nosy Crow for a copy of this beautiful book!

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